As an RVer, learning how to properly level and stabilize your rig is one of the most important skills to master. It’s not just about aesthetics—an unlevel trailer can cause all kinds of headaches, from sloped floors that make you feel like you’re walking through a funhouse to cabinet doors that refuse to stay shut. Worse, it can throw off appliances, water systems, and slide-outs.
Whether you’re stacking leveling blocks, cranking stabilizing jacks, or working with a high-tech RV leveling system, Parts Via has the parts and know-how to keep your setup safe and steady. Keep reading—we’ll explain everything you need to know to level your RV with confidence.
Automatic vs Manual Leveling RV Systems
There are two primary methods for leveling a trailer: manual and automatic. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s explore both to best understand your options and make the most informed choice for your RVing experience.
Auto-Leveling Systems: Convenient, But Not Without Quirks
Auto-leveling systems represent a significant leap in RV technology and are particularly beneficial for beginners or those who want to skip the hassle of leveling their vehicle by hand. Systems like Lippert’s Ground Control or Titan take care of the heavy lifting for you, quickly adjusting your RV until it reaches a stable, level position.
The convenience is hard to overlook. With the push of a button, your RV’s jacks extend and sensors assess the vehicle’s position. Then, the system makes precise adjustments—all with minimal effort on your part.
That said, auto-leveling isn’t without its quirks. A primary one has to do with how the system functions. Because it extends the jacks downward to level the RV at a new height, it can sometimes lift one or more tires off the ground—an unsettling sight for any camper. This is more likely to happen on significantly uneven terrain, and while the system is designed to handle the weight, having more points of contact always improves overall stability. That’s why many RV owners keep leveling blocks or ramps on hand to prevent overextension and provide extra support.
Another factor to consider is cost. A complete auto-leveling system can easily run $4,000 or more, making it a significant investment. And like any mechanical system, it requires regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly over time.
Manual Leveling: The Hands-On Approach
For those who prefer more control, don’t fully trust automatic systems, or have an RV without auto-leveling, manual leveling is the tried-and-true method. This process involves raising one side of the RV with leveling blocks or ramps before extending the jacks to stabilize the vehicle.
Manual leveling provides greater control over the process. You begin by identifying which side of the RV needs raising and then place leveling blocks or ramps beneath the tires on the lower side of the rig. Once the RV reaches the desired height, you can extend the jacks to fine-tune the balance both side-to-side and front-to-back.
One major advantage of manual leveling is its gradual, controlled nature. You can make small adjustments as needed, reducing the risk of overextending jacks or lifting tires off the ground. This method also works in virtually any setting, making it a reliable choice for uneven campsites.
However, manual leveling takes more time and effort. Plus, positioning blocks and adjusting your RV can be physically demanding, especially with larger rigs. While it’s a dependable method, it does require a bit of patience and practice.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Manual RV Leveling
Manual RV leveling is an essential skill for any RVer, whether or not you have an automatic RV leveling system. Let’s walk through the process of leveling your RV or trailer step by step, ensuring a stable and secure setup using leveling blocks, RV stabilizers, and other essential tools.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have these tools on hand:
- Leveling blocks or ramps: These sturdy platforms are placed under your tires to help raise one side of the RV to a level position. Camco offers two popular options: interlocking Leveling Blocks for customizable stacking and TriLevelers, a ramp-style alternative that provides multiple height options for finer adjustments.
- A bubble level: This tool helps you determine whether your RV is level both side to side and front to back. Many RVs have built-in levels on the exterior, but you can purchase a standalone bubble level as well.
- Your RV’s stabilizing jacks: Once your RV is level, these jacks provide additional support and minimize movement. For better stability, consider using jack stands or pads under the frame, especially for travel trailers, since the standard round metal foot of the jack may not provide enough surface area.
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Wheel Chocks: These are essential for safety, preventing your RV from rolling. Wheel chocks come in rubber, metal, or durable plastic, providing stability for different types of RVs. For trailers with tandem wheels, BAL X-Chocks offer extra security by applying opposing force between tires to prevent shifting.
Step 1: Park Your RV in the Desired Location
Find a safe parking spot, ideally on flat, level ground or in a location where adjustments can be made. Before starting, make sure to engage your RV’s parking brake.
Step 2: Level Side to Side
Place your bubble level inside the RV on a flat surface, such as the floor or kitchen counter, near the center. This will indicate if one side of the RV is higher than the other. If the RV is leaning to one side, you’ll need to elevate the lower side by positioning leveling blocks or ramps in front of the tires. (Start small, you can always add more blocks for a higher lift if necessary.)
Slowly drive the RV forward onto the blocks, ensuring smooth and controlled movement. Check the bubble level as you go to confirm that the RV is getting closer to level. Once parked securely on the blocks, step outside and check the bubble level again—you may need to make small adjustments by adding or removing blocks.
When you’re satisfied with the position, put the wheel chocks in place to prevent the RV from shifting. For tires resting on leveling blocks, large rubber chocks provide a more secure grip, while traditional plastic or metal chocks work best on tires that remain on the ground.
Step 3: Level Front to Back
After leveling your trailer side-to-side, move the bubble level to the front or rear of the RV to determine if the nose is too high or low. Whether using a manual crank or an electric jack, make your adjustments in small increments, checking the bubble level frequently to avoid overshooting the target. Consider placing jack stands or pads under the jacks for extra stability, as the standard metal foot may not provide enough surface area. Re-secure your wheel chocks if needed.
Step 4: Stabilize the RV
With the RV properly leveled, extend the stabilizing jacks at all four corners. Lower them just until they make firm contact with the ground, taking care not to overextend them—remember, these jacks are used to help reduce movement inside the RV, not for lifting.
Get On the Level with Parts Via
Make RV setup easy and hassle-free with reliable leveling and stabilizing gear from Parts Via. Whether you need leveling blocks, RV stabilizers, or heavy-duty wheel chocks, Parts Via has the high-quality equipment to keep your RV secure. Browse our wide selection of RV parts and accessories from trusted brands like CURT, Camco, Husky Towing, and more. Have your order shipped directly to you or enjoy FREE shipping to a local network dealer—maximizing your savings so you can focus on the adventure ahead.