How To Level Travel Trailer Like a Pro: Easy Steps & Expert Tips

How to level a travel trailer? Leveling a travel trailer involves using tools like leveling blocks or wedges to raise low sides until the trailer is perfectly balanced, ensuring a comfortable and safe camping experience. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive trailer leveling guide, breaking down the process into easy steps and offering expert tips for achieving perfect travel trailer stabilization.

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Why Leveling Your Travel Trailer Matters

Leveling your travel trailer isn’t just about comfort; it’s crucial for several reasons:

• Appliance Functionality: Refrigerators, particularly older models, need to be level to function correctly. Off-level operation can damage them.
• Door and Drawer Operation: Leveling prevents doors and drawers from swinging open or closed on their own.
• Comfortable Living: Sleeping on an uneven surface can be uncomfortable and even cause back pain. Imagine a ball rolling to one side of the trailer all night!
• Waste Drainage: Leveling ensures proper drainage from sinks, showers, and toilets into your holding tanks.
• Structural Integrity: Over time, an unlevel trailer can put undue stress on the frame and suspension, potentially leading to damage.

Tools You’ll Need for Travel Trailer Leveling

Before you start, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process much smoother.

• Leveling Blocks: These are stackable blocks used to raise the low side of your trailer.
• Leveling Wedges: These are used to make fine adjustments. Leveling wedges for RV use are designed for durability and ease of use.
• Bubble Level or Digital Level: A bubble level for RV is a simple, reliable way to check if your trailer is level. Digital levels provide precise readings.
• Chocks: Wheel chocks prevent your trailer from rolling while you’re leveling.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
• Shovel (Optional): Useful for clearing debris or filling in low spots.
• Drill with Socket (Optional): Speeds up the process of using scissor RV leveling jacks or stabilizers.
• Measuring Tape (Optional): Useful for measuring the distance to the ground to estimate how much leveling is needed.
• RV Leveling App (Optional): There are smartphone apps that use your phone’s sensors to measure level.

Step-by-Step: How to Level Your Travel Trailer

Follow these steps to level your travel trailer like a pro:

1. Site Selection and Initial Assessment

• Choose Your Spot Carefully: Before you even unhitch, take a good look at your campsite. Select a site that appears as level as possible to begin with.
• Drive-Through: Pull your trailer into the site, positioning it where you want it. Consider the location of hookups (water, electric, sewer) and any scenic views.
• Assess the Level: Place a bubble level inside the trailer, both lengthwise and widthwise. Alternatively, use a digital level or RV leveling app on your smartphone. This will tell you which side(s) need to be raised.

2. Positioning Leveling Blocks

• Determine the Low Side: Based on your level readings, identify which side(s) of the trailer are low.
• Place Leveling Blocks: Position the leveling blocks in front of the tires on the low side. If you need significant lift, you may need to stack multiple blocks. Most RV leveling blocks are interlocking for added stability.
• Estimating Height: Estimate how high you need to raise the low side. It’s better to overestimate slightly, as you can always back off the blocks.

3. Pulling Onto the Leveling Blocks

• Slow and Steady: Slowly pull the trailer forward onto the leveling blocks. Have a spotter guide you to ensure the tires are properly positioned on the blocks.
• Check Again: Once the tires are on the blocks, stop and recheck the level inside the trailer. If necessary, adjust the position or height of the blocks.

4. Fine-Tuning with Leveling Wedges

• Chock the Wheels: Before unhitching, place wheel chocks behind the tires on the high side to prevent any rolling.
• Unhitch and Level: Unhitch your trailer from the tow vehicle. Use the trailer jack to level the front-to-back.
• Wedge Adjustment: If the level is close but not perfect, use leveling wedges to make fine adjustments under the tires. These are particularly useful for small corrections.

5. Stabilizing the Travel Trailer

• Deploy Stabilizer Jacks: Lower the stabilizer jacks at each corner of the trailer. These jacks are not designed to lift the trailer; their purpose is to prevent rocking and swaying.
• Snug, Don’t Over-Tighten: Extend the jacks until they make firm contact with the ground. Do not over-tighten, as this can bend the frame.
• Consider Jack Pads: Use jack pads under the stabilizer jacks, especially on soft ground, to prevent them from sinking.

6. Final Check and Adjustments

• Recheck the Level: Perform a final check of the level inside the trailer. Walk around inside to see if you feel any unevenness.
• Adjust as Needed: If necessary, make small adjustments to the leveling blocks, wedges, or stabilizer jacks.
• Enjoy Your Level Trailer: Once you’re satisfied with the level, you’re ready to enjoy your camping trip!

Types of RV Leveling Systems

There are several types of RV leveling systems available, ranging from simple to sophisticated.

Manual Leveling Systems

• Leveling Blocks and Wedges: The most basic and affordable option. Requires manual placement and adjustments.
• Scissor Jacks: Manually cranked jacks that can be used for both leveling and stabilization.

Automatic Leveling Systems

• Hydraulic Leveling Systems: These systems use hydraulic jacks to automatically level the trailer at the touch of a button. They are the most expensive but also the most convenient.
• Electric Leveling Systems: Similar to hydraulic systems but use electric motors instead of hydraulics. Generally less expensive than hydraulic systems.

Leveling Jacks for Travel Trailers: A Deeper Dive

Leveling jacks for travel trailers, particularly scissor jacks and electric/hydraulic jacks, offer more stability than just standard stabilizer jacks. Here’s a look:

Scissor Jacks

• Pros: Relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and provide good stability.
• Cons: Require manual cranking, can be slow to operate, and may not be suitable for very uneven terrain.
• Usage: Place under the trailer frame at designated points. Crank to raise or lower the trailer.

Electric/Hydraulic Leveling Jacks

• Pros: Automatic leveling, fast and easy to operate, and can handle a wide range of terrain.
• Cons: Expensive, require professional installation, and add weight to the trailer.
• Usage: Typically installed at the factory or by a qualified RV technician. Operate via a control panel inside the trailer.

Travel Trailer Stabilization: Beyond Leveling

Travel trailer stabilization goes beyond just leveling. It’s about minimizing movement and creating a solid, comfortable living space.

Additional Stabilization Tips

• X-Chocks: These fit between the tires to prevent rocking. They provide added stability, especially on uneven ground.
• King Pin Stabilizer (for Fifth Wheels): This stabilizer supports the king pin, reducing movement in the front of the trailer.
• Tripod Stabilizer (for Fifth Wheels): Similar to a king pin stabilizer, but with three legs for added stability.
• Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Overinflated or underinflated tires can contribute to instability.
• Weight Distribution: Distribute the weight inside your trailer evenly to prevent swaying and rocking.

Tips and Tricks for Easy Travel Trailer Leveling

Here are some extra tips to make leveling your travel trailer easier:

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you level your trailer, the better you’ll become at it.
• Use a Spotter: Have someone guide you when pulling onto leveling blocks, especially in tight spaces.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust: If the level isn’t perfect, don’t be afraid to make adjustments. It’s better to take the time to get it right than to live with an unlevel trailer.
• Carry Extra Blocks: It’s always a good idea to carry extra leveling blocks in case you encounter particularly uneven terrain.
• Lubricate Jacks: Regularly lubricate your stabilizer jacks and scissor jacks to keep them operating smoothly.
• Inspect Regularly: Inspect your leveling equipment regularly for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts promptly.
• Consider Automatic Leveling: If you travel frequently, consider investing in an automatic leveling system. It will save you time and effort in the long run.

Troubleshooting Common Leveling Problems

Even with the best preparation, you may encounter problems while leveling your travel trailer. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

• Leveling Blocks Sink into the Ground: Use wider blocks or place a board under the blocks to distribute the weight.
• Tires Slip on Leveling Blocks: Use textured leveling blocks or place a rubber mat under the tires.
• Stabilizer Jacks Won’t Reach the Ground: Use jack pads or blocks of wood under the jacks to extend their reach.
• Trailer Frame Flexes Too Much: Avoid over-tightening the stabilizer jacks. If the frame flexes excessively, you may need to reposition the leveling blocks.
• Automatic Leveling System Malfunctions: Consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a qualified RV technician for assistance.

Deciphering the Different Types of Levels

When it comes to ensuring your travel trailer is perfectly level, understanding the tools at your disposal is crucial. While the concept of a level is simple – determining whether a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical – the technology and application can vary. Here’s a breakdown of different types of levels you might encounter in your travel trailer setup:

• Bubble Level (Spirit Level): This is the most common and simplest type of level. It consists of a liquid-filled vial with a bubble inside. When the bubble is centered between the marked lines on the vial, the surface is level.
  • Pros: Inexpensive, easy to use, requires no batteries.
  • Cons: Can be less accurate than digital levels, especially in low light.
• Digital Level: These levels use electronic sensors to measure the angle of a surface and display the reading on a digital screen.
  • Pros: Highly accurate, easy to read, some models offer additional features like angle measurement and memory.
  • Cons: More expensive than bubble levels, requires batteries.
• Laser Level: Projects a laser beam onto a surface to create a perfectly level line. Useful for longer distances and more complex leveling tasks.
  • Pros: Highly accurate over long distances, can be used for multiple tasks.
  • Cons: More expensive than other types of levels, requires a stable surface.
• RV Leveling Apps: These apps use your smartphone’s built-in sensors to measure the angle of a surface and display the reading on the screen.
  • Pros: Convenient, inexpensive (often free), readily available.
  • Cons: Accuracy can vary depending on the quality of your smartphone’s sensors.

FAQ About Leveling Travel Trailers

• What happens if my trailer isn’t perfectly level? Minor deviations from level are usually not a problem. However, significant unlevelness can affect appliance performance, comfort, and even the structural integrity of your trailer over time.
• Can I use wood blocks instead of leveling blocks? Yes, you can use wood blocks, but leveling blocks are generally more durable and safer. Make sure the wood is strong enough to support the weight of your trailer.
• How often should I check the level of my trailer? Check the level every time you set up camp. It’s also a good idea to recheck it after a few days, as the ground may settle over time.
• Can I level my trailer on soft ground? Yes, but you’ll need to take extra precautions to prevent the leveling blocks and jacks from sinking. Use wider blocks and jack pads, and consider placing a board under them to distribute the weight.
• Is it safe to use the stabilizer jacks to lift my trailer for changing a tire? No. Stabilizer jacks are not designed to lift the trailer. Use a proper jack designed for lifting heavy vehicles.
• How do I level a travel trailer on a slope? Use a combination of leveling blocks and wedges to raise the low side of the trailer. You may need to use multiple stacks of blocks to achieve the desired height.
• What is the best bubble level for RV use? A 9-inch torpedo level is compact, easy to store, and generally accurate for RV leveling.
• What is the cost of RV leveling jacks? RV leveling jacks cost varies greatly. Manual scissor jacks can cost around $50-$150 per pair, while automatic electric or hydraulic systems can range from $2,000 to $6,000 or more.
• Can I install RV leveling jacks myself? Installing manual scissor jacks is typically a straightforward DIY project. However, installing automatic electric or hydraulic systems is best left to a qualified RV technician.

By following this trailer leveling guide and incorporating these expert tips, you can confidently level your travel trailer like a pro, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Mastering how to level a camper is an essential skill for any RV owner.