Leveling a Travel Trailer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Leveling your travel trailer is a crucial part of setting up camp, ensuring not only your comfort but also the proper functioning of your RV’s systems. An uneven trailer can lead to problems with appliances, difficulty walking inside, and even issues with your plumbing and drainage. To make sure your camping experience is as enjoyable as possible, follow these tips for leveling your travel trailer.

Choose the Right Campsite

The first step in leveling your travel trailer starts before you even park — choose a level campsite. When you arrive at your destination, take some time to scout for the flattest possible spot. Look for a site with minimal slope, as this will make the leveling process easier.

Leveling from Side to Side

Before unhooking your trailer from your tow vehicle, you’ll need to level it from side to side. If the trailer is not level, you can use leveling blocks, also known as RV leveling ramps, under the wheels on the lower side. Start by driving the trailer onto the blocks, adding or removing layers until the bubble level shows that the trailer is even from side to side. It may take a few attempts to get it right, so take your time. Once the trailer is level from side to side, put the tow vehicle in park, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels on both sides to prevent any movement.

Leveling from Front to Back

With the side-to-side leveling completed, you can now unhook the trailer from the tow vehicle and focus on leveling from front to back. This is done using the tongue jack on the front of the trailer. Raise or lower the tongue until the bubble level indicates that the trailer is level in the front-to-back direction. This adjustment is typically easier than side-to-side leveling, as it only requires moving the tongue jack up or down. Once the trailer is level in both directions, ensure the tongue jack is securely locked in place.

Stabilizing the Trailer

Next, deploy the stabilizer jacks at each corner of the camper. These jacks are not designed to lift or level the rig but to keep it stable and reduce swaying. Lower the jacks until they make firm contact with the ground, but don’t overextend them. If the ground is soft or uneven, use wooden blocks or jack pads under the stabilizers to provide a solid, even surface.

With a bit of practice, you’ll soon master the art of leveling, making your camping experiences smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re looking for travel trailers for sale near Vicksburg or Meridian, MS, visit S&S Apache to see what we have in stock. You’ll find us conveniently located in Jackson. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff looks forward to serving you!