Leveling your trailer camper is crucial for comfortable camping, ensuring appliances function correctly and preventing structural damage over time. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process and expert tips to make leveling a breeze, whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a weekend warrior.
Why Leveling Matters: The Foundation of a Happy Camping Trip
Many new RVers underestimate the importance of leveling their trailer. Beyond simply making your morning coffee sit straight on the counter, an unlevel trailer can lead to a host of problems. Here’s why achieving a level foundation is paramount:
- Appliance Functionality: Refrigerators, especially older models, rely on gravity to circulate coolant. Being even slightly off-level can significantly reduce their efficiency or even damage them over time. Stoves and ovens may also cook unevenly.
- Structural Integrity: Uneven weight distribution puts undue stress on the trailer’s frame and suspension. Over time, this can lead to cracks, warping, and other structural issues. Doors and windows may become difficult to open or close.
- Comfort and Safety: A tilted trailer creates an uncomfortable living environment. You might find yourself rolling out of bed, and walking can feel precarious. This can also increase the risk of tripping and falling.
- Water Drainage: Proper drainage in sinks, showers, and toilets relies on gravity. An unlevel trailer can cause water to pool, leading to mold and mildew growth.
Therefore, mastering the art of leveling your trailer camper is not just a matter of convenience; it’s an investment in your rig’s longevity and your personal comfort and safety.
The Essential Tools for Leveling
Before you even think about parking, make sure you have the right tools at your disposal. Having these items on hand will streamline the leveling process and prevent frustration:
- Leveling Blocks or Ramps: These are the primary tools for raising the low side of the trailer. They come in various materials (plastic, wood, composite) and designs (stackable blocks, curved ramps). Choose a set that can handle the weight of your trailer. Consider a leveling system with chocks attached for a secure and easy process.
- Bubble Level or Electronic Level: A bubble level is the classic, reliable tool. Electronic levels, often available as smartphone apps, can provide more precise readings and make the process even easier. Look for levels with dual axis readings.
- Wheel Chocks: These are essential for safety! Always chock the wheels on the opposite side of the trailer from where you’re leveling. Use heavy-duty chocks designed for RV use.
- Lug Wrench: If you need to change a flat tire, you’ll need a lug wrench. Ensure it’s the correct size for your trailer’s lug nuts.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
- Small Shovel: To clear any debris that might be in the way of your leveling blocks or ramps.
The Leveling Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to level your trailer camper effectively:
Step 1: Scout Your Campsite
Before you even park your trailer, take a walk around your campsite. Look for the most level spot. This will save you time and effort later on. Note any obvious slopes or obstacles.
Step 2: Position Your Trailer
Drive your trailer into the campsite, aiming for the most level area you identified. Try to position the trailer so that the low side is easily accessible.
Step 3: Initial Assessment
Place your bubble level on the floor of your trailer (ideally in a central location like the kitchen counter) to determine which side is low and by how much. Alternatively, use your electronic level app.
Step 4: Place Leveling Blocks/Ramps
On the low side of the trailer, position your leveling blocks or ramps in front of the tires. Ensure the blocks are aligned so the tires will drive onto them smoothly.
Step 5: Drive Onto the Leveling Blocks
Slowly and carefully drive the trailer onto the leveling blocks until the bubble level indicates that the trailer is level. Have a spotter outside to guide you and prevent overshooting the blocks.
Step 6: Chock the Wheels
Once the trailer is level, immediately chock the wheels on the opposite side. This is a critical safety step to prevent the trailer from rolling. Double check all chocks are securely in place.
Step 7: Fine-Tune the Leveling
Re-check the level inside the trailer. If necessary, make small adjustments by adding or removing leveling blocks. Pay attention to both the side-to-side and front-to-back leveling.
Step 8: Stabilize the Trailer
Use your trailer’s stabilizer jacks to prevent bouncing and swaying. Lower them until they make firm contact with the ground, but don’t use them to lift the trailer. This can damage the frame.
Step 9: Double-Check Everything
Before you fully settle in, take one last walk around the trailer to ensure everything is level, chocked, and stabilized. Peace of mind is essential for a relaxing camping trip.
Troubleshooting Common Leveling Problems
Even with careful planning, you might encounter some common leveling challenges. Here’s how to address them:
- Not enough leveling height: If your leveling blocks are not tall enough to raise the trailer to a level position, you may need to stack additional blocks or purchase taller blocks.
- Blocks sinking into soft ground: Place plywood or leveling pads under the blocks to distribute the weight and prevent them from sinking into soft soil.
- Difficulty driving onto the blocks: Have a spotter guide you and use a slow, steady speed. Consider using a “leveling ramp” specifically designed to make driving onto blocks easier.
- Too much movement even with stabilizers: Ensure your stabilizers are properly adjusted and that they are making solid contact with the ground. Consider using additional stabilizer jacks for extra support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trailer Leveling
Q1: Can I level my trailer camper using just the stabilizer jacks?
No, stabilizer jacks are not designed for leveling. They are only meant to prevent bouncing and swaying. Using them to lift the trailer can damage the frame. Always use leveling blocks or ramps for leveling.
Q2: How accurate does the leveling need to be?
While perfection isn’t always attainable, strive to get your trailer as level as possible. Aim for within 1-2 degrees of level. This will ensure appliance functionality and comfort.
Q3: What if my campsite is extremely unlevel?
If the campsite is significantly unlevel, consider asking to be moved to a more level spot. If that’s not possible, use a combination of leveling blocks and pads to achieve the desired level. It’s always better to find a different spot if possible.
Q4: What are the best types of leveling blocks?
There is no one “best” type of leveling block. Plastic blocks are durable and easy to clean. Wooden blocks are strong but can rot over time. Composite blocks offer a good balance of durability and weather resistance.
Q5: How often should I check the level of my trailer?
Check the level of your trailer after you initially set up and then again after a day or two. The ground can settle, causing the trailer to become unlevel over time.
Q6: Can I use a spirit level app on my phone instead of a bubble level?
Yes, spirit level apps on smartphones can be very accurate. However, ensure your phone is calibrated correctly before using it for leveling. Cross-reference with a traditional bubble level if possible.
Q7: What should I do if my tires are off the ground after leveling?
Ideally, you want all tires to maintain contact with the ground. If one or more tires are significantly off the ground after leveling, re-evaluate your leveling strategy. Use a different combination of blocks or consider moving to a different spot. Never leave a tire fully suspended without proper support.
Q8: Are there automatic leveling systems for travel trailers?
Yes, automatic leveling systems are available for some travel trailers. These systems use hydraulic or electric jacks to automatically level the trailer with the push of a button. They are a significant investment but can save a lot of time and effort.
Q9: Can I level my trailer on asphalt?
Yes, you can level your trailer on asphalt. However, be mindful that leveling blocks can sometimes leave marks on asphalt. Use leveling pads to protect the surface.
Q10: Do I need to level my trailer if I’m only staying for one night?
While it might be tempting to skip leveling for a short stay, it’s still recommended. Even a slight tilt can affect your comfort and the performance of your appliances. Leveling is a worthwhile investment of your time, regardless of the length of your stay.
Q11: My RV fridge is not cooling, could it be due to not being level?
Yes, an unlevel fridge is a common cause of cooling issues. Especially older absorption refrigerators, they rely on gravity for proper circulation. Verify that your RV is level, and the fridge’s cooling may improve.
Q12: What is the correct order to level and stabilize my trailer?
The correct order is: Level first, then stabilize. Leveling ensures the base is correct, and stabilizing prevents the trailer from bouncing or swaying once level.