Perfectly leveling your travel trailer is crucial for ensuring appliances function correctly, preventing uneven wear and tear, and enjoying a comfortable camping experience. This guide offers a step-by-step process and expert tips for achieving a level RV every time, guaranteeing a stress-free and enjoyable adventure.
Why Leveling Matters: More Than Just Comfort
Leveling your travel trailer might seem like a minor detail, but its importance extends far beyond comfort. An unlevel trailer can lead to significant problems:
- Appliance Malfunction: Refrigerators, especially those with absorption cooling systems, rely on gravity for proper operation. Being even slightly off-level can damage the unit permanently. Stoves and ovens can also cook unevenly.
- Structural Stress: Uneven weight distribution puts undue stress on the frame, axles, and tires. This can lead to premature wear and potentially costly repairs.
- Water Drainage Issues: Inconsistent water flow in showers and sinks can be frustrating, and poor drainage can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Door and Window Alignment Problems: Over time, an unlevel trailer can cause doors and windows to warp or become difficult to open and close properly.
- Sleep Discomfort: Let’s face it, sleeping on an incline is simply uncomfortable and can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Ignoring the leveling process can transform a relaxing vacation into a series of headaches. A few minutes spent leveling your trailer will save you time, money, and aggravation in the long run.
The Step-by-Step Leveling Process
The process involves two key aspects: side-to-side leveling and front-to-back leveling.
1. Choosing Your Leveling Tools
Selecting the right tools is the first step to successful leveling. Here are some essential items:
- Leveling Blocks: These sturdy blocks come in various sizes and materials (plastic, wood). Interlocking blocks are particularly helpful for fine-tuning.
- Chocks: Essential for safety, chocks prevent the trailer from rolling after leveling.
- Bubble Level or Digital Level: A bubble level is a simple and reliable option. Digital levels offer greater precision and can measure angles more accurately. Smartphone apps that act as levels can be useful but are generally less accurate.
- Wheel Placement Tool (Optional): These tools help determine how much your wheels need to be raised for leveling, simplifying the process.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
2. Assessing the Site and Positioning the Trailer
Carefully inspect your campsite before positioning your trailer. Identify any significant slopes or obstacles. Position your trailer in the best possible location, considering these factors:
- Orientation: Ideally, position your trailer with the door facing away from prevailing winds or direct sunlight.
- Clearance: Ensure sufficient clearance around your trailer, especially for slide-outs.
- Proximity to Utilities: Position the trailer close to hookups for water, electricity, and sewer.
- Natural Features: Avoid placing the trailer under trees with dead branches or in areas prone to flooding.
3. Side-to-Side Leveling
This is often the trickiest part.
- Place Level on A-Frame or Floor Inside: Place your level on a flat surface, such as the A-frame or the floor inside the trailer.
- Determine Which Side Needs Lifting: Observe which side is lower.
- Position Leveling Blocks: Place leveling blocks in front of the wheels on the lower side. Estimate the required height based on the level reading.
- Slowly Pull the Trailer onto the Blocks: Use a spotter to guide you and ensure the wheels are properly positioned on the blocks.
- Re-Check the Level: If the trailer is still not level, adjust the blocks by adding or removing layers.
- Chock the Wheels: Once the trailer is level side-to-side, securely chock the wheels on both sides.
4. Front-to-Back Leveling
This step typically involves using the trailer’s tongue jack.
- Place Level on A-Frame or Floor Inside: As before, use a level to determine if the front or back needs adjustment.
- Adjust the Tongue Jack: Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer until it is level.
- Use Stabilizer Jacks: Deploy the stabilizer jacks to provide additional stability and prevent rocking. Note: Stabilizer jacks are not designed for leveling the trailer; their primary purpose is to stabilize it.
5. Fine-Tuning and Final Checks
- Re-Check All Levels: Double-check both side-to-side and front-to-back leveling.
- Adjust Stabilizer Jacks: Ensure the stabilizer jacks are firmly planted on the ground but not overly extended, which could cause damage.
- Walk Through the Trailer: Walk through the trailer to assess for any rocking or instability. Make further adjustments as needed.
FAQs: Mastering Travel Trailer Leveling
Here are 12 frequently asked questions, designed to address common challenges and refine your leveling expertise:
1. What’s the best type of leveling block to use?
The “best” type depends on your preference and budget. Plastic leveling blocks are durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Wooden blocks are a cost-effective option but can be susceptible to rot and splintering. Interlocking blocks offer excellent adjustability. Consider the weight capacity of the blocks to ensure they can handle your trailer.
2. Can I use rocks or pieces of wood instead of leveling blocks?
While tempting in a pinch, it’s strongly discouraged. Rocks and irregular pieces of wood are unstable and can shift or break under the weight of the trailer, posing a safety risk and potentially damaging tires or the frame. Invest in proper leveling blocks.
3. How much off-level is too much?
Generally, more than a few degrees off-level can cause problems. Many RV refrigerators have a maximum tolerance of 3 degrees off-level. Consult your appliance manuals for specific recommendations.
4. What if the ground is very uneven?
In extreme cases, you may need to use more than one layer of leveling blocks or consider moving to a different campsite. A solid foundation is crucial for safety and stability. Consider bringing additional material to add under leveling blocks if needed.
5. Can I use the trailer’s suspension to level it?
No, never attempt to level your trailer by deflating or inflating the tires. This is extremely dangerous and can damage your tires and suspension system.
6. What is the purpose of stabilizer jacks?
Stabilizer jacks provide stability and prevent rocking, but they are not designed for leveling the trailer. Using them to level can damage the jacks and potentially the trailer’s frame.
7. How do I level a trailer with tandem axles?
Leveling a trailer with tandem axles requires careful planning. Place the leveling blocks in front of both tires on the lower side and slowly pull the trailer onto the blocks. Ensure both tires are firmly seated on the blocks before chocking the wheels.
8. What if I can’t get perfectly level?
Aim for the closest possible level. Prioritize leveling side-to-side, as this is more critical for appliance function. A slight front-to-back tilt is generally less problematic.
9. Should I level the trailer before or after unhooking?
Unhook the trailer before leveling. This allows you to move the trailer more freely and accurately position it on the leveling blocks.
10. How often should I check the level of my trailer?
Check the level after setting up and periodically throughout your stay, especially after heavy rain or wind, as the ground can shift.
11. What is the best type of level to use?
Both bubble levels and digital levels are suitable. Bubble levels are simple and reliable, while digital levels offer greater precision. Choose the type that you are most comfortable using. Consider a magnetic bubble level for easy attachment to metal surfaces.
12. My trailer is still rocking even after leveling. What can I do?
Several factors can cause rocking. Ensure the stabilizer jacks are properly deployed and firmly planted. Consider using additional supports under the frame, such as stacking cribbing or specialized RV stabilizers, to further reduce movement. Weight distribution inside the trailer also plays a role; try to distribute the load evenly.
Conclusion: Level Up Your Camping Experience
Mastering the art of leveling your travel trailer is an investment in your comfort, safety, and the longevity of your RV. By following these steps and addressing common challenges with informed solutions, you can ensure a perfectly level and enjoyable camping experience every time. Happy camping!