For optimal performance and safety, a trailer should be as close to perfectly level as possible – aiming for within 1-2 inches front-to-back and side-to-side is ideal. This ensures even weight distribution, prevents undue stress on axles and tires, and contributes to stable towing.
Why Level Matters: The Foundation of Safe Towing
Towing a trailer is more than just hitching up and hitting the road. It’s a delicate balance of physics, engineering, and common sense. One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, aspects of safe towing is ensuring your trailer is level. While it might seem like a minor detail, neglecting this aspect can lead to a cascade of problems, jeopardizing both your safety and the lifespan of your trailer. A level trailer provides numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Stability: A level trailer distributes weight evenly across all axles, preventing one side or the front/rear from bearing an undue burden. This contributes significantly to stability and reduces the risk of swaying or tipping, especially during high winds or emergency maneuvers.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Uneven weight distribution strains axles, tires, and suspension components. Premature wear and tear on these vital components can lead to costly repairs and potentially dangerous failures while on the road.
- Proper Drainage: For trailers equipped with water tanks, sinks, or showers, leveling is crucial for proper drainage. Uneven surfaces can cause water to pool in inconvenient locations, leading to mold growth and water damage.
- Functionality and Comfort: In recreational vehicles (RVs), a level trailer ensures doors and cabinets operate smoothly, preventing them from swinging open or closed unexpectedly. It also creates a more comfortable living environment inside the trailer, minimizing discomfort and the potential for objects to roll around.
- Efficient Appliance Operation: Many RV appliances, such as refrigerators, are designed to operate within a specific range of levelness. Exceeding these limits can impair their functionality and even cause damage.
Essential Tools and Techniques for Leveling
Leveling your trailer doesn’t require complex equipment. However, having the right tools and understanding the correct techniques is essential for achieving optimal results.
Choosing the Right Tools
- Level: A bubble level (spirit level) is the most basic and essential tool. A 2-foot level is generally recommended for ease of use and accuracy. You can also use a digital level for increased precision. Some RVs have built-in levels.
- Leveling Blocks: These durable blocks are placed under the tires to raise one side of the trailer. Various types are available, including interlocking blocks, stackable blocks, and graduated blocks. Choose blocks rated for the weight of your trailer.
- Tongue Jack: The tongue jack raises and lowers the front of the trailer, allowing you to adjust the front-to-back level. Ensure your tongue jack is in good working order and properly lubricated.
- Stabilizer Jacks: These jacks are typically located at the rear corners of the trailer. While they are not designed for lifting, they provide stability and prevent excessive bouncing. Always use them AFTER leveling.
- Wheel Chocks: Crucial for safety! Always chock the wheels on the opposite side of the trailer before unhitching and leveling.
The Leveling Process: Step-by-Step
- Find Your Spot: Park your trailer on a relatively level surface. Use your level to assess the degree of unlevelness front-to-back and side-to-side.
- Chock the Wheels: Securely chock the wheels on the side you will not be raising. This prevents the trailer from rolling during the leveling process.
- Side-to-Side Leveling: Place leveling blocks in front of the tires on the low side. Drive the trailer onto the blocks until it reaches the desired level. Use your level to confirm.
- Front-to-Back Leveling: Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer until it is level. Again, use your level to confirm.
- Stabilize: Lower the stabilizer jacks at the rear corners of the trailer. Do not use them to lift or level the trailer.
- Double-Check: Re-check the level in multiple locations inside the trailer. Make fine adjustments as needed.
Addressing Common Leveling Challenges
Even with the right tools and techniques, you may encounter challenges when leveling your trailer. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Soft Ground: If the ground is soft, leveling blocks may sink. Use larger blocks or place planks of wood underneath them to distribute the weight.
- Uneven Terrain: Extremely uneven terrain can make leveling difficult. In such cases, consider moving to a more suitable site.
- Limited Space: Tight campsites may restrict your ability to maneuver the trailer. Plan your approach carefully and use spotters to avoid collisions.
FAQs: Decoding the Nuances of Trailer Leveling
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about ensuring your trailer is perfectly level:
FAQ 1: What happens if my trailer is severely unlevel?
Severe unlevelness can lead to a number of serious issues, including compromised stability, increased risk of tire blowouts due to uneven weight distribution, difficulty with appliance operation (especially refrigerators), and potential damage to the trailer frame.
FAQ 2: Is it okay to just “eyeball” the levelness?
While eyeballing might work for minor adjustments, it’s never a reliable substitute for using a level. A bubble level provides a precise indication of the trailer’s orientation, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
FAQ 3: How often should I check the level of my trailer?
It’s a good practice to check the level of your trailer every time you set up camp. Ground conditions can shift over time, especially after heavy rain, potentially causing the trailer to become unlevel.
FAQ 4: Can I use my stabilizer jacks to lift and level my trailer?
No! Stabilizer jacks are designed to provide stability, not to lift or level the trailer. Attempting to use them for leveling can damage the jacks or the trailer frame.
FAQ 5: What type of leveling blocks are best?
The “best” leveling blocks depend on your needs and preferences. Interlocking blocks are easy to store, stackable blocks offer versatility, and graduated blocks allow for precise adjustments. Choose blocks that are durable, lightweight, and rated for the weight of your trailer.
FAQ 6: How important is it to level my trailer if I’m only staying for one night?
Even for a single night, leveling is still important. The potential risks associated with unlevelness – instability, appliance malfunction, and discomfort – remain the same, regardless of the duration of your stay.
FAQ 7: Can I use wood planks instead of leveling blocks?
Yes, wood planks can be used as a temporary solution for leveling. However, they are less durable and stable than proper leveling blocks. Ensure the planks are thick enough to support the weight of your trailer and are free from cracks or defects.
FAQ 8: My RV has automatic leveling jacks. Do I still need to worry about leveling?
Automatic leveling systems simplify the leveling process, but it’s still a good idea to double-check the results with a level. These systems are not always perfect, and ground conditions can sometimes interfere with their accuracy.
FAQ 9: How do I level my trailer on a concrete pad?
Even on a concrete pad, slight variations in the surface can cause the trailer to be unlevel. Use a level to assess the situation and make adjustments as needed using leveling blocks or shims.
FAQ 10: What is the best way to level a pop-up camper?
The principles of leveling a pop-up camper are the same as with other trailers. Use a level to determine the degree of unlevelness and make adjustments using leveling blocks under the tires or the tongue jack. Be extra cautious about stability due to the lighter weight of pop-up campers.
FAQ 11: Are there any apps that can help me level my trailer?
Yes, there are several smartphone apps that utilize the device’s internal sensors to measure the levelness of the trailer. While these apps can be helpful, it’s still recommended to verify the results with a physical level.
FAQ 12: My RV refrigerator isn’t working properly. Could it be related to leveling?
Absolutely! Many RV refrigerators, particularly absorption refrigerators, rely on gravity to circulate the coolant. Operating them when the trailer is significantly unlevel can damage the cooling system and prevent them from working correctly. Check your refrigerator’s manual for specific leveling requirements.
By understanding the importance of leveling and employing the proper techniques, you can ensure a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable towing experience.