Leveling your 5th wheel trailer isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s paramount for the proper functioning of your appliances, preventing frame stress, ensuring comfortable sleep, and maximizing the lifespan of your rig. Achieving this stability is a straightforward process when approached systematically, utilizing readily available tools and techniques to ensure your 5th wheel provides a safe and enjoyable home away from home.
The Importance of Leveling
The need to level your 5th wheel goes beyond mere convenience. A sloped trailer can negatively impact your refrigerator’s cooling efficiency, potentially leading to premature failure. Uneven weight distribution can also strain the frame, contributing to long-term structural problems. Perhaps most immediately, a level rig provides a more comfortable living space, ensuring cabinets and drawers stay closed, and you’re not rolling out of bed at night.
Preparing to Level Your 5th Wheel
Before you even consider using leveling blocks or chocks, you need to find the best possible spot.
Site Selection
Look for a camping spot that’s as level as possible to begin with. Walk the area and visually assess for any significant inclines or dips. Utilizing a simple bubble level on the ground can provide a more accurate assessment. Aim for a location with minimal grading required to save time and effort.
Safety First
Ensure your parking area is free from hazards like low-hanging branches, rocks, and debris. Before unhitching, deploy your parking brake. This is a crucial safety step to prevent any unintended movement during the leveling process.
The Leveling Process: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve selected and prepared your site, the leveling process can begin. This can be broken into two stages: side-to-side and front-to-back.
Side-to-Side Leveling
This is often the first and most significant adjustment you’ll need to make.
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Determine the Low Side: Place a bubble level inside your 5th wheel (on the floor, countertop, or refrigerator shelf). Identify which side is lower. Alternatively, many RV leveling apps can use your phone’s sensors for this.
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Position Leveling Blocks: Based on how much the 5th wheel needs to be raised, place your leveling blocks in front of the tires on the low side. You may need to experiment with multiple blocks or a stacking system.
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Pull Onto the Blocks: Slowly and carefully drive the 5th wheel onto the leveling blocks until it’s close to level. It’s best to have a spotter outside to guide you.
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Fine-Tune: Recheck the level inside the trailer. If needed, adjust the blocks by adding or removing layers until level. Wheel chocks should be placed behind the tires to prevent rolling backwards.
Front-to-Back Leveling
After achieving side-to-side level, adjust the front-to-back.
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Uncouple and Position: Disconnect your 5th wheel from the tow vehicle.
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Use the Landing Gear: Utilize the 5th wheel’s landing gear (front jacks) to raise or lower the front of the trailer until it’s level. A bubble level placed inside the trailer will guide you. Aim for level based on the interior of the trailer, not necessarily the hitch.
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Secure and Stabilize: Once level, engage the locking mechanisms on the landing gear. Consider using additional stabilizer jacks under the rear of the 5th wheel for added stability.
Leveling Technology
Modern 5th wheels offer technology to simplify this process. Automatic leveling systems, for example, use hydraulic jacks and sensors to level the rig at the touch of a button. While expensive, these systems dramatically reduce the time and effort involved.
Final Checks
After completing the leveling process, walk around the trailer, visually inspect the setup and recheck your levels one last time. Ensure all stabilizing jacks are properly engaged and that the landing gear is securely locked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What tools do I need to level my 5th wheel?
At a minimum, you’ll need leveling blocks (wood or plastic), wheel chocks, a bubble level (or RV leveling app), and potentially stabilizer jacks. A small shovel or spade can be helpful for adjusting the ground under leveling blocks.
2. How accurate does leveling need to be?
While perfection isn’t always achievable, aim to be as close to level as possible. Within a degree or two is generally sufficient for most appliances and comfort needs. Remember, erring on the side of slightly more front-to-back tilt than side-to-side is generally preferable for drainage.
3. Can I use rocks or wood scraps instead of leveling blocks?
While it’s possible to use rocks or wood scraps in a pinch, it’s strongly discouraged. These materials can be unstable, uneven, and potentially damage your tires. Invest in proper leveling blocks for safety and peace of mind.
4. How do I level my 5th wheel on soft ground?
Soft ground can cause leveling blocks to sink. Use wider leveling blocks or place boards underneath the blocks to distribute the weight more evenly. Consider using stabilizer pads under the jacks as well.
5. What are the different types of leveling blocks?
Common types include:
- Ramps: Angled blocks that allow you to drive onto them.
- Stackable blocks: Interlocking blocks that can be stacked to achieve different heights.
- Leveling pads: Solid, flat blocks that provide a stable base.
6. How often should I re-check the level of my 5th wheel?
It’s good practice to re-check the level after the first day or two, as the ground may settle. Also, re-check after heavy rain or strong winds.
7. My 5th wheel has an automatic leveling system. Do I still need to do anything?
Even with an automatic leveling system, it’s still wise to visually inspect the leveling setup and ensure all jacks are making solid contact with the ground. You might also need to make minor manual adjustments if the system struggles on extremely uneven terrain.
8. What happens if I don’t level my 5th wheel?
Failure to level can lead to appliance malfunctions (especially refrigerators), frame stress, door and window alignment issues, discomfort, and uneven tire wear.
9. Can leveling damage my tires?
Using the correct leveling blocks should not damage your tires. However, driving onto sharp objects or using unstable materials can cause damage. Always inspect your tires for wear and tear after leveling.
10. What is the best way to stabilize my 5th wheel after leveling?
In addition to the landing gear, use stabilizer jacks under the frame, particularly towards the rear of the 5th wheel. Consider using x-chocks between the tires for added stability and to prevent movement.
11. How do I level a 5th wheel on a sloped driveway for storage?
The same principles apply to driveway leveling as to campsite leveling. You may need to use more extensive leveling blocks or ramps to compensate for the slope. Consider investing in a set of driveway leveling ramps designed for RV storage.
12. Can I use the slide-outs to help level my 5th wheel?
Never use slide-outs to assist with leveling. Doing so can severely damage the slide-out mechanisms and potentially compromise the structural integrity of the trailer. The slide-outs are designed to be used on a level surface. Always level the 5th wheel before extending the slide-outs.