Tips and Techniques For Leveling Your RV

As much as we’d like it to be, finding the perfect campsite isn't always a straightforward task. Campgrounds come in various shapes and sizes. Some sites are as level as a pool table, while others are anything but level.  Ensuring that your RV is level is essential, not only for your comfort but also for the safety of your vehicle and its systems. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of leveling your RV. We'll also discuss safe and unsafe angles to help you make the most of your camping experience.

Importance of Leveling Your RV

Before we dive into the practical steps, let's discuss why it's crucial to level your RV. Proper leveling offers several key benefits:

Comfort

Sleeping, cooking, and simply moving around in your RV are far more comfortable when it's level. No one wants to feel like they're constantly leaning or wobbling.

Safety

Leveling your RV enhances stability, reducing the risk of accidents, particularly when it comes to cooking and using appliances.

Amenities

Many of your RV's systems, such as refrigerators, toilets, and water heaters, rely on being level to function properly. If you’re too far out of range, they won’t work.

Proper Drainage

Leveling ensures that water drains away from your RV as intended, preventing potential leaks and damage. It also helps avoid mold growth.

Class A Owners Relax

Good news if your RV is a Class A motorhome. Most Class A’s have auto-leveling systems. One helpful piece of advice when using these time and effort-saving systems is to park with your front wheels toward the downhill side. This is important because your rear wheels lock while you are in “park,” but your front ones do not. If the rear wheels were lifted, the RV could move forward.

Equipment needed to level a class B or C motorhome

Before you start your trip, make sure you have the necessary equipment on hand for leveling your RV when you arrive. The basics include:

Leveling Blocks

These are essential for raising the low side of your RV. You should use specialized RV leveling blocks. They can be purchased in different sizes and weight capacities.

Bubble Level

You'll need a reliable bubble level to check your RV's level from side to side and front to back.

Wheel Chocks

These are important for preventing your RV from rolling when it's parked on an incline.

Stabilizing Jacks

If your RV has stabilizing jacks, you can use them to further stabilize your RV once it's level.

Steps to level your RV

1. Park Your RV: First, park your RV on the chosen campsite, keeping in mind the slope of the terrain. Position your RV with the entrance facing the most desirable view or the best side for your campsite setup.
2. Check Front-to-Back Level: Using your bubble level, check the front-to-back level of your RV. The goal is to have the bubble centered on the level. If it's off-center, you'll need to raise one end of your RV.
3. Use Leveling Blocks: If you need to raise one end, place leveling blocks on the low end. Slowly drive your RV up onto the blocks until the bubble is centered.
4. Recheck the Bubble Level just use the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the RV.
5. Side-to-Side Level: If you need to raise one side, place leveling blocks on the low side. Slowly drive your RV up onto the blocks until the bubble is centered.
6. Stabilizing Jacks: If your RV is equipped with stabilizing jacks, use them to further stabilize your RV. Be sure not to lift your RV with these jacks. They are meant for stabilizing, not leveling.

Safe and Unsafe Slope Angles

All slopes aren’t the same, and it’s important to understand the safe and unsafe slope angles for parking. Here are some general guidelines:

Safe Angles

It's generally safe to park your RV on a slope with a maximum of a 3% to 5% grade. This equates to an angle of about 2-3 degrees. Most RVs can handle this slope without issue.

Caution Required

When parking on a slope with a grade between 5% and 10%, you should exercise caution. Make sure your RV's wheels are well-choked, and you may consider using stabilizing jacks.

Unsafe Angles

Avoid parking on slopes with a grade exceeding 10%. These steep angles can pose safety risks, put excessive stress on your RV's systems, and ultimately lead to stability issues.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the specific capabilities of your RV, as well as your comfort level, should dictate your decisions as you level your RV. If in doubt, consult your RV manufacturer's recommendations or contact your dealer for advice.

Parting Thoughts

Leveling your RV on a slope may seem like a small task, but it is an important one. It takes patience. Even the most experienced RV full-timer may need a couple of tries to get their rig level. Keeping your RV level plays a significant role in ensuring your camping experience is safe and comfortable. Don't be discouraged by uneven terrain; rather, embrace it as part of the journey.

Want to level your own RV?

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always available to help you choose from the highest quality RVs (and more) from top manufacturers. Find a location near you, or shop our online inventory and let our experts help you find the perfect new or used RV for you to level at the most perfect (or imperfect) campsite today.