Installing Load Levelers: A Guide For Camper Trailers

If you're looking to install load levellers on your camper trailer, you're probably hoping to make your camping experience a little more comfortable. A levelled camper trailer ensures that all components will function properly, from pumps and compressors to doors and cupboards. There are a few different ways to level your camper trailer, from manual methods to automatic systems. Manual levelling involves using tools like a bubble level and wheel blocks to adjust the height of your trailer, while automatic systems use hydraulic jacks to find the perfect level with the push of a button. When it comes to choosing levelling blocks, there are a variety of options available, from plastic wedges to wooden boards. It's important to select a well-known brand and consider the weight capacity and lifting range that you'll need for your trailer. Remember to always follow safety precautions and never lift your trailer beyond the capacity of your levelling system.

Choosing the right levellers for your camper trailer

There are two primary types of levellers for camper trailers: block style and wedge style. The type of levellers you choose will depend on the weight of your trailer, the ground you are parking on, and your budget.

Block-style levellers

Block-style levellers, also known as building-block style levellers, are a stackable system of levelling blocks that you place in front of or behind your trailer tyres. You then drive your trailer onto the blocks to raise it to the desired height. Examples of block-style levellers include Lynx Levelers and Camco levellers.

Pros of block-style levellers

• They are a well-known and popular levelling system.
• They are suitable for heavier trailers.
• They are generally less expensive than wedge-style levellers.

Cons of block-style levellers

• They can be difficult to use if your trailer tyres are very close together, as there may not be enough room to stack the blocks.
• They can be time-consuming to use, as you may need to get out of your vehicle multiple times to adjust the blocks.
• They can be difficult to use on soft ground, as they may sink into the ground.

Wedge-style levellers

Wedge-style levellers, also known as ramp-style levellers, are shaped like wedges or ramps. You place the wedges in front of or behind the tyres that need to be lifted, then drive forward until your trailer is level. Examples of wedge-style levellers include Beech Lane levellers and Andersen levellers.

Pros of wedge-style levellers

• They are easy to use, as you don't need to guess how many blocks to stack or get out of your vehicle multiple times to adjust the height.
• They are less likely to slip on hard surfaces than block-style levellers.
• They can be used on soft ground without sinking as much as block-style levellers.

Cons of wedge-style levellers

• They are more expensive than block-style levellers.
• They may not work well if your trailer tyres are very close together, as there may not be enough room for the wedges.
• They may not be suitable for very heavy trailers.

Other factors to consider

• If you have a manual tongue jack, consider replacing it with an automatic jack, which is easier to use, especially if you have a bad back.
• If you have hydraulic levelling jacks, you should still carry levelling blocks, as you may encounter soft ground that causes your jacks to sink.
• If you are levelling your trailer on your own, consider investing in a Level Mate Pro, which allows you to see in real time whether your trailer is level without getting out of your vehicle.

Positioning your trailer

When backing up a travel trailer, try to get as close as possible to levelling it from side to side. Rolling forward or backward as you pull can help you get close to a level left to right. Use a handheld bubble level or a built-in level inside your RV to check its level from side to side. Place the level on the floor, the rear bumper, or a countertop to check.

If you are close to levelling, try going up on just one block. If you are off by a bit, try going up onto two blocks. It is not recommended to go up more than three blocks. You can also build a platform to make it easier to drive up or roll back onto the blocks. For example, use five blocks to make a ramp to go up the height of two blocks.

Look at the angle of your campsite and trailer and decide if it will be easier to roll back onto blocks or pull the RV forward onto them. If you are going to roll back, place the blocks behind the wheel. For pulling forward, lay the blocks in front of the wheel.

Pull your towable onto the levelling blocks slowly. It is best to have someone who knows how to guide an RV to help you with this process. If you are alone, go slow and check your placement several times. Each time you need to leave your tow vehicle, set your parking brake.

Check to see if you are now level. If not, you may need to pull off the blocks, add another level, and repeat the process.

Using levelling blocks

Step 1: Choose the Right Levelling Blocks

Select levelling blocks that are suitable for your camper trailer's weight and tyre size. There are various options available, such as plastic levelling blocks, wooden boards, or specialised products like the Andersen Levelers or Beech Lane Camper Levelers. These products are designed to bear the weight of your trailer and provide a stable base.

Step 2: Position Your Camper Trailer

When parking your camper trailer, try to get as close as possible to being level from side to side. You can adjust this by rolling forward or backward as you pull into the site. Use a bubble level to check the level from side to side. Place the bubble level on the floor, rear bumper, or a countertop of your camper trailer.

Step 3: Set Up the Levelling Blocks

Decide if you need to raise the right or left side of your camper trailer to achieve a level position. Assess how many levelling blocks you will need. If you are close to level, you may only need one block. If you are off by a bit, try using two blocks. It is generally not recommended to stack more than three blocks. You can also create a ramp by placing five blocks together to make it easier to drive onto the levelling blocks.

Step 4: Drive or Pull Onto the Levelling Blocks

Consider the angle of your campsite and trailer. Decide whether it will be easier to roll back onto the blocks or pull forward onto them. If rolling back, place the blocks behind the wheels. If pulling forward, position the blocks in front of the wheels. Drive or pull your camper trailer onto the levelling blocks slowly and carefully. It is recommended to have someone guide you during this process. If you are alone, go slow and check your placement multiple times.

Step 5: Chock the Wheels

Once you have achieved a level position from side to side, it's time to chock the wheels. Place wheel chocks on both sides of the tires that are not raised on the blocks. This will prevent your camper trailer from rolling.

Step 6: Level Front to Back

After levelling side to side, it's time to level your camper trailer from front to back. Use your bubble level again to check the level in this direction. Place the bubble level on the floor inside your trailer to check the front-to-back level.

Step 7: Adjust the Jack

Level your trailer by raising or lowering the tongue jack. You may need to add levelling blocks under the jack if the ground is uneven. Adjust the jack until your bubble level reads the middle, indicating a level position.

Step 8: Stabilize Your Camper Trailer

Now that your camper trailer is level, lower the stabilizing jacks. These jacks provide additional stability and support for your trailer. Ensure that your RV is fully level before lowering the stabilizing jacks.

By following these steps and using levelling blocks, you can ensure that your camper trailer is level and stable, providing a comfortable and safe camping experience.

Chocking the wheels

Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of chocks. Chocks are wedges placed behind the wheels of your camper trailer to prevent the natural movement of the wheels, especially when parked on an incline. The correct type of chock is essential for your safety. There are various options available on the market, such as standard ramp-shaped wedge-style chocks and X-chocks. Standard chocks are commonly used with recreational vehicles like camper trailers. X-chocks, on the other hand, are typically used for larger vehicles towing double-axle trailers.

When chocking your camper trailer, it is recommended to have a set of chocks for each wheel. Place one chock in front and one behind each wheel. If your trailer has tandem axles, ensure you have a set for all tandem wheels. It is important to note that you only need to chock the wheels on one side of the trailer, not both. Additionally, be cautious when placing chocks on certain surfaces. For example, if you are parked on snow-covered ground, the snow may melt, rendering the chocks ineffective. In such cases, X-chocks or ball X-chocks are a better option as they can be used on both sides of the tandem wheels to balance the trailer effectively.

When it comes to choosing the right chocks, solid rubber wheel chocks are considered the safest option. They come in various sizes and designs and provide a good grip on the road, reducing the risk of sliding. Plastic chocks are also available, but they may not offer the same level of grip as rubber chocks. If you are handy, you can even make your own wooden chocks, although these may not be as effective as store-bought options.

The process of chocking your camper trailer is straightforward. Once you have parked your vehicle and engaged the emergency brake, simply slide the chocks under the wheels. If you are chocking a trailer, it is crucial to do so before disconnecting the tow vehicle. Ensure that the chocks fit properly under both sides of the wheels, and never park on an incline. Additionally, avoid using chocks on gravel surfaces as they may slide, defeating their purpose.

Remember to carry extra chocks with you when travelling. They are small and easy to store, and having spares can be a lifesaver if your primary chocks break or go missing.

Stabilising your trailer

Once you have levelled your camper trailer, you will need to stabilise it. Stabilising your trailer is vital for creating a comfortable camping experience.

Step 1: Use Your Bubble Level

First, grab your bubble level and check the level of your trailer front to back. Place the level on the floor inside your trailer to check the front-to-back level.

Step 2: Adjust the Jack

Now, level your trailer by raising or lowering your trailer's tongue jack. Some jacks are power jacks, and some are manual hand-crank jacks.

Step 3: Place Your Jacks

Now that your trailer is level, lower (or place) your stabilising jacks onto jack pads. Extend just until they make solid contact with the pad and be sure there is equal pressure on all of them. These jacks are for stabilising only and should not be used to lift your trailer to adjust the level.

Step 4: Don't Extend Your Slideouts

Do not extend your trailer slideouts until your trailer is level and stable.

Step 5: Use Wheel Chocks

Wheel chocks are also important for stabilisation. Chock your wheels once you are level from left to right. Place a wheel chock on both sides of the tire so that your camper can't roll.

Frequently asked questions