Permanently leveling a travel trailer involves strategically supporting the frame to eliminate movement and ensure a stable, comfortable living space that protects your RV from structural damage caused by prolonged unevenness. This typically involves a combination of site preparation, durable leveling blocks, and robust support systems like concrete pads or specialized leveling jacks strategically placed underneath the trailer’s frame.
The Importance of Permanent Leveling
Maintaining a level travel trailer is crucial for more than just preventing that annoying marble-rolling-across-the-floor sensation. Consistent unevenness can put undue stress on the trailer’s frame, leading to:
- Damaged Appliances: Refrigerators, stoves, and other appliances require level operation to function correctly and prevent malfunctions.
- Leaking Doors and Windows: A warped frame can compromise the seals around doors and windows, leading to leaks and drafts.
- Structural Weakness: Over time, the constant stress on an uneven frame can cause cracks and weakening of the chassis, reducing the trailer’s lifespan.
- Drainage Issues: Proper drainage depends on a level surface. Unevenness can cause water to pool in unwanted areas, leading to corrosion and mold growth.
- Uncomfortable Living: A constantly sloping floor is not only inconvenient but can also lead to fatigue and discomfort.
Therefore, investing in a permanent leveling solution is a wise choice for anyone planning to keep their travel trailer in a single location for an extended period. This is particularly important for seasonal campers, long-term residents, or those using their trailer as a guest house or temporary dwelling.
Planning and Preparation
Before you even think about leveling, careful planning is essential.
Site Assessment and Preparation
- Select a Suitable Location: Choose a relatively level area that is well-drained and free from excessive vegetation. Avoid areas prone to flooding or soil erosion.
- Clear the Area: Remove any rocks, roots, or debris from the chosen site. Consider removing the topsoil layer as it tends to be unstable.
- Compact the Soil: Use a plate compactor to compact the soil thoroughly. This will create a stable base for your leveling system. This step is crucial to prevent sinking and settling over time.
Choosing Your Leveling Method
Several options are available for permanently leveling a travel trailer. The best choice depends on your budget, the site conditions, and the degree of permanence you desire.
- Concrete Pads: This is the most robust and long-lasting solution. Poured concrete pads provide a perfectly level and stable foundation for each support point.
- Gravel and Block: A more affordable option involves creating a gravel base topped with concrete blocks. This provides a stable and level surface, but it may require occasional maintenance.
- Heavy-Duty Leveling Jacks: Specialized leveling jacks designed for long-term use can be installed under the frame. These jacks are adjustable and can compensate for minor settling. However, they require a stable base underneath each jack.
Implementing Your Leveling Solution
The specific steps for implementing your chosen leveling solution will vary depending on the method you select. However, here are some general guidelines:
Concrete Pads
- Dig Footings: Excavate footings for each support point, ensuring they are below the frost line to prevent heaving in cold climates.
- Pour Concrete: Pour concrete into the footings, creating level pads for each support point. Use a level to ensure each pad is perfectly horizontal.
- Allow to Cure: Allow the concrete to cure completely before placing the trailer on the pads.
Gravel and Block
- Create a Gravel Base: Spread a thick layer of gravel over the prepared site and compact it thoroughly.
- Place Concrete Blocks: Position concrete blocks on top of the gravel base at each support point.
- Level the Blocks: Use shims to level the blocks precisely.
- Compact the Gravel Around the Blocks: This will help stabilize the blocks and prevent them from shifting.
Leveling Jacks
- Position the Trailer: Carefully position the trailer over the chosen site.
- Place Jack Pads: Place sturdy jack pads under each leveling jack to distribute the weight evenly.
- Extend the Jacks: Extend the leveling jacks until they contact the frame.
- Level the Trailer: Use a level to adjust the jacks until the trailer is perfectly level.
- Stabilize the Trailer: Use stabilizer jacks to further support the frame and minimize movement.
Ensuring Stability and Longevity
Once your trailer is leveled, it’s important to take steps to ensure its stability and longevity.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the leveling system for signs of settling or shifting.
- Re-Leveling as Needed: If you notice any unevenness, re-level the trailer as necessary.
- Proper Drainage: Ensure that water drains away from the leveling system to prevent erosion and damage.
- Frame Support: Consider adding additional frame support to distribute the weight evenly and prevent sagging. This can be achieved with additional blocks or specialized frame supports.
- Winterization: In cold climates, take steps to protect the leveling system from frost heave. This may involve insulating the ground around the concrete pads or removing the jacks during the winter months.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your travel trailer remains level and stable for years to come, providing a comfortable and enjoyable living space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarification and guidance:
FAQ 1: How do I determine the best placement for support points under my travel trailer?
Answer: Consult your travel trailer’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for recommended support points. Generally, these points are located along the frame rails, near the axles, and at the corners of the trailer. Placing supports in these areas will provide the most stable and even distribution of weight.
FAQ 2: Can I use wooden blocks for leveling?
Answer: While wooden blocks can be used temporarily, they are not recommended for permanent leveling. Wood is susceptible to rot, warping, and crushing under the weight of the trailer. Concrete blocks or heavy-duty composite leveling blocks are far more durable and stable options.
FAQ 3: What type of level should I use to level my travel trailer?
Answer: A spirit level or a digital level are both suitable for leveling a travel trailer. A longer level (4 feet or more) is more accurate for leveling over a larger area. Digital levels offer a more precise reading, but spirit levels are more durable and less prone to malfunction.
FAQ 4: How often should I check the level of my travel trailer?
Answer: It’s a good idea to check the level of your travel trailer every few months, especially after heavy rain or snow, or after any significant movement of the trailer. Early detection of settling or shifting can prevent more serious problems down the line.
FAQ 5: What is the best way to level a travel trailer on soft ground?
Answer: Leveling a travel trailer on soft ground requires extra preparation. First, compact the soil thoroughly. Then, use larger and wider jack pads to distribute the weight over a larger area. Consider using geo-grid fabric underneath the gravel base to further stabilize the soil.
FAQ 6: Can I use my trailer’s stabilizer jacks for leveling?
Answer: No. Stabilizer jacks are designed to stabilize the trailer after it has been leveled, not to lift or level the trailer. Using stabilizer jacks for leveling can damage the frame and the jacks themselves.
FAQ 7: What is frost heave, and how does it affect my leveling system?
Answer: Frost heave occurs when water in the soil freezes and expands, pushing the ground upward. This can lift and shift concrete pads or other leveling components, causing the trailer to become unlevel. To prevent frost heave, ensure that your footings are below the frost line and consider using insulated jack pads.
FAQ 8: Are there any building codes I need to consider when permanently leveling my travel trailer?
Answer: Building codes vary by location. Check with your local building department to determine if any permits or inspections are required for permanently leveling a travel trailer. Some areas may have restrictions on the type of leveling system you can use or the proximity of the trailer to property lines.
FAQ 9: How do I prevent corrosion on my leveling jacks?
Answer: Regularly clean and lubricate your leveling jacks to prevent corrosion. Use a rust-inhibiting spray to protect the metal surfaces. Cover the jacks with weatherproof covers when not in use.
FAQ 10: What are the signs that my travel trailer is no longer level?
Answer: Common signs that your travel trailer is no longer level include: doors and windows sticking, appliances malfunctioning, water pooling in certain areas, and a generally uneven feeling when walking inside the trailer.
FAQ 11: Can I hire a professional to permanently level my travel trailer?
Answer: Yes. Hiring a professional RV technician or contractor is a good option if you are not comfortable performing the leveling yourself or if you require a more complex leveling system, such as concrete pads.
FAQ 12: What is the approximate cost of permanently leveling a travel trailer?
Answer: The cost of permanently leveling a travel trailer can vary widely depending on the leveling method you choose, the site conditions, and whether you hire a professional. Gravel and block systems are typically the least expensive, while concrete pads are the most expensive. Obtain quotes from several contractors or suppliers to get an accurate estimate. Remember to factor in the cost of site preparation, materials, and labor.