When embarking on an RV camping trip, it’s easy to get caught up in your wilderness adventure and lose sight of the factors that can make your outdoor vacation a challenging experience. If you’re traveling in an RV, you need to have all the tools and knowledge you need to level your RV. 

RV leveling is all about properly situating your vehicle on uneven slopes or campgrounds with less than even ground. An RV that is not leveled on campgrounds can cause camping problems and overall discomfort. Read on to learn more about RV leveling so you can simplify your trip and enjoy your adventure to the fullest. 

What is an RV Leveler?

RV levelers (also known as jack pads or stabilizer pads) help keep your RV stabilized and even with the terrain. These pads are placed under the wheels of an RV to help keep your rigs balanced and bring your vehicle to a proper level point. 
Without them, you run the risk of not only damaging your vehicle’s interiors but also making your camping trip extremely unpleasant. Items might break, you may lose sleep, and appliances could malfunction. It’s safe to say that it won’t be the camping trip you imagined. 

Types of RV Leveling Systems

When selecting an RV leveler, keep in mind two crucial factors: How easy they are to use and whether or not they can simplify your outdoor experience. With these factors in mind, here are some of the best RV leveling systems you should consider for your next trip.

Leveling Jacks

The benefit of leveling jacks is that most RVs now come equipped with factory-mounted ones. If your RV comes equipped with hand-cranked jacks, lower them until the jacks can support some of the vehicle’s weight. Doing so will help level the RV and keep it stabilized. Never attempt to pull away while your RV is leveled with these jacks. If you do, you can damage your jacks or tear them off completely.

Hydraulic Leveling Systems

Unlike hand-cranked jacks, hydraulic leveling systems rely on the push of multiple buttons, so you don’t have to worry about performing manual labor. Be sure to lift an entire side of your RV simultaneously to avoid twisting your unit and risking damage to your vehicle. While hydraulic systems provide strong leveling support, they’re not very efficient on soft terrains. If you attempt to use hydraulic levelers on soft terrain, they might sink into the ground. Stick to hard surfaces if you’re using this system.

Leveling Blocks

Also known as jack pads, leveling blocks operate as mini ramps that you drive your tires upon. While plastic leveling blocks can be easily snapped together, these blocks are not strong enough to maintain some heavier RVs. When it comes to using leveling blocks, align them directly behind each wheel, and make sure you stack them the same way. Center your blocks underneath the middle of your hubcaps and keep surrounding areas free of debris.

Dos and Don'ts of RV Leveling

To ensure that your RV camping experience goes as smoothly as possible, here are some RV leveling dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Dos

• Park with the front end of your RV facing downward as your rear tires will lock in place.
• Try to park your RV as close to level as possible to avoid issues and unnecessary work.
• Consider using wheel chocks for your front tires to prevent your RV from rolling forward.
• Have someone help you during the leveling process, and follow manufacturer recommendations.

Don’ts

• Avoid slick and icy surfaces because they can make your jacks slip out of place.
• Never use your scissor jacks to level your RV.
• Do not unhitch your vehicle until your wheel chocks are firmly in place.
• Never use blocks on all four wheels because one wheel needs to be on the ground at all times.

Leveling with Cruise America

Take the stress out of RV leveling with a Cruise America RV rental that comes equipped with all the amenities you need to feel at home on the road. While you might need to bring RV leveling tools along, the modern features that each Cruise America rental RV offers will more than make up for the leveling work.

Whether you’re looking for a standard RV with a built-in kitchen or a more luxurious one with a power generator and a shower, Cruise America is more than ready to provide you with a vehicle that perfectly fits your adventurous lifestyle. Contact us, and get started on your next outdoor adventure!