Creative Solutions For Uneven Camper Parking Spots

If you can't level your camper, you may experience some discomfort and inconvenience during your camping trip. An unlevelled camper can cause items to slip off counters and tables, and you may have trouble sleeping due to the uneven surface. Additionally, some appliances, such as refrigerators, may not function properly if the camper is not level. To avoid these issues, it is important to take the time to level your camper before setting up camp. This can be done using levelling blocks or wooden boards to raise the lower side of the camper.

Use a bubble level to check the angle of your camper

Using a bubble level is a simple, low-tech, and affordable way to check the angle of your camper. Bubble levels come in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes, and there are several ways to use them to level your RV.

A bubble level is a sealed tube containing a solution that moves a bubble to the centre of the instrument to indicate when something is horizontally level. When the bubble is centred, your camper is level in that direction. If the bubble is off-centre, you need to raise or lower your camper until the bubble is centred.

You can use a bubble level to level your camper from side to side and front to back. To level your camper from side to side, place a bubble level close to the rear axle of your camper, with the length of the level aligned with the side-to-side axis. If the bubble is off-centre, you can try moving your camper forward or backward to get it level. If that doesn't work, you can add levellers (levelling blocks or pads) under the lower-side tyres and drive up onto them.

Once your camper is level from side to side, you can start the front-to-back levelling process. Place the bubble level so that it aligns with the front-to-back axis of your camper. Then, raise or lower the front of your camper using a tongue jack, front stabilisers, levellers under your front tyres, or your camper's levelling jacks. If you need to use levelling blocks, you can drive up onto them.

There are several types of bubble levels you can use to level your camper. Some are small and can be placed in various spots on your camper using adhesive or screw holes. Others are larger and can be viewed from further away. You can also get electronic bubble levels that light up to indicate whether your camper is level.

Use a bottle jack to raise the camper

If you're struggling to level your camper, a bottle jack can be a great tool to help you out. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use one effectively:

First, it's important to choose the right bottle jack for your camper. The jack should have a weight capacity that's higher than your camper's weight. For example, if your camper weighs 4,000 pounds, consider getting an 8-ton bottle jack, which provides more than enough lifting capacity. You can also opt for a 12-ton bottle jack for greater stability and ease of use.

Next, you'll want to position the bottle jack securely under your camper. Look for a sturdy part of the frame near the axle, such as the U-bolts that clamp the axle to the bottom of the spring. This will ensure that the weight of the camper is supported securely. It's also a good idea to use a wood block between the frame and jack to distribute the force evenly and protect the frame.

When placing the jack, make sure it's on a stable surface. Soft soil or gravel can cause the jack to sink, so consider using wood blocks or jack stands to create a solid base. Additionally, always chock the wheels on both sides of the camper to prevent any unwanted movement.

Once the jack is in position, you can start raising your camper. If you're using wood blocks, place them under the jack to lift it to the appropriate height. Remember to use enough blocks to safely support the weight. It's better to use too many blocks than too few.

After raising your camper, you may want to use jack stands for added safety. Place the jack stands under the frame to support the weight, following the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.

Finally, remember to work on a level surface whenever possible. The ground conditions, such as dirt, gravel, or concrete, can affect the stability of the jacks and your camper. Always assess the ground conditions before beginning any work.

By following these steps, you can effectively use a bottle jack to raise and level your camper, ensuring a comfortable and stable camping experience.

Place blocks under the camper's wheels

Placing blocks under the camper's wheels is a great way to level your RV. This method can be used for both towable RVs and motorized RVs. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

First, you need to position your RV as close as possible to being level from left to right. You can use a handheld bubble level or a built-in level inside your RV to check the side-to-side level. Rolling your RV forward or backward can help you get closer to being level.

Next, decide if you need to raise the left or right tires to become level. If you only need a slight adjustment, try going up on just one block. If you need more height, use two blocks. It is generally not recommended to go up on more than three blocks. You can also make it easier to drive up on the blocks by building a platform with multiple blocks to create a ramp.

Now, look at the angle of your campsite and trailer. Decide whether it will be easier to roll your RV backward onto the blocks or to pull it forward. If you're rolling backward, place the blocks behind the wheel. If you're pulling forward, lay the blocks in front of the wheel.

Slowly pull or roll your RV onto the leveling blocks. It's helpful to have someone guide you through this process. If you're alone, go slowly and check your placement multiple times. Remember to set your parking brake each time you need to leave your tow vehicle.

After positioning your RV on the blocks, check if you are now level. If not, you may need to pull off the blocks, adjust their height, and repeat the process.

Once you've achieved a left-to-right level, it's important to chock your wheels. Place wheel chocks on both sides of the tire that is not raised on blocks to prevent your camper from rolling. Only after the wheel is securely chocked should you unhitch your tow vehicle.

Finally, you can adjust the front-to-back level using a jack. For a towable RV, adjust the A-frame or fifth-wheel landing jack. For a motorized RV, you may need to raise or lower the front or back wheels using blocks.

Remember to always use blocks or jack pads to prevent your jacks from sinking into the ground and potentially damaging the campsite. Also, avoid slippery surfaces as they can cause your RV jacks to slip out of place.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully level your RV by placing blocks under the camper's wheels.

Use wheel chocks to secure the camper

Wheel chocks are an essential safety measure when levelling your camper. They are placed under the wheels of your camper to stop it from rolling away. This is especially important for towable campers, which don't have transmissions or parking brakes.

To use wheel chocks, place them under the wheel, wedging them in place by hand. They should be placed on both sides of the wheel to ensure the camper is secure. If the ground slopes towards the rear of your camper, place the wheel chocks behind the wheels.

You can purchase wheel chocks from general stores and camping supply stores. If you don't have any wheel chocks, you can use wood scraps instead.

Adjust the camper's tongue jack

Adjusting the camper's tongue jack is a crucial step in levelling your RV. The tongue jack is located at the front of your camper or trailer, and it serves multiple purposes:

• Lifting and Lowering: The tongue jack has an adjustable arm with a foot or pad at the bottom. By rotating the handle or using an electric motor, you can extend the arm to raise the front end of your RV, making it easier to level or attach to your towing vehicle.
• Support and Stabilization: Once raised, the tongue jack provides stability and distributes the weight of your RV, preventing it from tilting or swaying during transit or when parked.
• Maneuverability: By lowering the tongue jack, you can adjust the height of the front end, allowing you to move and align your RV with your campsite.
• Levelling: The tongue jack helps you level your RV front to back. By extending or retracting the jack, you can ensure your RV is level when parked, which is essential for appliance operation, stability, and comfort.

When adjusting the tongue jack, here are some key considerations:

• Weight Capacity: Ensure the tongue jack can support the tongue weight of your trailer, which is typically 10%-15% of the trailer's overall weight.
• Maximum Lift/Travel: Check how far the jack extends to ensure it can lift your trailer off the towing vehicle's hitch ball and level it on sloped surfaces.
• Ground Clearance: Consider the protrusion of the jack beneath your trailer's tongue when fully retracted, especially if you camp in rugged or uneven locations.
• Electric vs. Manual: Decide between an electric tongue jack, which operates with the push of a button, and a manual jack, which requires physical cranking. Electric jacks are more expensive but offer greater convenience.
• Lippert 285318 Power Tongue Jack: Electric jack with a 3,500 lb lifting capacity and integrated LED lights for night operation.
• Husky 82022 Super Brute: Feature-rich electric jack with a 5,000 lb capacity, remote control, weather-protected switches, and high-output LED lights.
• Ultra-Fab Phoenix: Fast electric jack with a 4,000 lb capacity, auto stops, adjustable footpad, and built-in LED light.
• Trailer Valet Center Mount Tongue Jack: Manual jack with a 2,000 lb capacity and a 14-inch extension, operable with a hand crank or cordless drill.
• Curt Direct Weld-On Heavy-Duty Trailer Jack: Manual jack with an impressive 8,000 lb lifting capacity and a top-wind handle for easy operation.

Frequently asked questions