How to Level Your RV Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Level Your RV Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Leveling your RV is one of the most important steps in setting up your RV. A level RV ensures comfort, safety, and proper functioning of appliances. Follow these 7 steps to get it right every time:

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

• Find a Flat Area: Look for the flattest site possible before setting up. This minimizes the amount of leveling needed.
• Check for Hazards: Avoid low spots prone to flooding or areas with sharp rocks.

Step 2: Check the Level

• Use a Bubble Level: Place a bubble level inside the RV on a floor, or the kitchen counter, to determine the slope.
• Electronic Levels: If your RV is equipped with an automatic leveling system, use it. Once your system has leveled your RV, double check the side-to-side and front-to-back levels.

Step 3: Level Side-to-Side

• Use Leveling Blocks or Boards: Place leveling blocks or sturdy boards under the wheels on the low side of the RV. Stack them one at a time to achieve the desired height.
• Drive Onto the Blocks: Slowly drive onto the blocks, making minor adjustments as needed. Use a spotter to guide you.
• Double-Check the Level: Recheck the side-to-side level before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Chock the Wheels

• Prevent Movement: Once the RV is side-to-side level, place wheel chocks against the tires to prevent any movement while leveling front-to-back.

Step 5: Level Front-to-Back

• Adjust the Tongue Jack (Travel Trailers): Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the RV until it is level front-to-back. Check your bubble level as you go.
• Use Hydraulic or Electric Jacks (Motorhomes & Fifth Wheels): Start your RV’s automatic leveling system or manually adjust the front and rear jacks until the RV is level.

Step 6: Lower Stabilizer Jacks

• Stabilize, Don’t Lift: Once the RV is level, lower the stabilizer jacks to steady the RV. Remember, these are for stability, not for leveling (do not apply much pressure, 1/4 turn after the stabilizer jack makes contact with the ground is enough)

Step 7: Final Check

• Confirm the Level: Perform a final check with your bubble or electronic level to ensure the RV is level in all directions.
• Test Doors and Appliances: Open cabinet doors and check appliances like the fridge to confirm they work correctly.

Pro Tips for First-Timers

1. Invest in Good Tools: High-quality leveling blocks, bubble levels, and wheel chocks are worth every penny.
2. Practice Makes Perfect: Try leveling your RV in your driveway before your first trip to build confidence.
3. Safety First: Always chock your wheels before adjusting the RV to avoid accidents.

With these steps, you’ll be leveling your RV like a seasoned pro in no time.