How to Level a Travel Trailer Side to Side: The Definitive Guide

Leveling your travel trailer side to side is paramount for comfort, appliance performance, and preventing structural damage. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough, ensuring your RV adventure starts on solid, even ground.

Why Side-to-Side Leveling Matters

Few things are as disruptive to a relaxing camping trip as a consistently tilted trailer. While seemingly minor, this imbalance can create significant problems. Uneven cooking on your stove, doors that swing open or closed on their own, and discomfort while sleeping are just a few consequences. More critically, a significant tilt can stress the trailer frame and axles over time, potentially leading to costly repairs. Furthermore, many RV appliances, particularly refrigerators that use absorption technology, require near-perfect level to function correctly and avoid permanent damage. Ignoring side-to-side leveling is a gamble you simply shouldn’t take.

Understanding the Essentials: Tools and Techniques

Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s crucial to gather the right tools and understand the underlying principles. Accurate leveling relies on precision and a methodical approach.

Essential Tools for the Job

  • Level (Spirit Level or Digital Level): A good level is the cornerstone of this process. A standard spirit level, at least 24 inches long, will suffice. Digital levels offer enhanced accuracy and are particularly useful for those who prefer a numerical readout.
  • Leveling Blocks (Plastic or Wood): These blocks provide a stable and even surface upon which to drive your trailer tires. Choose durable, high-quality blocks designed specifically for RV leveling. Avoid using loose bricks or other unstable materials.
  • Wheel Chocks: Essential for safety. Chocks prevent the trailer from rolling while you’re adjusting the leveling.
  • Jack (Bottle Jack or Scissor Jack – Optional): May be needed for significant height adjustments or if leveling blocks aren’t sufficient.
  • Measuring Tape: Helps in determining the required height adjustment needed.
  • Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and debris.

The Leveling Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Assess the Site: Before positioning your trailer, visually inspect the campsite. Identify the lowest side. This will be the side requiring the most adjustment.
  2. Position the Trailer: Carefully maneuver your trailer onto the campsite, aiming to minimize the degree of leveling needed.
  3. Determine the Leveling Amount: Place your level inside the trailer, perpendicular to the sidewalls. Note the amount of tilt. This will determine how much height you need to add under the lower tires. Alternatively, a digital level can provide a precise reading in degrees.
  4. Place Leveling Blocks: Position the leveling blocks in front of the tires on the low side. The number of blocks needed will depend on the severity of the tilt.
  5. Slowly Drive Onto the Blocks: Carefully and slowly drive the trailer tires onto the leveling blocks. Have a spotter guide you, ensuring the tires are centered on the blocks.
  6. Re-Check the Level: Once the trailer is positioned, re-check the level inside. If further adjustment is needed, repeat steps 4 and 5, adding or removing blocks as necessary.
  7. Chock the Wheels: Once the trailer is level side to side, firmly chock the wheels on both sides to prevent any movement.
  8. Optional: Use a Jack: For significant height differences, a jack can be used to lift the low side of the trailer. Place the jack under the frame near the axle and raise the trailer until level. Then, place leveling blocks under the tires and lower the trailer onto the blocks.
  9. Final Check: After chocking the wheels and potentially using a jack, perform a final level check to ensure accuracy.
  10. Extend Stabilizer Jacks: Once the trailer is level side-to-side and front-to-back, extend the stabilizer jacks. Remember, stabilizer jacks are NOT leveling jacks. Their primary function is to reduce bouncing and movement inside the trailer, not to lift or level it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leveling a travel trailer may seem straightforward, but certain mistakes can lead to problems.

  • Overlooking Site Assessment: Failing to properly assess the campsite before positioning the trailer can result in unnecessary leveling efforts.
  • Using Unstable Materials: Employing bricks, rocks, or other unstable materials instead of proper leveling blocks is dangerous and can lead to slippage.
  • Over-Extending Leveling Jacks: Using the stabilizer jacks to level the trailer can damage them and the trailer frame. These jacks are not designed for that purpose.
  • Ignoring Wheel Chocks: Failing to use wheel chocks is a serious safety hazard that can result in the trailer rolling.
  • Rushing the Process: Impatience can lead to inaccuracies and the need for repeated adjustments. Take your time and be methodical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What happens if I don’t level my travel trailer?

Failure to level your trailer can lead to several issues, including discomfort, appliance malfunction (especially refrigerators), difficulty opening and closing doors, and potential structural damage to the frame.

FAQ 2: Can I use stabilizer jacks to level my travel trailer?

No. Stabilizer jacks are designed to reduce motion and provide stability, not to lift or level the trailer. Using them for leveling can damage the jacks and the trailer frame.

FAQ 3: What type of level is best for leveling a travel trailer?

Both spirit levels and digital levels are effective. A spirit level at least 24 inches long provides good accuracy. Digital levels offer precise readings and are easier to read for some users.

FAQ 4: How many leveling blocks do I need?

The number of leveling blocks needed depends on the severity of the slope. It’s always better to have more than you think you’ll need. A set of 10 or more interlocking leveling blocks is a good starting point.

FAQ 5: What are the best leveling blocks for travel trailers?

Durable plastic leveling blocks designed specifically for RVs are the best option. They are strong, lightweight, and resistant to weather damage. Wood can also be used, but it is susceptible to rot and may not be as stable.

FAQ 6: Where is the best place to put the level inside the trailer?

The best place to put the level is on the floor inside the trailer, perpendicular to the sidewalls, near the center of the trailer. This provides the most accurate representation of the overall level.

FAQ 7: Can I use a smartphone app as a level?

While smartphone apps can provide a general indication of level, they are not as accurate as dedicated levels. It’s best to use a spirit level or digital level for precise leveling.

FAQ 8: How often should I check the level of my travel trailer?

It’s a good practice to check the level of your trailer whenever you set up at a new campsite. You may also want to re-check it after a few days, as the ground can settle.

FAQ 9: What do I do if I can’t get the trailer perfectly level?

Aim for near-perfect level. A slight variation (within 1-2 degrees) is usually acceptable. Focus on leveling the refrigerator side as much as possible to avoid damaging it.

FAQ 10: Is it better to be slightly high on one side than the other?

It’s generally better to be slightly high on the door side of the trailer than the opposite side. This can help prevent the door from swinging open or closed on its own.

FAQ 11: Can I level my travel trailer on soft ground?

Leveling on soft ground requires extra care. Use wider leveling blocks or planks to distribute the weight and prevent the blocks from sinking into the ground. Consider using jack pads as well.

FAQ 12: Do I need to level my travel trailer if I’m only staying for one night?

Yes, it’s still recommended to level your travel trailer even for a short stay. While the long-term effects of not leveling may not be immediately apparent, ensuring proper leveling is crucial for the proper functioning of appliances like the refrigerator. Also, failing to level can still make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep. It’s a simple step that offers significant benefits.

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