How to Level Travel Trailers

Leveling a travel trailer becomes second-nature with practice.

As many of the spots where you will park your travel trailer will not be perfectly flat, spending a few minutes leveling your travel trailer will make it more comfortable, make cooking easier and will allow water from sinks and the shower to drain properly. While not difficult, leveling a travel trailer does takes a little practice. If your unit is not already so equipped, attaching two bubble levels, obtained at camping and RV supply stores, to the outside of the travel trailer will make the job less frustrating.

Things You'll Need

• Carpenter's level
• 2 bubble levels
• Screw driver
• 4 self-tapping sheet metal screws
• Interlocking plastic leveling blocks
• Wheel chocks
• Stabilizing jacks (if the trailer is not already equipped)

Instructions

1. Locate a level spot, using the carpenter's level, to park your trailer.

2. Place one bubble level on the front of the trailer, facing the tow vehicle, with the edge of the level at the driver's side corner. Hold the level against the trailer so the bubble is perfectly centered and attached with the self-tapping sheet metal screws. Place the other level on the driver's side of the trailer, with the edge of the level at the front corner. Center the bubble and attach.

3. Pull the trailer into the spot where you intend to park and check the bubble level on the front of the trailer, which indicates side-to-side level. If the bubble is off, place leveling-blocks in front of the wheel on the low side and pull the trailer on to the blocks. If it is still off, back the trailer off the block and add more blocks as needed.

4. Set the wheel chocks against the wheels so the trailer does not roll off the blocks and unhitch the trailer from the tow vehicle.

5. Check the bubble level on the side of the trailer and use the trailer's tongue jack -- or landing gear on a fifth-wheel -- to adjust the front-to-back level.

6. Anchor the rear of the trailer with the stabilizing jacks.

Tips & Warnings

• Be absolutely certain the trailer is parked in a level spot and the tires are all properly inflated before you mount the bubble levels, or the readings will always be off.

References

• New RVer: Leveling a trailer or fifth wheel

Resources

• RV Basics: RV Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Leveling Instructions