Leveling a travel trailer on uneven ground is achieved by using a combination of leveling blocks, chocks, and sometimes, a tongue jack or stabilizer jacks to ensure the trailer sits perfectly level both side-to-side and front-to-back, creating a safe and comfortable living space. Proper leveling prevents appliance malfunctions, ensures doors operate smoothly, and contributes to a more pleasant camping experience.
Why Leveling Matters
Beyond comfort, leveling your travel trailer is crucial for several practical reasons. Uneven surfaces can strain the trailer’s frame, potentially leading to long-term damage. Appliances like refrigerators rely on gravity to function correctly; an unlevel trailer can cause them to malfunction or even break down. Water can pool in unexpected places, hindering drainage. Doors and drawers may swing open or closed on their own. Finally, a level trailer creates a much more stable and enjoyable living environment, reducing motion sickness and improving overall comfort.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Before you arrive at your campsite, it’s wise to assemble the necessary tools and equipment. This preparation saves you time and frustration. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Level: A spirit level or a digital level (a carpenter’s level works well) is essential for accurately determining how unlevel your trailer is. Consider a cross-check level for ease of reading.
- Leveling Blocks: These come in various sizes and materials (wood, plastic, composite). Interlocking blocks offer versatility and stackability.
- Chocks: Wheel chocks are critical for safety. They prevent the trailer from rolling during the leveling process and while parked. Invest in heavy-duty chocks specifically designed for RVs.
- Tongue Jack: Your trailer already has a tongue jack, but ensure it’s in good working order and properly lubricated.
- Stabilizer Jacks: These jacks, located at the rear of the trailer, are designed to stabilize the trailer, not to lift it for leveling.
- Wheel Levelers (Ramps): These are used to raise the low side of the trailer wheels onto the appropriate height.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and splinters.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: Ensuring proper tire pressure is crucial for overall safety and leveling.
The Leveling Process: Step-by-Step
Leveling a travel trailer is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Follow these steps for optimal results:
1. Assess the Site and Position the Trailer
Before unhitching, carefully examine your campsite. Identify the low side and the degree of slope. If possible, try to position your trailer so that the low side is where you’ll place the leveling blocks or ramps. This minimizes the amount of lifting required. Consider the location of utilities (water, electric, sewer) and orient the trailer for easy hookup.
2. Chock the Wheels
Before unhitching, securely chock the wheels on the opposite side of the trailer from where you plan to level. This prevents the trailer from rolling and ensures your safety. Use high-quality chocks and place them snugly against the tires.
3. Level Side-to-Side
This is usually the most challenging part. Here’s how to tackle it:
- Use Leveling Blocks or Ramps: Place leveling blocks or ramps in front of the tires on the low side.
- Drive Onto the Blocks: Slowly and carefully drive the trailer onto the blocks or ramps until the trailer is level side-to-side. Have a spotter guide you and ensure you don’t overshoot the blocks.
- Check the Level: Place your level inside the trailer on a flat surface (like the floor or countertop). Adjust the blocks as needed until the bubble is centered.
4. Unhitch from the Tow Vehicle
Once the trailer is level side-to-side and the wheels are securely chocked, you can unhitch from the tow vehicle. Use the tongue jack to raise the trailer off the hitch ball.
5. Level Front-to-Back
Use the tongue jack to adjust the front-to-back level of the trailer. Raise or lower the jack until the trailer is level. Again, use your level to check for accuracy.
6. Stabilize the Trailer
Lower the stabilizer jacks at the rear of the trailer. These jacks are not designed to lift the trailer; they are solely for stabilization. Extend them until they make contact with the ground and provide a firm, stable base. Don’t over-extend them, as this can damage the frame. Use jack pads if the ground is soft to prevent them from sinking.
7. Double-Check Everything
After completing all the steps, take a final walk around the trailer and double-check that everything is secure and level. Check the chocks, the stabilizer jacks, and the tongue jack. Make any necessary adjustments before settling in for your camping trip.
FAQs: Leveling Your Travel Trailer
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to help you master the art of leveling your travel trailer:
1. Can I use rocks or wood scraps instead of leveling blocks?
While you can use rocks or wood scraps in a pinch, it’s strongly discouraged. Uneven surfaces can damage your tires and frame. Leveling blocks are designed to distribute weight evenly and provide a stable, reliable platform.
2. How do I know if my leveling blocks are the right size?
The height of your leveling blocks depends on how unlevel the ground is. Start with a smaller stack and gradually add more blocks until the trailer is level. It’s better to have too many than too few. Also, check the weight capacity of the blocks.
3. What if I overshoot the leveling blocks?
Overshooting the leveling blocks is a common mistake. If this happens, carefully back the trailer off the blocks and reposition them. Have a spotter guide you to prevent further overshooting.
4. Can I use my stabilizer jacks to level the trailer?
No! Stabilizer jacks are designed for stabilization, not leveling. Using them to lift the trailer can damage the frame. Use leveling blocks or ramps for side-to-side leveling and the tongue jack for front-to-back leveling.
5. What do I do if the ground is too soft for the stabilizer jacks?
If the ground is soft, the stabilizer jacks may sink. To prevent this, use jack pads or wooden boards under the jacks to distribute the weight over a larger area.
6. How often should I check the level of my trailer?
It’s a good idea to check the level of your trailer periodically, especially after heavy rain or strong winds. Ground settling can cause the trailer to become unlevel over time.
7. What’s the best way to level a trailer on a slope?
Leveling on a slope requires more planning and effort. Start by positioning the trailer so the low side is facing downhill. Use longer leveling blocks or ramps on the low side to compensate for the slope. You may also need to use a combination of leveling blocks and the tongue jack.
8. Should I invest in an automatic leveling system?
Automatic leveling systems are a significant investment but can save you time and effort, especially if you frequently camp on uneven terrain. They use hydraulic or electric jacks to automatically level the trailer with the push of a button.
9. How do I prevent my trailer from rolling while leveling?
Properly chocking the wheels is crucial for preventing the trailer from rolling. Use high-quality wheel chocks and place them snugly against the tires on both sides. Ensure the parking brake is engaged (if applicable).
10. Can I damage my trailer by leveling it improperly?
Yes, improper leveling can damage your trailer’s frame, suspension, and appliances. Always follow the correct leveling procedures and avoid using excessive force or lifting the trailer too high.
11. What if I can’t get my trailer perfectly level?
While aiming for perfect level is ideal, a slight deviation is often acceptable. Focus on achieving a level that minimizes rocking and swaying and ensures appliances function properly. Don’t obsess over minor imperfections.
12. Where can I find more information about leveling my travel trailer?
Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations. Online forums and RV communities are also valuable resources for tips and advice from experienced campers.
Conclusion
Leveling your travel trailer may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it becomes a routine part of setting up camp. By following these steps and addressing common challenges, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable camping experience, no matter how uneven the ground may be. Remember safety first – always chock your wheels and double-check your work before relaxing and enjoying your adventure.