This is the RV’ers most basic question, how do you level your RV? All RV’s when parked need to be level. Leveling the RV makes for living in the RV much better, as you are not walking up hills or going down them, and you are not sleeping on a downward slant. Also the fridge in your RV needs to be level in order to perform at its optimum efficiency. An Off level fridge will not work as well as a level fridge and in serious cases could damage the fridge. So what is an RV’er to do? Well in my opinion the answer is leveling blocks and bubble levels.
Now some RV’s come with leveling jacks installed which will make the leveling process that much easier. On most travel trailers and fifth wheels they have manual leveling jacks that must be deployed when the trailer is parked and disconnected from its tow vehicle. With most Class “C” motorhomes leveling the RV is a manual process also, and one that takes a bit of practice to get it right every time. So how do I do it?
Well I use Lynx Leveling Blocks, these are like big Lego blocks for RV’s, that can fit together to create a stepped platform where you can then drive you RV up on to the blocks in an attempt to level it out. Each Block is equal to one inch of lift, so with enough blocks you can certainly lift up your RV into a level position. Another thing I have to help leveling are two Hopkins bubble levels mounted inside my RV’s Cab. One is mounted on the door and covers the longitudinal axis and the other is mounted on my dash to cover the horizontal axis. When I drive up and back into my campsite I watch the levels as I move into the campsite and jockey the RV around until I get the bubble levels as close to zero bubble as I can.
The bubble levels are graduated so each graduate is equal to one inch; a quick look at the levels is all it takes to decide how many inches I am off level on both axis. Once I have decided how many inches off level I am then it’s time to go out and place the right amount of leveling blocks in front of the appropriate tires and then build them up until I am at the required inches above ground level to level the RV. Once the blocks are placed then it’s time to slowly drive the RV up on to the blocks and then recheck the bubble levels to see how close I am to zero bubble. This process can take a bit of time and practice to get it right and level the first time. Usually it will take me a couple of attempts before I get the RV completely, or as close to level as possible.
Now there are going to be times when no matter what you do, or how many blocks you have, the campsite you are on just won’t allow you to get your rig completely level. In these cases I attempt to get as close to level as possible, at least with in one to two inches of level. This is not the perfect scenario but one that will work and allow you to live in the RV without too much disorientation due to inclines and declines on your floor. Also the fridge will work ok if it is only off level by one or two inches.
Now this may all sound daunting, but I assure you it isn’t. Leveling your RV can be very simple if you have the right tools in which to level it. Bubble levels certainly make this job of leveling much easier and more exact. Just make sure that when you attach your bubble levels to your RV that the RV is completely level so that your bubble levels will reflect that. Then you are off to the races and you will be able to level your RV just like a pro with minimal effort and time.