How to Level a Travel Trailer: A Comprehensive Guide to Ensuring Stability and Comfort on the Road

Leveling a travel trailer is an essential skill for any RV enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice, ensuring your trailer is level not only enhances your comfort but also prevents potential damage to your vehicle and its contents. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and tips to help you achieve the perfect level for your travel trailer.

Why Leveling Your Travel Trailer is Important

Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand why leveling your travel trailer is so important. An unlevel trailer can lead to a host of problems, including:

• Appliance Malfunction: Many RV appliances, such as refrigerators, require a level surface to operate correctly. An unlevel trailer can cause these appliances to malfunction or even break down.
• Water Drainage Issues: Proper drainage is essential for your RV’s plumbing system. If your trailer isn’t level, water may not drain correctly, leading to potential leaks or backups.
• Comfort: Sleeping or sitting in an unlevel trailer can be uncomfortable and may even cause physical strain over time.
• Safety: An unlevel trailer can be unstable, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when moving around inside.

Tools and Equipment Needed for Leveling

To level your travel trailer effectively, you’ll need a few essential tools and pieces of equipment:

1. Leveling Blocks: These are stackable blocks that you place under your trailer’s wheels to raise or lower specific sides.
2. Wheel Chocks: These prevent your trailer from rolling while you’re leveling it.
3. Leveling Jacks: These are mechanical or hydraulic jacks that help lift your trailer to the desired height.
4. Bubble Level: A simple bubble level can help you determine whether your trailer is level.
5. Laser Level: For more precision, a laser level can be used to ensure your trailer is perfectly level.
6. Tongue Jack: This is a jack specifically designed to lift the front of your trailer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling Your Travel Trailer

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Before you start leveling, choose a flat and stable spot to park your trailer. Avoid areas with steep inclines or uneven terrain. If possible, use a leveling pad or a piece of plywood to create a more stable base.

Step 2: Park and Secure Your Trailer

Once you’ve chosen your spot, park your trailer and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks on both sides of the wheels to prevent any movement.

Step 3: Check the Initial Level

Use a bubble level or laser level to check the initial level of your trailer. Place the level on the floor inside the trailer or on a flat surface outside, such as the frame. This will give you an idea of how much adjustment is needed.

Step 4: Adjust the Front-to-Back Level

Start by adjusting the front-to-back level. If the front of the trailer is too low, use the tongue jack to raise it. If the front is too high, lower the tongue jack. Continue adjusting until the front and back are level.

Step 5: Adjust the Side-to-Side Level

Next, adjust the side-to-side level. If one side of the trailer is lower than the other, place leveling blocks under the wheels on the lower side. Stack the blocks as needed to achieve the desired height. Once the blocks are in place, slowly drive the trailer onto them, ensuring that the wheels are securely on the blocks.

Step 6: Recheck the Level

After making adjustments, recheck the level using your bubble or laser level. Make any necessary fine-tuning adjustments to ensure the trailer is perfectly level.

Step 7: Secure the Trailer

Once your trailer is level, secure it by lowering the stabilizing jacks. These jacks help to stabilize the trailer and prevent any movement while you’re inside.

Tips for Leveling Your Travel Trailer

• Use a Leveling App: There are several smartphone apps available that can help you determine whether your trailer is level. These apps use your phone’s built-in sensors to provide accurate readings.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Leveling a travel trailer can take some practice. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.
• Consider Automatic Leveling Systems: If you frequently travel with your trailer, consider investing in an automatic leveling system. These systems use hydraulic jacks to level your trailer at the push of a button.
• Check for Obstacles: Before leveling, check the area around your trailer for any obstacles, such as rocks or tree roots, that could interfere with the leveling process.
• Use a Leveling Pad: If you’re parking on uneven terrain, a leveling pad can help create a more stable base for your trailer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Using Wheel Chocks: Failing to use wheel chocks can result in your trailer rolling while you’re leveling it, which can be dangerous.
• Overloading One Side: Placing too much weight on one side of the trailer can make it difficult to level. Distribute weight evenly to make leveling easier.
• Ignoring the Bubble Level: Relying solely on your eyes to determine if the trailer is level can lead to inaccuracies. Always use a bubble or laser level for precision.
• Rushing the Process: Leveling a travel trailer takes time and patience. Rushing through the process can result in an unlevel trailer and potential damage.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I level my travel trailer without leveling blocks? A: While leveling blocks are the most common tool for leveling a travel trailer, you can also use other methods, such as using wooden planks or even rocks. However, these methods may not provide the same stability and precision as leveling blocks.

Q: How often should I check the level of my travel trailer? A: It’s a good idea to check the level of your travel trailer every time you park it, especially if you’re on uneven terrain. Even small changes in the ground can affect the level of your trailer.

Q: What should I do if my trailer is still unlevel after using leveling blocks? A: If your trailer is still unlevel after using leveling blocks, you may need to adjust the tongue jack or use additional blocks. In some cases, you may need to reposition the trailer to a more level spot.

Q: Can I level my travel trailer on a slope? A: While it’s possible to level a travel trailer on a slope, it can be more challenging. You may need to use more leveling blocks or consider using an automatic leveling system. Always ensure the trailer is stable and secure before entering.

Q: Is it necessary to level my travel trailer if I’m only staying for one night? A: Yes, it’s still important to level your travel trailer even if you’re only staying for one night. An unlevel trailer can cause discomfort and potential damage to your appliances and plumbing system.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your travel trailer is level, stable, and comfortable for your next adventure. Happy travels!