How To Level A Camping Trailer: Tools & Pro Leveling Tips

What is the best way to level a trailer? The best way to level a trailer involves using a combination of tools like RV leveling blocks, trailer leveling jacks, and a spirit level for RV, along with strategic RV leveling techniques to ensure your camping trailer is perfectly horizontal and stable. This guide walks you through the entire process, from understanding why leveling is crucial to mastering pro-leveling strategies.

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Why Leveling Your Camping Trailer Matters

Leveling your camping trailer isn’t just about comfort; it’s about the longevity and proper function of your rig. Here’s why it’s essential:

• Comfortable Living: Uneven floors can cause discomfort, making it hard to sleep, cook, or even walk around comfortably.
• Appliance Functionality: Refrigerators, especially those that use absorption technology, need to be level to function correctly. Failure to level can lead to performance issues or even damage.
• Plumbing System Integrity: Leveling ensures that your plumbing system drains properly, preventing clogs and potential leaks.
• Structural Integrity: Over time, parking on uneven surfaces can stress your trailer’s frame, leading to potential structural damage.

Essential RV Leveling Tools

Having the right RV leveling tools makes the job significantly easier. Here’s a list of must-have items:

• RV Leveling Blocks: These are sturdy blocks made of durable material, used to raise the low side of your trailer’s tires.
• Trailer Leveling Jacks: These jacks provide stability and can also lift your trailer to achieve a level position.
• Spirit Level for RV (Bubble Level): A spirit level or bubble level is crucial for determining how level your trailer is. You can use a traditional bubble level or a digital level.
• Wheel Chocks: These prevent your trailer from rolling while you’re leveling.
• Tire Pressure Gauge: Ensures even tire pressure, which contributes to accurate leveling.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and splinters.
• Shovel: Useful for clearing debris or adjusting the ground under your leveling blocks.

Comparing RV Leveling Tools:

Tool	Purpose	Pros	Cons
Leveling Blocks	Raising tires on the low side	Simple to use, inexpensive, durable	May require multiple attempts, can be bulky for storage
Leveling Jacks	Stabilizing and lifting the trailer	Provides excellent stability, adjustable height	More expensive, requires more effort to set up
Bubble Level	Determining levelness	Easy to read, inexpensive, no power required	May not be as accurate as digital levels
Digital Level	Determining levelness precisely	Highly accurate, easy to read digital display	Requires batteries, more expensive than traditional bubble levels
Wheel Chocks	Preventing movement during leveling	Essential for safety, inexpensive	Can be forgotten if not part of a routine

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Level a Travel Trailer

Here’s a detailed guide to leveling your camping trailer, even on uneven ground.

1. Assessing the Campsite

Before you start, take a good look at your campsite. Identify the high and low sides. Try to position your trailer so that as little leveling as possible is needed.

2. Positioning Your Trailer

Drive your trailer into the campsite, aiming to position it on the most level spot possible. Consider the location of hookups (water, electric, sewer) to minimize hose and cable lengths.

3. Initial Level Check

Use your spirit level for RV or digital level to check the levelness of your trailer. Place the level inside the trailer, both front to back and side to side. Note which side or end is lower.

4. Leveling Side-to-Side

• Using RV Leveling Blocks: If one side is lower, place RV leveling blocks in front of the tires on the low side. Determine how many blocks you need based on the initial level check.
• Pulling onto the Blocks: Slowly pull your trailer forward until the tires on the low side are resting on the leveling blocks.
• Recheck Level: Recheck the levelness using your spirit level. Add or remove blocks as needed until the trailer is level from side to side.
• Set Wheel Chocks: Once level, place wheel chocks behind the tires on both sides to prevent any movement.

5. Leveling Front-to-Back

• Using the Tongue Jack: Use the tongue jack (at the front of the trailer) to raise or lower the front until the trailer is level from front to back.
• Recheck Level: Use your spirit level to confirm that the trailer is level.
• Adjust as Needed: Make small adjustments with the tongue jack until you achieve a perfectly level position.

6. Deploying Camping Trailer Stabilizer

• Lowering Stabilizer Jacks: Lower the camping trailer stabilizer jacks at each corner of your trailer. These jacks are not designed to lift the trailer; their primary purpose is to provide stability and reduce movement.
• Adjusting Tension: Tighten the stabilizer jacks until they make firm contact with the ground. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage the frame.

7. Final Level Check

Once everything is set, perform a final level check inside the trailer. Walk around and make sure the floor feels stable and even.

Leveling a Travel Trailer on Uneven Ground: Advanced RV Leveling Techniques

Sometimes, you’ll encounter campsites that are extremely uneven. Here are some advanced techniques for leveling in these situations:

• Layered Leveling Blocks: Stack multiple RV leveling blocks to achieve greater height. Make sure the blocks are interlocking or have a non-slip surface to prevent them from shifting.
• Using Wood Planks: In addition to leveling blocks, you can use sturdy wood planks to distribute the weight and provide a more stable base, especially on soft ground.
• Adjustable Trailer Leveling Jacks: Consider investing in adjustable trailer leveling jacks. These jacks offer a wider range of adjustment and can be used in conjunction with leveling blocks.
• Ground Preparation: Use a shovel to level the ground beneath your tires and leveling blocks. Remove any rocks, roots, or debris that could interfere with the leveling process.

RV Leveling Blocks: Choosing the Right Type

RV leveling blocks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Here’s a quick overview:

• Plastic Leveling Blocks: Lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. They often have interlocking designs for added stability.
• Wooden Blocks: Inexpensive and readily available, but can be prone to rot and splintering.
• Metal Leveling Blocks: Extremely durable and can withstand heavy loads, but may be more expensive and heavier than plastic or wooden blocks.

Table: Types of RV Leveling Blocks

Type	Material	Pros	Cons
Plastic	Plastic	Lightweight, durable, easy to clean, interlocking designs	Can be slippery in wet conditions
Wooden	Wood	Inexpensive, readily available	Prone to rot and splintering, may not be as stable as other options
Metal	Metal	Extremely durable, can withstand heavy loads	More expensive, heavier

When choosing RV leveling blocks, consider the weight of your trailer, the type of terrain you’ll be camping on, and your storage space.

How to Level Camper Tires: A Crucial Step

Leveling the camper tires is a key part of the overall leveling process. Here’s why it’s important and how to do it correctly:

• Ensuring Accurate Leveling: Uneven tire pressure can throw off your leveling efforts. Make sure all tires are properly inflated before you begin.
• Preventing Tire Damage: Parking on uneven surfaces with improperly inflated tires can stress the tire sidewalls and lead to premature wear or damage.

Steps to Level Camper Tires:

1. Check Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all tires.
2. Inflate or Deflate as Needed: Inflate any tires that are below the recommended pressure. If a tire is overinflated, release some air. Refer to your trailer’s manual for the correct tire pressure.
3. Recheck Level: After adjusting tire pressure, recheck the levelness of your trailer and make any necessary adjustments with leveling blocks or jacks.

Using Bubble Level for RV: Accuracy and Placement

Using a bubble level (spirit level) effectively is crucial for achieving accurate leveling.

• Choosing the Right Bubble Level: Opt for a level that is long enough to span a significant portion of your trailer’s width or length. A longer level provides a more accurate reading.
• Proper Placement: Place the bubble level on a flat, stable surface inside your trailer. Good locations include the floor, a countertop, or a table.
• Checking Levelness: Observe the position of the bubble within the level’s vial. The bubble should be centered between the two lines to indicate that the surface is level.
• Checking in Multiple Directions: Check levelness both from front to back and from side to side.

Tips for Using a Bubble Level:

• Calibrate Your Level: Before using your bubble level, check its accuracy by placing it on a known level surface. If the bubble is not centered, you may need to calibrate the level.
• Avoid Interference: Make sure there are no obstructions or debris beneath the level that could affect its accuracy.
• Use a Digital Level: For even greater accuracy, consider using a digital level. Digital levels provide a precise reading in degrees, making it easier to achieve a perfectly level position.

Trailer Leveling Jacks: Stability and Support

Trailer leveling jacks play a vital role in stabilizing your camping trailer once it’s level.

• Types of Leveling Jacks: There are two main types of leveling jacks: scissor jacks and electric jacks. Scissor jacks are manually operated, while electric jacks can be raised and lowered with the push of a button.
• Proper Placement: Leveling jacks should be placed at each corner of your trailer’s frame.
• Adjusting the Jacks: Lower the jacks until they make firm contact with the ground. Tighten them gradually, alternating between corners to distribute the weight evenly.
• Avoiding Over-Tightening: Do not over-tighten the jacks, as this can damage your trailer’s frame. The jacks should provide stability without lifting the trailer off the ground.

Table: Types of Trailer Leveling Jacks

Type	Operation	Pros	Cons
Scissor	Manual	Inexpensive, simple to use, reliable	Requires manual effort, slower to adjust
Electric	Electric	Easy to use, quick to adjust, convenient	More expensive, requires a power source, can be prone to failure

RV Leveling Techniques: Beyond the Basics

Here are some additional RV leveling techniques to consider:

• Using Automatic Leveling Systems: Some newer RVs come equipped with automatic leveling systems. These systems use sensors and hydraulic jacks to automatically level the trailer with the push of a button.
• Leveling Apps: There are several smartphone apps available that use your phone’s accelerometer to help you level your trailer. These apps can be a convenient alternative to using a traditional bubble level.
• Adjusting Suspension: In some cases, you may be able to adjust your trailer’s suspension to help level it. This is a more advanced technique that should only be performed by a qualified technician.

FAQs About Leveling Your Camping Trailer

• Can I level my trailer with the slides out? It’s generally recommended to level your trailer before extending the slides. Leveling with the slides out can put undue stress on the slide mechanisms.

• What happens if I don’t level my trailer? Failure to level your trailer can lead to discomfort, appliance malfunctions, plumbing problems, and potential structural damage.

• How often should I check the level of my trailer? It’s a good idea to check the level of your trailer every time you set up at a new campsite. You should also recheck the level after a heavy rain or if the ground shifts.

• Is it possible to over-level a trailer? Yes, it’s possible to over-level a trailer by raising one side too high. This can put stress on the frame and cause damage. Always make small adjustments and recheck the level frequently.

• Who is responsible for leveling the trailer at a campsite? You, as the trailer owner, are responsible for ensuring your trailer is properly leveled. Campground staff may offer assistance, but ultimately, it is your responsibility.

Leveling your camping trailer is a crucial aspect of RV ownership. By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable camping experience. Using the right RV leveling tools, such as RV leveling blocks, trailer leveling jacks, and a spirit level for RV, coupled with smart RV leveling techniques, will keep your home away from home level, stable, and ready for adventure, even when leveling a travel trailer on uneven ground.