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.
Tools you need
Section titled “Tools you need”- 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
Step 1 — Check the level
Section titled “Step 1 — Check the level”- Pull into the site and stop.
- Check the bubble level on the exterior of the camper — passenger side, near the front of the unit, outside the entry door.
- Note whether the front or rear is low.
Step 2 — Level front-to-back
Section titled “Step 2 — Level front-to-back”- Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer.
- Crank the tongue jack until the bubble is centered.
Step 3 — Chock the wheels
Section titled “Step 3 — Chock the wheels”- Place wheel chocks on both sides of the tires to prevent rolling.
Step 4 — Stabilize
Section titled “Step 4 — Stabilize”Stabilizer jacks prevent the camper from rocking — they do not bear the weight of the trailer (that’s the tires and tongue jack).
- Lower each stabilizer jack (4 corners) until it makes firm contact with the ground.
- Snug them up — don’t crank hard enough to lift the tires off the ground.
- Use stabilizer pads under the jacks on soft ground to prevent sinking.
Step 5 — Verify
Section titled “Step 5 — Verify”- 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
Why leveling matters
Section titled “Why leveling matters”| System | Effect of being unlevel |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Absorption fridge loses efficiency or stops cooling |
| Plumbing | Tanks may not drain fully |
| Sleep | You’ll roll to one side all night |
| Doors | May swing open or not latch properly |
Leveling on soft ground
Section titled “Leveling on soft ground”- 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.
Leveling on a slope
Section titled “Leveling on a slope”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).