Have you struggled with levelling your travel trailer?
Follow our 5 easy steps to leveling your travel trailer. The first thing you need to do when you arrive at your campsite is get out of your truck and examine your camp spot. Now that you have a plan, go ahead and park your trailer in the location you determined when you inspected your campsite.
A level travel trailer is important not only for your comfort, but also in order for your trailer’s RV refrigerator to work properly. Nothing is more frustrating than cooking eggs in the morning and they run to one side of the frying pan.
You can use 2×10 wood pieces that can be stacked or plastic Lynx leveling blocks purchased at your local RV store. Either will work, it really depends on your preference. I carry both 2x10x12″ wooden blocks for jack pads and a set of RV plastic Lynx leveling blocks from Amazon.
Optional solutions (electronic, blocks adjustable)
5 Easy Steps to Leveling Your Travel Trailer
Follow the easy to follow steps below.
- Back your travel trailer into the desired spot and assess how level you are from side to side using an RV level (bubble level) or a carpenter level across trailer hitch.
- Mark the spot you want to place the blocks and move the trailer either forward or back.
- Place the blocks into position and drive your travel trailer onto the blocks and recheck with the level. After doing this several times, you learn how many blocks will be required. It is imperative the travel trailer be level for proper operation of your refrigerator.
- Chock your tires with either a wheel choke or
BAL x-chock from Amazon between the tires. - Using your tongue jack to level from front to back.
Should I level from Side to Side or Front to Back First?
This is the question that every new rv’er has when it comes to leveling their travel trailer for the first time. Once you found your location and determined where you want to park, you should always level from side to side first.Now that your travel trailer is level from side to side all you need to do is to adjust the height with the tongue jack to level it from front to back.
Conclusion
It will take some time for someone new to setting up their travel trailer to feel comfortable with leveling their trailer. Take your time and do it systematically and you won’t go wrong. Starting out on most level spot may allow you to not have to use blocks under your tires.
If your trailer has tandem wheels, use blocks under both wheels. Remember that you bought your trailer to have fun and explore, not to worry about leveling your travel trailer.
Once you get the hang of it, you can level and setup your travel trailer in less than 20 minutes.
Related Topic: 12 Rules for Camping and Camping Etiquette
Common Questions
Level Before or After Opening Slides?
You should always level your trailer before opening your slides. They are designed to be opened or closed when your trailer is level.
Should I use blocks under my Landing Pads?
Using blocks under your landing pads spreads out the weight applied to the ground surface. If you are parked on grass and the ground is wet you may need to adjust after a few hours. Using blocks minimizes the damage that your landing pads can do.
Using blocks on pavement helps your pads get better traction and will not move around as much. Rubber or wooden pads are best for this situation. Again these pads will minimize the damage done when the pavement gets hot. Black top is most affected.
Should I Lift My Trailer with the Stabilizer Jacks?
Stabilizer jacks are used to stabilize your trailer and not to raise it? You can damage your jacks by over tightening them. I normally level my trailer side to side then front to back, then lower my rear stabilizer jack pads until they I get resistance without raising the trailer and then lower the front pads doing the same.
Many new trailers have electric stabilizer jacks that self level when lowered. Just be sure you don’t over tighten, raising your trailer. Not only can it burn out your motor early, the brackets can bend. Trust me, I’ve seen it done when a new rv’er tried raising his trailer off the wheels.
Should I Use Blocks under the Tongue Jack Pad?
The less extended the stabilizers and landing gear are the more stable they will be. Being said, stacking blocks under your tongue jack is a good idea. Just don’t over do it as it my limit how low you can lower the front of your trailer if you are parked on an upward slope. On a downward slope you will need to extend jack quite a bit making it less stable.
Should I user Slide Stabilizers?
Most manufacturers specifically say not to put any sort of support under the slides. The problem is if you have a stabilizer or jack settle, the one under the slide may not settle and will in effect raise the slide relative to the main body. This could cause expensive damage to the slide or coach frame.
Related: How to Replace Your Waste Valves on Your Travel Trailer
