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Last updated: May 25, 2026

Leveling & Stabilizing

Leveling is one of the most important steps when setting up camp. An unlevel camper causes problems with the refrigerator, sleep comfort, and plumbing.

  • Bubble level (built into the camper exterior — passenger side, near the front of the unit, outside the entry door)
  • Leveling blocks (Lynx blocks, Camco leveling ramps, or wood boards)
  • Wheel chocks
  • Stabilizer jack wrench or drill with 3/4” socket adapter
  1. Pull into the site and stop.
  2. Check the bubble level on the exterior of the camper — passenger side, near the front of the unit, outside the entry door.
  3. Note whether the front or rear is low.
  1. Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer.
  2. Crank the tongue jack until the bubble is centered.
  1. Place wheel chocks on both sides of the tires to prevent rolling.

Stabilizer jacks prevent the camper from rocking — they do not bear the weight of the trailer (that’s the tires and tongue jack).

  1. Lower each stabilizer jack (4 corners) until it makes firm contact with the ground.
  2. Snug them up — don’t crank hard enough to lift the tires off the ground.
  3. Use stabilizer pads under the jacks on soft ground to prevent sinking.
  • Bubble level is centered front-to-back
  • Wheel chocks are in place
  • All 4 stabilizer jacks are down and snug
  • Camper doesn’t rock when you walk inside
SystemEffect of being unlevel
RefrigeratorAbsorption fridge loses efficiency or stops cooling
PlumbingTanks may not drain fully
SleepYou’ll roll to one side all night
DoorsMay swing open or not latch properly
  • Use stabilizer pads (plastic squares) under each jack foot.
  • Use tire pads under leveling blocks to prevent sinking.
  • If the ground is very soft, consider a different site.

For steep slopes, use a leveling ramp (like Camco’s) rather than stacking many blocks. Stacked blocks can shift.

Maximum recommended off-level: 6° front-to-back (for refrigerator operation).