How to Level a Travel Trailer on a Permanent Site

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How to Level a Travel Trailer on a Permanent Site

If you’re a full-time RVer or just planning on spending a long time at a particular campsite, it’s important to know how to level your travel trailer properly. A level trailer is not only more comfortable to live in, but it’s also safer and more stable.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different methods for leveling a travel trailer, as well as some tips for making the process easier. We’ll also cover some common mistakes to avoid.

So whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a newbie, read on for all the information you need to know about leveling your travel trailer on a permanent site!

| Step | Action | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Choose a level spot. | Leveling blocks, chocks, or a wedge |
| 2 | Extend the stabilizers. | Winch or crank |
| 3 | Level the trailer from side to side. | Leveling blocks or chocks |
| 4 | Level the trailer front to back. | Wedge |
| 5 | Check the levelness of the trailer. | Bubble level |

Leveling a travel trailer on a permanent site is essential for a safe and comfortable camping experience. A level trailer will be more stable, easier to move around, and less likely to leak. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of leveling a travel trailer on a permanent site, step-by-step.

Choosing the Right Spot

The first step to leveling a travel trailer is choosing the right spot. Level ground is essential for a stable trailer, so it’s important to find a spot that is relatively flat. You should also consider the slope of the land, drainage, and proximity to trees and other obstacles.

When choosing a spot, keep the following factors in mind:

  • Level ground: The ground should be as level as possible. If the ground is sloped, you may need to build up one side of the trailer with blocks or gravel.
  • Drainage: The area should be well-drained, so that water does not pool around the trailer.
  • Proximity to trees and other obstacles: Avoid placing the trailer too close to trees or other obstacles, as these can block the wind and make it difficult to level the trailer.

If possible, choose a spot that will be protected from the wind. A windy spot can make it difficult to level the trailer and can also cause the trailer to sway.

Setting Up the Trailer

Once you’ve chosen a spot, you can begin setting up the trailer. The first step is to connect the trailer to the water and electrical hookups. If you are not using a permanent hookup, you will need to bring your own water and power.

Next, you will need to level the trailer. To do this, you will need to use the leveling jacks on the trailer. The leveling jacks are located at each corner of the trailer.

To level the trailer, follow these steps:

1. Place a level on the front, back, and sides of the trailer.
2. Adjust the leveling jacks as needed until the trailer is level.
3. Once the trailer is level, you can secure it in place with the wheel chocks.

Checking the Level

It is important to check the level of the trailer regularly, especially if you are using it in windy conditions. To check the level, simply place a level on the front, back, and sides of the trailer. If the trailer is not level, you will need to adjust the leveling jacks as needed.

Leveling a travel trailer on a permanent site is essential for a safe and comfortable camping experience. By following these steps, you can easily level your trailer and enjoy your camping trip without any worries.

3. Securing the Trailer

Once the trailer is level, you’ll need to secure it in place. This will prevent it from rolling away or rocking in the wind. There are a few different ways to do this:

  • Use wheel chocks. Wheel chocks are blocks of wood or plastic that you place behind the wheels of the trailer to prevent them from rolling. They are typically made of a non-slip material so that they will stay in place even on wet or muddy ground.
  • Use a stabilizer system. A stabilizer system is a set of devices that connect to the trailer and the ground to keep it from rocking. There are a variety of different stabilizer systems available, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.

If you’re on a slope, you’ll need to take extra precautions to secure the trailer. In addition to using wheel chocks and a stabilizer system, you may also need to use a wedge or chock under the tongue of the trailer to prevent it from sliding down the hill.

4. Maintaining the Level

The ground can settle over time, so you’ll need to check the level of your trailer regularly. If the trailer becomes unlevel, you’ll need to make adjustments to the leveling jacks to bring it back into level.

To check the level of your trailer, you can use a level or a bubble gage. A level is a simple tool that you can use to check the level of the trailer from side to side. A bubble gage is a more accurate tool that you can use to check the level of the trailer front to back and side to side.

To make adjustments to the leveling jacks, you’ll need to raise or lower each jack until the trailer is level. You can do this by turning the crank on the jack until it reaches the desired height.

It’s important to maintain the level of your trailer for several reasons. A level trailer is more stable and comfortable to drive, and it’s also less likely to damage the tires or axles. Additionally, a level trailer will provide you with more storage space and a more comfortable place to sleep.

Additional Tips

  • If you’re not sure how to level your trailer, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
  • There are a variety of leveling tools available on the market, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.
  • By following these tips, you can ensure that your travel trailer is level and stable, providing you with a comfortable and safe place to stay.

Leveling a travel trailer on a permanent site can be a challenge, but it’s important to do it correctly for safety and comfort. By following these tips, you can ensure that your trailer is level and stable, providing you with a great place to stay for your next camping trip.

How do I level a travel trailer on a permanent site?

There are a few different ways to level a travel trailer on a permanent site. The best method for you will depend on the type of site you have and the type of trailer you are using.

1. Use a built-in leveling system

Some travel trailers come with a built-in leveling system that makes it easy to level the trailer on uneven ground. This system usually consists of a series of jacks that can be raised or lowered to adjust the height of the trailer.

To use a built-in leveling system, follow these steps:

1. Park the trailer on the site and extend the jacks.
2. Use a level to check the level of the trailer.
3. Raise or lower the jacks as needed until the trailer is level.
4. Once the trailer is level, you can secure it in place with wheel chocks.

2. Use blocks or ramps

If your travel trailer does not have a built-in leveling system, you can use blocks or ramps to level it.

To use blocks or ramps, follow these steps:

1. Park the trailer on the site and extend the jacks.
2. Place blocks or ramps under the tires of the trailer.
3. Use a level to check the level of the trailer.
4. Raise or lower the jacks as needed until the trailer is level.
5. Once the trailer is level, you can secure it in place with wheel chocks.

3. Use a laser level

A laser level can be a helpful tool for leveling a travel trailer on a permanent site.

To use a laser level, follow these steps:

1. Park the trailer on the site and extend the jacks.
2. Turn on the laser level and place it on a level surface.
3. Use the laser level to project a beam of light onto the ground.
4. Position the trailer so that the beam of light is centered on the axles of the trailer.
5. Raise or lower the jacks as needed until the beam of light is level.
6. Once the trailer is level, you can secure it in place with wheel chocks.

4. Use a professional leveling service

If you are not comfortable leveling your travel trailer yourself, you can hire a professional leveling service.

A professional leveling service will use specialized equipment to level your trailer quickly and accurately.

To hire a professional leveling service, contact a local RV dealer or campground.

What are the different types of leveling systems?

There are two main types of leveling systems for travel trailers: built-in systems and portable systems.

Built-in leveling systems are typically found on higher-end travel trailers. These systems consist of a series of jacks that can be raised or lowered to adjust the height of the trailer. Built-in leveling systems are usually very easy to use, but they can be expensive.

Portable leveling systems are a more affordable option for travel trailers. These systems consist of a series of blocks or ramps that can be placed under the tires of the trailer to level it. Portable leveling systems are easy to use, but they can be more time-consuming to set up than built-in leveling systems.

What are the steps involved in leveling a travel trailer?

The steps involved in leveling a travel trailer will vary depending on the type of leveling system you are using. However, the following steps are a general guide:

1. Park the trailer on the site and extend the jacks.
2. Use a level to check the level of the trailer.
3. Raise or lower the jacks as needed until the trailer is level.
4. Once the trailer is level, you can secure it in place with wheel chocks.

What are some common mistakes people make when leveling a travel trailer?

There are a few common mistakes people make when leveling a travel trailer. These mistakes can lead to the trailer being unstable and unsafe.

Some common mistakes include:

  • Not using a level to check the level of the trailer.
  • Raising or lowering the jacks too quickly.
  • Not securing the trailer in place with wheel chocks.

To avoid these mistakes, it is important to follow the steps outlined in this guide carefully.

What are the risks of not leveling a travel trailer?

If a travel trailer is not leveled properly, it can be unstable and unsafe. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

  • The trailer can tip over, which can be dangerous for the people inside.
  • The trailer can leak, which can damage the interior of the trailer

    leveling a travel trailer on a permanent site is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can ensure that your trailer is level and stable, providing you with a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember:

  • The most important factor in leveling a travel trailer is to ensure that the front and back of the trailer are level. You can do this by using a level or by measuring from the ground to the top of the tires.
  • Once the front and back of the trailer are level, you can adjust the stabilizer jacks to level the sides of the trailer.
  • It is important to check the level of your trailer regularly, especially if you are camping on uneven ground.
  • By following these tips, you can easily level your travel trailer and enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.