Leveling a travel trailer with a slide out is crucial for proper appliance function and structural integrity, ensuring a comfortable and safe camping experience. This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to achieve perfect leveling, addressing common challenges and offering expert advice.
Why Leveling Matters, Especially with Slide Outs
Uneven travel trailers can cause a multitude of problems. Beyond the obvious discomfort of sleeping on a slant or experiencing doors swinging open and closed, uneven leveling can strain the frame, particularly when slide outs are extended. Slide outs rely on a precisely aligned frame for smooth operation and a proper seal. If the trailer is significantly unlevel, the slide out mechanism can bind, causing damage and expensive repairs. Additionally, refrigerators and other appliances designed to operate on a level surface may malfunction, leading to premature failure. Water drainage in sinks and showers becomes unpredictable, and overall stability is compromised, especially in windy conditions.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling Your Trailer
This process involves several key steps, requiring patience and a methodical approach.
1. Choose Your Leveling Tools
You’ll need essential tools for accurate leveling:
- Bubble Level(s): A carpenter’s level (2-4 feet long) or a smaller torpedo level. Consider an electronic level for increased precision.
- Leveling Blocks: These are typically made of durable plastic or wood. Interlocking blocks are particularly useful for stacking to achieve the desired height.
- Chocks: Essential for preventing unwanted movement of the trailer while leveling.
- Wheel Wedges (Ramps): For raising one side of the trailer tires to achieve level.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- A Spotter (Optional): Having someone to help guide you while backing onto leveling blocks is beneficial.
2. Assess the Site and Plan Your Approach
Before positioning your trailer, carefully examine the campsite. Note any slopes or unevenness. Plan which side needs to be raised and by how much. Mentally map out the process to minimize unnecessary adjustments. If possible, position your trailer so that the side requiring the least amount of leveling faces downhill.
3. Position Your Trailer for Optimal Leveling
Slowly back your trailer into the desired campsite position. Stop before your tires reach the point where they need to be raised. Place your leveling blocks or ramps in front of the tires that need to be elevated.
4. Back Onto the Leveling Blocks or Ramps
Slowly and carefully back your trailer onto the leveling blocks or ramps, guided by your spotter if you have one. Stop when you feel the trailer begin to level. Use your bubble level placed inside the trailer (on the floor near the refrigerator and on a countertop) to check your progress. Repeat the process, adding or removing blocks as needed, until the trailer is level from side to side.
5. Secure the Wheels with Chocks
Once the trailer is level side-to-side, immediately chock both sides of the tires on the opposite side to prevent any rolling. This is a crucial safety step.
6. Level Front to Back (Using the Tongue Jack)
Now focus on leveling the trailer from front to back using the tongue jack. Place your bubble level near the front and rear of the trailer. Extend or retract the tongue jack until the trailer is level. A digital level can be extremely helpful for achieving perfect front-to-back leveling.
7. Stabilize the Trailer with Stabilizer Jacks
Lower the stabilizer jacks at all four corners of the trailer. These jacks are not designed for leveling; they are for stabilizing the trailer and preventing rocking. Extend them until they make firm contact with the ground. Use pads or blocks under the jacks if the ground is soft.
8. Extend the Slide Out (If Applicable)
Once the trailer is level and stabilized, carefully extend the slide out. Observe its operation closely. If it binds or strains, retract it immediately and re-check your leveling. Minor adjustments may be needed after the slide out is extended.
9. Fine-Tune the Leveling After Extending the Slide Out
After extending the slide out, re-check your leveling. The added weight of the slide out may slightly alter the balance of the trailer. Make minor adjustments with the tongue jack or stabilizer jacks as needed to maintain a level position.
10. Final Check and Enjoy!
Perform a final walk-through of the trailer to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Open and close doors and drawers to check for smooth operation. Ensure that the refrigerator is running properly and that water drains effectively. Enjoy your level and comfortable camping experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I don’t level my travel trailer?
Failure to level can cause appliance malfunctions, strained frame integrity, sticking doors and drawers, and uncomfortable living conditions. Slide outs are particularly vulnerable to damage when a trailer is unlevel.
2. What is the best type of leveling blocks to use?
Durable plastic interlocking leveling blocks are generally preferred for their strength, ease of use, and stackability. Wood blocks can also be used but are prone to rotting and splintering.
3. How accurate does the leveling need to be?
While perfection is desirable, aiming for within 1-2 degrees of level is generally sufficient for most appliances and comfort. An electronic level can help you achieve greater accuracy.
4. Can I use the stabilizer jacks to level my travel trailer?
No. Stabilizer jacks are designed for stabilizing only, not leveling. Using them for leveling can damage the jacks and the trailer frame.
5. How do I level my trailer on a very uneven campsite?
For extremely uneven sites, you may need to use a combination of leveling blocks, ramps, and even shims. Consider moving to a different site if the unevenness is excessive.
6. What if my tires are off the ground after leveling?
Ideally, all tires should remain in contact with the ground. If one or more tires are significantly off the ground, you need to redistribute the weight or find a more level campsite.
7. How often should I check the leveling of my trailer?
It’s a good practice to check the leveling after the initial setup and again after extending the slide out. Periodic checks throughout your stay are also recommended, especially after heavy rain or strong winds.
8. Can I use my automatic leveling system for travel trailers with slide outs?
Yes, if your trailer is equipped with an automatic leveling system, it can be used to level a trailer with a slide out. However, always double-check the leveling with a bubble level after the system has completed its cycle.
9. What if my slide out is binding even after leveling?
If the slide out is binding even after careful leveling, there may be a mechanical issue with the slide out mechanism itself. Consult a qualified RV technician for diagnosis and repair.
10. What are some signs that my slide out is not sealing properly due to being unlevel?
Signs of an improper seal include drafts, water leaks, and difficulty in locking the slide out securely. These issues can lead to further damage and should be addressed promptly.
11. Should I level before or after unhitching from the tow vehicle?
Always unhitch before beginning the leveling process. This allows the trailer to settle naturally and prevents the tow vehicle from interfering with the leveling process.
12. Is it necessary to re-level if I move the trailer even a short distance within the campsite?
Yes, even moving the trailer a few feet can alter its level. Always re-check and re-level as needed after any repositioning.
By following these steps and answering these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to level your travel trailer with a slide out effectively, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience while protecting your valuable investment.