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Boondock with peace of mind by learning how to level your travel trailer effectively. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide plus a list of the best auto-leveling travel trailer systems in the market.
Leveling a travel trailer is an essential task to ensure a comfortable and stable living environment while on the road or parked at a campground. Proper leveling helps prevent appliances from malfunctioning, doors from swinging open or closing improperly, and ensures a good night's sleep. Whether you're a seasoned RVer or new to the world of travel trailers, understanding how to level your trailer is crucial. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to level a travel trailer, along with some helpful tips and considerations.
Types of Leveling Systems for Travel Trailers
There are a few different travel trailer leveling systems available on the market, each with its own pros and cons. Here are three common types:
1. Hydraulic Leveling Systems
- Pros: Hydraulic leveling systems offer precise leveling with the push of a button. They provide quick and automatic leveling, making the process hassle-free. They can handle larger RVs and provide stability during camping.
- Cons: Hydraulic leveling systems are generally more expensive compared to other options. They require professional installation, and any maintenance or repairs may be more complex and costly. They also add weight to the RV.
2. Electric Leveling Systems
- Pros: Electric leveling systems are more affordable compared to hydraulic systems. They offer relatively easy installation and can be operated with remote control. They provide accurate leveling and stability for the RV.
- Cons: Electric leveling systems may take slightly longer to level compared to hydraulic systems. They require a power source, so if the RV battery is low or drained, the leveling system may not function. They may also have weight limitations.
3. Manual Leveling Systems:
- Pros: Manual leveling systems are the most affordable option. They typically consist of manual jacks or stabilizer bars that can be adjusted manually. They are lightweight and easy to set up.
- Cons: Manual leveling systems require manual labor and can be time-consuming. They may not provide the same level of precision as hydraulic or electric systems. Adjusting multiple jacks individually can be tedious, especially for larger RVs.
Leveling a Travel Trailer Manually
Tools Needed for Manual Leveling:
Bubble Level or Leveling Apps: A bubble level or a smartphone app with leveling features will help you determine the levelness of your RV.
Travel Trailer Leveling Blocks or Wood Planks: RV Leveling blocks for travel trailers are used to create a stable surface and raise the low side of your RV.
Wheel Chocks: Wheel chocks are essential for securing your RV in place and preventing it from rolling.
Travel Trailer Leveling Jacks or Stabilizing Jacks: Manual jacks or stabilizing jacks are needed to lift and stabilize the RV.
Tape Measure: A tape measure can be useful for measuring the levelness and height adjustments.
Step-by-Step Guide for Manual Leveling:
Find a Suitable Parking Spot: Look for a relatively level area to park your RV. Avoid areas with a significant slope.
Park and Position: Carefully park your RV in the desired spot and ensure that it is positioned straight.
Use the Bubble Level: Place the bubble level on a countertop or floor inside the RV. Check its position to determine which side needs to be raised.
Place Wheel Chocks: Once you've determined the low side, place wheel chocks on the opposite side to prevent the RV from rolling.
Raise the Low Side: Using a jack or stabilizing jacks, lift the low side of the RV gradually. Add leveling blocks or wood planks under the wheels until the bubble level indicates that the RV is level.
Test Stability: Once the RV is level, check its stability by walking inside and ensuring that it feels secure.
Recheck and Make Final Adjustments: Double-check the levelness of the RV using the bubble level or leveling app. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve optimal levelness.
Auto Leveling System for Travel Trailer
Tools Needed for Electronic Leveling:
Automatic Leveling System: A travel trailer automatic leveling system is built into the RV and typically controlled by a panel inside the vehicle.
Leveling Control Panel: This panel allows you to operate the electronic leveling system and make adjustments.
Step-by-Step Guide for Electronic Leveling:
Park and Position: Find a suitable parking spot for your RV and position it straight.
Activate the Travel Trailer Automatic Leveling System: Locate the leveling control panel inside the RV and activate the leveling system. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific system.
Automatic Leveling: Depending on your system, press the auto-level button or follow the prompts on the control panel. The system will automatically adjust the travel trailer's electric leveling jacks to achieve a level position.
Manual Fine-Tuning: After the automatic leveling process, you can make manual adjustments if needed. Use the control panel to raise or lower individual travel trailer auto-level jacks to achieve perfect levelness.
Test Stability: Walk inside the auto-leveling travel trailer and ensure that it feels stable and secure.
Recheck and Make Final Adjustments: Use a bubble level or leveling app to verify the levelness of the RV. Make any necessary manual adjustments to fine-tune the travel trailer with automatic leveling.
Manual Leveling System vs. Auto Leveling System for Travel Trailer
How to Level a Travel Trailer with a Slide-Out?
Leveling a travel trailer with a slide-out requires some additional considerations to ensure proper stability and functionality. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to level your travel trailer with a slide-out:
Find a Suitable Location: Choose a level campsite or parking area to park your travel trailer. Look for a spot with enough space for both the trailer and the extended slide-out.
Prepare the Trailer: Before extending the slide-out, make sure all doors and cabinets inside the trailer are securely closed. Remove any obstacles or debris from the slide-out area.
Level the Trailer: Use leveling tools such as a bubble level or electronic leveling system to determine which areas of the trailer need adjustment. Start by leveling the main body of the trailer, focusing on the front-to-back and side-to-side leveling.
Extend the Slide-Out: Once the main body of the trailer is level, you can proceed to extend the slide-out. Activate the slide-out mechanism using the controls inside your trailer. Allow the slide-out to fully extend until it reaches its designated position.
Recheck and Adjust Level: After extending the slide-out, recheck the levelness of the trailer using your leveling tools. Pay attention to any noticeable changes or imbalances caused by the slide-out extension. If needed, fine-tune the leveling by adjusting the leveling jacks or blocks under the slide-out side of the trailer. Gradually raise or lower the jacks or add/remove blocks to achieve a balanced level.
Stabilize the Trailer: Once the trailer is level with the slide-out extended, stabilize the trailer using stabilizer jacks. These jacks help reduce any movement or sway when you're inside the trailer. Extend the stabilizer jacks until they make firm contact with the ground.
Test the Stability: Walk inside the trailer and move around to ensure it feels stable and secure. Check for any noticeable movements, especially near the extended slide-out area. If you feel any excessive rocking or instability, readjust the leveling or stabilizing as necessary.
Secure the Slide-Out: Finally, double-check that the slide-out is securely locked in its extended position. Some travel trailers have locking mechanisms or bars that need to be engaged to prevent unintentional movement.
Best Travel Trailer Auto Leveling Systems
When it comes to auto-leveling systems for travel trailers, there are several options available on the market. Here are some of the best travel trailer auto-leveling systems:
1. Lippert Leveling System: Lippert is a popular brand known for its reliable auto-leveling systems. They offer hydraulic leveling systems that can automatically level your travel trailer with just the push of a button. The system uses hydraulic jacks to raise and lower the trailer for precise leveling.
2. Equalizer Systems: Equalizer Systems provides hydraulic leveling systems designed specifically for travel trailers. Their systems offer automatic leveling and can handle various sizes and weights of trailers. The hydraulic jacks are controlled electronically for easy operation.
3. HWH Leveling System: HWH is another reputable brand that offers hydraulic leveling systems suitable for travel trailers. Their systems provide automatic leveling and can be customized to fit different trailer models. The controls are user-friendly and allow for precise leveling adjustments.
4. Bigfoot Leveling System: Bigfoot leveling systems are hydraulic systems that provide automatic leveling for travel trailers. They offer stability and convenience, with easy-to-use controls. The system is known for its durability and reliability.
5. Power Gear Leveling System: Power Gear offers electric leveling systems for travel trailers. These systems use electric motors to adjust the leveling jacks and provide automatic leveling capabilities. They are known for their ease of use and quick operation.
Conclusion
Achieving a level travel trailer is vital for a pleasant and safe camping experience. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog post, you can confidently level your travel trailer and enjoy stability and comfort wherever your adventures take you. Remember to assess the site, use the right tools, and take your time to achieve precise leveling. Regularly checking and adjusting the level throughout your stay is also recommended. By mastering the art of leveling, you'll have a solid foundation for an enjoyable and relaxing RVing journey. So, go ahead and put these leveling techniques into practice, and happy camping!