Leveling a travel trailer on a hill requires a methodical approach, utilizing leveling blocks, chocks, and potentially a tongue jack extender to achieve a safe and comfortable living space. The key is to accurately assess the slope, determine the necessary lift, and secure the trailer against movement before disconnecting from the tow vehicle.
Understanding the Importance of Leveling
Why is leveling your travel trailer so crucial, especially on uneven terrain like a hill? The answer goes beyond mere comfort. An unlevel trailer can lead to a multitude of problems, affecting everything from your appliances to the structural integrity of your home on wheels.
Beyond Comfort: Practical Implications
- Appliance Functionality: Refrigerators, particularly older models that rely on gravity for coolant circulation, can malfunction or become damaged if they aren’t level. This can lead to food spoilage and costly repairs.
- Plumbing Issues: Drains won’t work properly if the trailer isn’t level, resulting in standing water in sinks and showers. This can create unpleasant odors and even contribute to mold growth.
- Door and Window Problems: Doors and windows might stick, be difficult to close, or even fail to latch properly. This can compromise security and weatherproofing.
- Frame Stress: Continually operating a trailer that is significantly unlevel puts undue stress on the frame, potentially leading to warping or cracking over time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling on a Hill
Successfully leveling your travel trailer on a hill involves a systematic process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you should follow:
1. Assess the Slope
Before you even think about disconnecting your trailer, take a moment to assess the slope of the ground. Use a level – a bubble level or a more sophisticated digital level – to determine how much higher one side of the trailer is compared to the other. This will tell you how much lift you need to achieve. Consider also the front-to-back slope if there is one.
2. Position the Trailer Strategically
Where you position your trailer initially is critical. If possible, try to orient the trailer so the uphill side is on the side that requires less leveling. This minimizes the amount of lift needed.
3. Deploy Leveling Blocks
This is where your leveling blocks come into play. Place the leveling blocks in front of the tires on the lower side of the trailer. Carefully drive the trailer onto the blocks, using a spotter to guide you and ensuring the blocks are properly aligned. It’s better to have slightly too much height and then back off a bit, than not enough.
4. Check for Levelness
Once the tires are on the leveling blocks, check the level again. Adjust the blocks as needed until the trailer is level side-to-side. Repeat the process of adding or removing blocks until you achieve the desired level.
5. Chock the Wheels
Chocking the wheels is essential for safety, especially on a hill. Place chocks both in front of and behind the tires on both sides of the trailer to prevent any movement.
6. Disconnect from the Tow Vehicle
Now that the trailer is level side-to-side and securely chocked, you can safely disconnect it from the tow vehicle.
7. Level Front-to-Back
Use the tongue jack to adjust the front-to-back level of the trailer. If the tongue needs to be raised significantly on a hill, you might need a tongue jack extender to provide enough height. Be cautious when extending the tongue jack to its maximum height, as this can reduce stability.
8. Stabilize the Trailer
Once the trailer is level in both directions, deploy the stabilizer jacks at each corner. These jacks are not designed to lift the trailer, but rather to provide additional stability and prevent rocking.
9. Re-Check and Adjust
After deploying the stabilizer jacks, re-check the level one last time. Make any final adjustments as needed to ensure the trailer is perfectly level and stable.
Essential Tools for Leveling
Having the right tools makes the leveling process significantly easier and safer. Here are some must-have items:
- Leveling Blocks: Invest in a good set of leveling blocks. Interlocking blocks are particularly useful, as they allow you to create a custom height.
- Wheel Chocks: Heavy-duty wheel chocks are essential for preventing the trailer from rolling, especially on a slope.
- Bubble Level or Digital Level: A bubble level is a simple and reliable tool for checking the level of the trailer. Digital levels offer more precise readings.
- Tongue Jack: A properly functioning tongue jack is crucial for adjusting the front-to-back level of the trailer.
- Tongue Jack Extender (Optional): If you frequently camp on uneven terrain, a tongue jack extender can provide extra height when leveling.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
- Spotter: Having someone to help guide you while driving onto the leveling blocks is always a good idea.
FAQs: Mastering the Art of Travel Trailer Leveling
Here are some frequently asked questions about leveling travel trailers, especially when dealing with hills:
FAQ 1: What if I run out of leveling block height?
Consider using a heavy-duty ramp or building a taller platform using sturdy lumber in addition to the leveling blocks. Ensure all materials used are rated for the weight of your trailer. It is always better to avoid extreme situations and look for a more level camping spot if possible.
FAQ 2: How can I tell if my tongue jack is extended too high?
Observe the stability of the trailer. If it feels wobbly or unstable, the tongue jack may be extended too far. Lower the jack slightly and consider using additional blocking underneath for support. Also, be mindful of the tongue jack’s maximum weight capacity.
FAQ 3: Can I use rocks or wood scraps instead of leveling blocks?
While you might be tempted to use readily available materials, it’s strongly discouraged. Rocks and wood scraps can shift or crumble under the weight of the trailer, posing a safety risk. Invest in proper leveling blocks designed for the purpose.
FAQ 4: My stabilizer jacks are touching the ground, but the trailer is still unlevel. What should I do?
Stabilizer jacks are not designed to lift the trailer. Ensure you’ve properly leveled the trailer using leveling blocks and the tongue jack before deploying the stabilizer jacks. Their purpose is to stabilize, not to level.
FAQ 5: How important is it to level my trailer if I’m only staying for one night?
It’s always important to level your trailer, regardless of the length of your stay. Even for a single night, an unlevel trailer can affect appliance functionality and put stress on the frame.
FAQ 6: What type of leveling blocks are best for heavy travel trailers?
Consider heavy-duty, interlocking leveling blocks made from durable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These blocks can withstand significant weight and provide a stable base.
FAQ 7: Should I level my travel trailer before or after unhitching from the tow vehicle?
Level the trailer before completely unhitching from the tow vehicle. This allows you to use the tow vehicle’s power to help adjust the trailer’s position while on the leveling blocks. Disconnect only after the trailer is level side-to-side and chocked.
FAQ 8: How often should I check the level of my trailer after setting up camp?
It’s a good practice to re-check the level of your trailer after a day or two, especially after significant rainfall or changes in temperature. The ground can settle, causing the trailer to shift slightly.
FAQ 9: What’s the best way to level a tandem axle travel trailer?
Leveling a tandem axle trailer is similar to leveling a single axle trailer, but you’ll need to ensure both axles are equally supported. Use leveling blocks under both sets of tires to achieve a level surface.
FAQ 10: Can I use an automatic leveling system on a hill?
Automatic leveling systems can be helpful, but they may still require some manual adjustments on particularly steep hills. Always double-check the level after the system has completed its cycle.
FAQ 11: What do I do if my trailer continues to sink into the ground after leveling?
Consider using larger leveling blocks or placing plywood sheets under the blocks to distribute the weight of the trailer more evenly. This can help prevent sinking, especially on soft ground.
FAQ 12: Is it safe to use power tools (like an impact driver) to deploy the stabilizer jacks?
While power tools can speed up the process, be extremely cautious. Over-tightening the stabilizer jacks can damage them or even warp the trailer frame. Use a low setting and avoid over-tightening. It’s often safer and more controlled to use a hand crank.
By following these steps and addressing common challenges, you can confidently level your travel trailer on any hill and enjoy a comfortable and safe camping experience. Happy trails!