How To Level A Motorhome: RV Perfection

Can you level a motorhome with just blocks? Yes, you can level a motorhome with just blocks, but using a combination of blocks and other leveling tools often provides the best and most secure results.

Getting your motorhome perfectly level is crucial for comfort, safety, and the proper functioning of your appliances. A tilted RV can lead to uneven weight distribution, which stresses the chassis and suspension. It can also affect how your refrigerator operates (most RV fridges need to be level to cool efficiently) and make sleeping or even walking around feel awkward. This RV leveling guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve RV perfection.

Why Leveling Your Motorhome Matters

Imagine sleeping on a slope, or worse, having your morning coffee slide off the counter. That’s the reality of an unlevel motorhome. Beyond the immediate discomfort, there are more serious reasons why how to level a motorhome is a skill every owner needs.

Appliance Functionality: Refrigerators in RVs use a thermoelectric cooling system. If the RV is not level, the coolant can pool in one area, preventing the fridge from cooling properly. This can lead to spoiled food.
Comfort and Sleep: A level surface makes sleeping, sitting, and moving around your RV much more comfortable. No more rolling out of bed in the middle of the night!
Plumbing: Water drainage in sinks and showers relies on gravity. If your RV is tilted, water may not drain correctly, leading to standing water and potential mildew issues.
Chassis and Tire Wear: Driving an unlevel motorhome, even for short distances, can put undue stress on your tires and suspension components. Consistent leveling is key to preventing premature wear.
Slide-Out Operation: While many modern RVs have built-in safety features, some manufacturers recommend that the RV be level before extending slide-outs. This ensures the slide-outs operate smoothly and without excessive strain on their mechanisms.

Methods for Motorhome Leveling

There are several ways to achieve a level RV, ranging from simple manual methods to sophisticated automatic systems. The best way to level a motorhome often depends on your budget, the type of RV you own, and your personal preference.

Manual Motorhome Leveling: The Foundation

Manual leveling is the traditional method and requires a bit of physical effort and some helpful tools. It’s a fundamental skill for any RVer.

Key Tools for Manual Leveling:

Bubble Level: You’ll need a good quality bubble level. A torpedo level is useful for checking side-to-side and front-to-back levels on a flat surface. Many RVers also place smaller levels on countertops or the floor to get a quick visual.
Motorhome Leveling Blocks: These are essential. They are stackable plastic or wood blocks that you place under your tires to raise one side of the RV. They distribute the weight and prevent the tires from sinking into soft ground. Motorhome leveling blocks are typically made of durable plastic and often have a ramped design to make it easier to drive onto them.
Chocks: Wheel chocks are placed around your tires to prevent the RV from rolling. This is a critical safety step, especially when you’re working with jacks or driving onto blocks.
Ramp or Stacking Blocks: These are what you’ll drive up on to raise the RV.

Step-by-Step Manual Leveling Process:

Parking and Initial Assessment: Find a suitable spot and park your motorhome. Before doing anything else, get out and assess. Use your bubble level on a flat surface inside your RV (like a countertop). Check both side-to-side and front-to-back. The goal is to get these indicators showing the bubble centered.
Determine Which Side is Low: If the bubble is off-center, determine if the RV is low on the driver’s side or passenger’s side, or if the front is lower than the back.
Place Leveling Blocks: If one side is lower, you’ll need to lift that side. Drive the tires on the low side onto your motorhome leveling blocks. Start with just one block and re-check your level. Add more blocks as needed. It’s better to add blocks incrementally rather than all at once.
- Tip: Always place blocks in front of the tires you’ll be driving onto.
Driving Onto Blocks: Slowly and carefully drive the RV onto the stacked blocks until the RV is level side-to-side. Have a spotter outside to guide you and watch for clearances.
Secure Tires: Once the RV is at the correct height on the blocks, place wheel chocks securely around the tires on the elevated side and the opposite side to prevent any movement.
Leveling Front-to-Back: If your RV is also not level front-to-back, you will use the front and rear leveling jacks for RVs to make the final adjustments. Most motorhomes have jacks located at each corner.
- Motorhome leveling from the front can be done by extending the front jacks to lift the front slightly or retracting them to lower it. Similarly, you can adjust the rear jacks.
- Caution: Never use the jacks to lift the RV completely off the ground if you are only trying to level side-to-side. The jacks are designed for fine-tuning and stabilization, not for lifting the entire weight of the RV.
Final Check: Once you’ve made adjustments with the jacks, use your bubble level again inside the RV to ensure everything is perfectly level in both directions.

Stabilizing Your RV: More Than Just Leveling

While leveling makes the RV sit flat, how to stabilize an RV deals with preventing rocking and movement when you’re inside.

Leveling Jacks: As mentioned, the leveling jacks at each corner of the RV are also its primary stabilizers. Once the RV is level and chocked, extend the jacks until they make firm contact with the ground. They should be snug but not so tight that they lift the tires off the ground. Lifting the tires can put stress on the RV’s frame.
X-Chocks or Tire Locks: These devices fit between dual tires or around single tires and are tightened to lock the wheels together. They significantly reduce rocking and provide an extra layer of security.
Scissor Jacks: Some smaller RVs or trailers might use scissor jacks at the corners. These are similar in function to the automatic jacks on motorhomes, providing both leveling and stabilization.

Automatic Leveling Systems for Motorhomes: The Modern Approach

For those seeking convenience and speed, an automatic leveling system for motorhomes is a game-changer. These systems, often referred to as RV auto leveling, typically use hydraulic or electric jacks to automatically level the RV.

How RV Auto Leveling Works:

These systems usually consist of:

Control Panel: Located inside the RV, often near the driver’s seat.
Jacks: Typically four jacks, one at each corner of the RV’s chassis.
Sensors: These measure the tilt of the RV.

The Process with an Automatic System:

Park and Prepare: Park your motorhome in its desired spot. Ensure there are no obstructions around the jacks.
Activate the System: Turn on the leveling system via the control panel.
Auto-Level Function: Press the “Auto Level” button. The system will then automatically deploy the jacks, lift the RV, make adjustments, and stabilize it until all sensors indicate it is level.
Manual Override: Most systems also have a manual mode, allowing you to adjust individual jacks if needed. This can be useful if the automatic system encounters an obstacle or doesn’t achieve perfect level.
Retraction: When it’s time to move, you typically press a “Retract All” button, and the jacks will pull back up into their stowed positions.

Pros of RV Auto Leveling:

Convenience: Extremely easy to use.
Speed: Much faster than manual leveling.
Precision: Often achieves a very precise level.
Reduced Effort: No physical labor required.

Cons of RV Auto Leveling:

Cost: These systems can be expensive to purchase and install.
Complexity: Can be more complex to repair if something goes wrong.
Weight: Adds some weight to the RV.
Ground Clearance: The jacks can reduce ground clearance, especially on uneven terrain.

Propane Tank Leveling: An Unusual but Possible Method

While not a primary method, in a pinch, some RVers might consider how to use their propane tank leveling. This is not a recommended or standard practice for achieving a fully level RV. Propane tanks are designed to supply fuel, not to support the weight of an entire motorhome.

Risks: Using propane tanks as leveling blocks is extremely dangerous. They are not designed for this purpose and could rupture or leak, creating a serious fire hazard. They also offer a very unstable base.
Alternative: Always use approved motorhome leveling blocks or hydraulic jacks. If you are in a situation where you lack proper leveling equipment, it is best to find a more suitable parking spot or postpone your stay until you can acquire the necessary gear.

Advanced Tips for RV Perfection

Achieving perfect RV leveling is an art that improves with practice. Here are some advanced tips:

Pre-Trip Inspection

Before you even leave your driveway, ensure your leveling equipment is in good condition. Check your blocks for cracks, your jacks for leaks, and your level for accuracy.

Knowing Your RV

Weight Distribution: Be aware of how the weight in your RV is distributed. Loading heavy items unevenly can affect how it sits even when level.
Jack Placement: Understand where the jacks are located on your chassis and their lifting capacity.

Site Selection

Hard, Level Ground: Whenever possible, choose a parking spot that is already as level as possible. This will minimize the amount of adjusting you need to do.
Avoid Soft Ground: Soft ground can cause your tires to sink and your jacks to settle, requiring frequent re-leveling.
Consider Overhead Obstructions: Be mindful of trees or power lines when extending jacks or slide-outs.

Using a Leveling App

Many smartphone apps can help you level your RV. These apps use your phone’s internal sensors to tell you if your RV is level. Some can even guide you through the process by telling you which corner to adjust.

The Diagonal Method (Manual Leveling Refinement)

Some experienced RVers use a diagonal method for manual leveling:

Start by leveling side-to-side using blocks.
Once side-to-side is perfect, use the leveling jacks for RVs to level front-to-back.
Crucially, after leveling front-to-back, re-check side-to-side. Often, adjusting one direction will slightly affect the other. Repeat the adjustments until both are perfect. This is where an automatic leveling system for motorhomes truly shines, as it handles these interdependencies automatically.

When to Use Blocks vs. Jacks

Blocks: Best for initial side-to-side adjustments, especially when significant lifting is required. They provide a stable base.
Jacks: Best for fine-tuning and stabilizing once the bulk of the leveling is done with blocks. They handle the front-to-back adjustments and secure the RV.

Common Motorhome Leveling Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Solution
Soft or Uneven Ground	Use wider, more stable leveling blocks. Consider a larger base plate under your jacks. Avoid parking on very soft ground if possible.
Significant Slope	Stack more motorhome leveling blocks. If the slope is too extreme, consider finding a different parking spot.
Jacks Not Reaching the Ground	Use motorhome leveling blocks to raise the RV enough so the jacks can engage the ground.
RV Rocking Even After Leveling	Ensure jacks are firmly seated and slightly extended to stabilize. Use additional wheel chocks or X-chocks.
Automatic Leveling System Errors	Consult your RV’s manual. Sometimes, obstructions or sensor issues can cause errors. Manual override might be necessary.
Leveling Affected by Slide-Out Extension/Retraction	Some RVs require leveling before extending slide-outs. If you’re using an automatic leveling system for motorhomes, ensure it’s activated before extending slides. Check your RV’s manual for guidance.
Propane Tank Leveling Perceived Need	DO NOT use propane tanks for leveling. This is unsafe. Use proper motorhome leveling blocks or jacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know if my motorhome is level?

A1: The most accurate way is to use a bubble level placed on a flat surface inside your RV, such as a countertop or the floor. Check for levelness both side-to-side and front-to-back. Many RVers also place small levels in different locations as a quick visual check.

Q2: Can I use my RV’s hydraulic jacks to level side-to-side?

A2: Yes, you can use the hydraulic jacks for side-to-side leveling, but it’s often easier and safer to use motorhome leveling blocks for the primary side-to-side adjustment, especially if a significant height difference needs to be addressed. The jacks are then used for fine-tuning and stabilization. Driving onto blocks is generally more stable than relying solely on jacks to lift an entire side significantly.

Q3: What is the difference between leveling and stabilizing an RV?

A3: Leveling refers to making the RV sit flat and horizontal. Stabilizing refers to preventing the RV from rocking or moving when people walk inside or when there are external forces like wind. While leveling jacks serve both purposes, stabilizing also involves chocks and other devices to prevent movement.

Q4: How do I level a motorhome from the front if it’s low?

A4: To level a motorhome from the front if it’s low, you will need to extend the front leveling jacks for RVs. If the front is too high, you would retract them. Always make adjustments incrementally and check your level frequently.

Q5: Is an automatic leveling system for motorhomes worth the cost?

A5: For many RVers, especially those who travel frequently or have mobility issues, an automatic leveling system for motorhomes is absolutely worth the cost for the convenience and speed it offers. However, if you are on a tight budget or don’t mind the manual process, good quality motorhome leveling blocks and manual jacks can get the job done effectively.

Q6: How much weight can RV leveling jacks support?

A6: The weight capacity of RV leveling jacks varies greatly by model and RV type. Always refer to your RV’s owner’s manual or the specifications for your particular leveling system. It’s crucial that the jacks are rated to support your RV’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Q7: Should I leave my leveling jacks down when parked long-term?

A7: For long-term parking, it’s generally recommended to level and stabilize your RV. However, you might consider placing the RV’s weight back onto the tires periodically to prevent flat spots from developing, especially if the RV is not in use. Some people use leveling blocks under the tires and only lightly engage the jacks for stabilization. Consult your RV manufacturer’s recommendations.

By mastering the art of how to level a motorhome, you ensure a more comfortable, safer, and enjoyable RV experience. Whether you choose the tried-and-true manual method with motorhome leveling blocks or invest in the ease of RV auto leveling, a level coach is fundamental to RV perfection.