Leveling a travel trailer is not merely a cosmetic exercise; it’s crucial for ensuring your appliances function correctly, your doors don’t swing open or closed unexpectedly, and most importantly, that you sleep comfortably. This comprehensive guide, drawing on years of experience and expertise in RV maintenance and operation, will walk you through every step of the process, from assessment to fine-tuning, ensuring your next camping trip is a level playing field. Mastering this skill will extend the life of your trailer and enhance your overall travel experience.
Why Leveling Matters: More Than Just Aesthetics
Beyond aesthetics, a level travel trailer is critical for several key reasons:
- Appliance Performance: Refrigerators, especially absorption models, rely on gravity to circulate coolant. An unlevel trailer can lead to inefficient cooling or even damage the appliance. Furnaces and water heaters also function best when level.
- Plumbing Functionality: Drainage systems are designed to work with gravity. An unlevel trailer can result in clogged drains and poor water flow.
- Structural Integrity: Over time, an unlevel trailer can put undue stress on the frame and supporting structures, potentially leading to costly repairs.
- Comfort and Safety: An unlevel floor can make it difficult to walk around, and doors may swing open or closed unexpectedly, posing a safety hazard. Furthermore, an unlevel bed guarantees a restless night’s sleep.
- Preventing Slides from Malfunctioning: Slide-out mechanisms rely on precise alignment. Being significantly unlevel can cause slide-outs to bind or fail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling Your Travel Trailer
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to level your travel trailer:
1. Assessment: Understanding the Challenge
Before you even think about leveling, you need to assess how unlevel your trailer is. You’ll need the following tools:
- Bubble Level or Digital Level: A traditional bubble level works perfectly well, but a digital level offers greater precision. A smartphone app can also be used, though accuracy can vary.
- Leveling Blocks or Boards: These are used to raise the tires on the low side of the trailer. Wood planks, plastic leveling blocks, or commercially available RV leveling systems are all viable options.
- Wheel Chocks: Essential for safety, wheel chocks prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Optional but Recommended: Tongue Jack Pad: A sturdy pad placed under the tongue jack prevents it from sinking into soft ground.
Park your trailer on the desired campsite. Using your level, check the trailer both front-to-back and side-to-side. Place the level inside the trailer on the floor, ideally in a central location. Note which side is low and by how much.
2. Side-to-Side Leveling: Correcting the Lateral Imbalance
This is typically the first adjustment you’ll make.
- Determine the Low Side: Based on your assessment, identify the side of the trailer that needs to be raised.
- Position Leveling Blocks: Place leveling blocks in front of the tires on the low side. The number of blocks required will depend on the degree of unlevelness. Consider stacking blocks or using wider planks for greater stability.
- Drive onto the Blocks: Slowly and carefully drive the trailer onto the leveling blocks. Use a spotter to ensure the tires are properly aligned with the blocks and to prevent overshooting.
- Recheck Level: Once the trailer is on the blocks, recheck the side-to-side level. Adjust the blocks as needed until the trailer is level.
- Set Wheel Chocks: Immediately after leveling side-to-side, place wheel chocks behind and in front of the tires on both sides of the trailer. This is crucial for preventing movement and ensuring safety.
3. Front-to-Back Leveling: Adjusting the Pitch
Once the trailer is level side-to-side and securely chocked, you can address the front-to-back level.
- Use the Tongue Jack: The tongue jack is used to raise or lower the front of the trailer.
- Adjust as Needed: If the front of the trailer is too low, crank the tongue jack to raise it. If it’s too high, lower it.
- Recheck Level: Periodically recheck the level inside the trailer as you adjust the tongue jack.
- Stabilizer Jacks: Once the trailer is level front-to-back, deploy the stabilizer jacks. These jacks are not intended for leveling; they are designed to prevent bouncing and swaying. Lower them until they make firm contact with the ground.
4. Fine-Tuning and Stabilization: Securing the Level
After the initial leveling, it’s important to fine-tune and ensure everything is secure.
- Recheck Everything: Double-check the level in both directions. Minor adjustments may be necessary.
- Consider Additional Support: If your campsite is particularly uneven, consider using additional support under the frame, such as wooden blocks or jack stands. This can help distribute the weight and prevent the trailer from settling.
- Regular Monitoring: Monitor the level of your trailer periodically, especially after heavy rain or extended periods of use. The ground can shift, causing the trailer to become unlevel again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers about leveling travel trailers:
FAQ 1: What type of leveling blocks should I use?
The best type depends on your budget and needs. Plastic leveling blocks are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. Wooden planks are a more affordable option but can rot over time. Commercially available RV leveling systems, such as those from Andersen or LevelMatePRO, offer more precise and convenient leveling.
FAQ 2: Can I use the stabilizer jacks to level my trailer?
No! Stabilizer jacks are not designed for leveling. Using them to lift the trailer can damage the frame and the jacks themselves. They are only meant to prevent bouncing and swaying.
FAQ 3: How accurate does the leveling need to be?
Ideally, your trailer should be as close to perfectly level as possible. However, a slight deviation of a degree or two is usually acceptable. The goal is to minimize stress on appliances and ensure comfort.
FAQ 4: What if I’m parked on a slope?
Leveling on a slope can be challenging. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to choose a different campsite. If that’s not possible, use a combination of leveling blocks and the tongue jack to compensate for the slope. Consider using X-Chocks between the tires on the same axle for added stability when using taller stacks of leveling blocks.
FAQ 5: How do I know if my refrigerator is level enough?
Most RV refrigerators require being within 3 degrees of level for proper operation. Consult your refrigerator’s owner’s manual for specific requirements.
FAQ 6: What are X-Chocks and are they necessary?
X-Chocks are tire chocks that fit between the tires on the same axle, providing additional stability and preventing tire movement. They are not always necessary, but they are highly recommended, especially when using leveling blocks or parking on uneven ground.
FAQ 7: How often should I check the level of my trailer?
Check the level upon arrival at your campsite and then periodically throughout your stay, especially after heavy rain or extended periods of use.
FAQ 8: What is the purpose of a tongue jack pad?
A tongue jack pad provides a stable base for the tongue jack, preventing it from sinking into soft ground. This is particularly important in sandy or muddy campsites.
FAQ 9: Can I use a spirit level app on my phone?
While convenient, smartphone spirit level apps can be inaccurate. Use a dedicated bubble level or digital level for more reliable results.
FAQ 10: What should I do if my leveling blocks are not high enough?
Consider using thicker planks or stacking multiple leveling blocks. Be sure to maintain stability and use wheel chocks for safety.
FAQ 11: Is it better to be slightly nose-up or nose-down when leveling?
Neither is ideal. Strive for a perfectly level trailer. If a slight compromise is necessary, it’s generally preferable to be slightly nose-down, as this can help with drainage. However, always prioritize the refrigerator’s leveling requirements.
FAQ 12: Do I need to disconnect my tow vehicle before leveling?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to disconnect your tow vehicle before leveling. This allows you to make more precise adjustments without the influence of the tow vehicle’s weight and suspension.
By following these steps and addressing these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to level your travel trailer like a pro, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Happy trails!