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How to Level an RV

Blocks, tongue jacks, stabilizers and auto leveling. How to get level, why it matters and why stabilizers are not for lifting.

Why level matters

A level rig sleeps better, drains its tanks right and keeps the doors from swinging. An absorption fridge also needs to be close to level to cool and to stay healthy.

Leveling a trailer

Park where you want to be and check side to side with a bubble level on the floor or the frame.
If one side is low, put leveling blocks in front of or behind those wheels and pull onto them.
Chock the wheels on both sides before you unhitch.
Unhitch and use the tongue jack or front landing gear to level front to back.
Lower the stabilizer jacks until they just press on the ground. They stop the bounce. They do not lift.

Motorhomes and auto leveling

Many motorhomes and fifth wheels have hydraulic or electric leveling jacks. Most have an auto level button. Park on firm ground, set the parking brake and let the system work. Put pads under the feet on soft ground or hot asphalt.

Do not lift the wheels off the ground to get level. A motorhome needs its wheels on the ground to stay put, and a rig on jacks alone can shift.

Before you drive away

Raise every jack and stabilizer all the way.
Check that the jack light on the dash is off, if you have one.
Walk around the rig and look under it. Pick up blocks, chocks and pads.
If a jack will not retract, most systems have a manual crank or a release. Find it in your leveling manual before you need it.

When to call a shop

Call a shop if a jack leaks fluid, will not retract, drifts down on the road, or the auto level system shows an error that a restart does not clear.

The maker's own manuals

These guides cover how most RVs work. Your own rig may differ, so check the manual for your make and model.

Lippert · Slides, awnings, jacks and leveling
Every maker we link to

Renting from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

The other manuals

ManualFresh water and the water heaterCity water, the fresh tank, the pump and the water heater. How to fill it, turn it on and keep it clean.5 parts ManualBlack and gray tanksThe order, the hose, the valves and what to put down the toilet. Dumping your tanks the right way, step by step.4 parts ManualShore power and batteries30 amp and 50 amp shore power, the 12 volt battery side and the inverter. What runs on what, and how not to trip a breaker.4 parts ManualPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.5 parts ManualSlide outsWhen to open them, when not to, and what to check first. Slide outs are the most common repair on a rental, and most of it is avoidable.4 parts ManualAwningsPower and manual awnings, how to set them, and why wind is the thing that breaks them.4 parts ManualWinterizing and spring start upDrain it, bypass the water heater and fill the lines with RV antifreeze. Then how to undo it all in spring.4 parts ManualGeneratorsStarting it, loading it, keeping it healthy, and staying safe from exhaust.4 parts ManualHitching a trailerCoupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.4 parts ManualThe water heaterGas, electric or both. How to fill it, light it, drain it and care for the anode rod, plus what to do when there is no hot water.4 parts ManualThe refrigeratorGas and electric absorption fridges, 12 volt compressor fridges, how long they take to cool and how to keep food cold on the road.4 parts ManualThe roof air conditionerHow much power it needs, why it freezes up, how to clean the filters and what to try before you call for help.4 parts ManualThe furnaceA propane furnace with a 12 volt fan. How it starts, why it drains the battery and what to check when it blows cold air.4 parts ManualTires, wheels and bearingsTire age, pressure and load, lug nut torque and when to service trailer wheel bearings. The parts that cause the most trouble on the road.4 parts ManualTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.4 parts ManualRoof and sealsWater is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.4 parts ManualThe toiletHow to flush, what paper to use and how to keep the black tank from clogging or smelling.4 parts ManualPropane, smoke and CO alarmsWhere each alarm is, what each one means, how to test them and why the propane alarm sometimes beeps on a low battery.4 parts ManualSolar and lithium batteriesHow solar charges your batteries, what lithium changes, and how to tell how much power you really have left.4 parts ManualTowing a car behind a motorhomeWhich cars can be towed four down, the gear you need, and the steps before and after every tow.4 parts ManualWeight and payloadWhat GVWR, cargo capacity and tongue weight mean, how to weigh your rig, and why sway almost always starts with weight.4 parts

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