6 Best RV Jacks For Uneven Campsites That Nomads Swear By

You’ve finally pulled into that perfect, secluded campsite after a long day of driving, only to find the ground slopes more than a ski hill. That sinking feeling isn’t just your tires settling; it’s the realization that getting your rig level and stable is going to be a battle. The right set of RV jacks isn’t just a convenience—it’s the critical link between a frustrating, wobbly night and a solid, comfortable home.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Stable RV Jacks Are a Campsite Essential

The first thing most people get wrong is thinking jacks are just for leveling. While leveling is part of the job, their primary purpose is stabilization. Without solid support, every step you take inside your RV sends a shudder through the entire frame. This constant motion makes sleeping difficult, cooking annoying, and can even make you feel a bit seasick.

This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting your investment. An unstable rig puts constant, uneven stress on the frame, walls, and slide-outs. Over time, this can lead to misaligned doors, cracked seams, and even issues with your plumbing and appliances. Your refrigerator, for instance, needs to be relatively level to function correctly and avoid permanent damage.

Think of your jacks as the foundation of your temporary home. A shaky foundation leads to problems everywhere else. By creating four (or more) solid points of contact with the ground, you distribute the rig’s weight and eliminate the bounce and sway inherent in a suspension system designed for the road, not for stationary living.

Eaz-Lift Scissor Jacks: A Versatile Choice

Scissor jacks are the workhorses of the RV world. You’ll find them factory-installed on countless travel trailers and fifth wheels for a reason: they are simple, effective, and reliable. They operate with a basic threaded rod that, when turned, expands or retracts the "X" shaped jack, raising or lowering the corner of your rig.

Their biggest advantage is their versatility and low cost. Because they are individual units, you can often add more of them along the frame to target specific bouncy spots. I’ve seen people add a pair just in front of the axles on a long trailer to kill that notorious mid-rig floor flex. Their mechanical simplicity also means there’s very little that can go wrong—no motors to burn out or electronics to fail in a rainstorm.

The obvious tradeoff is the manual labor. You’ll be cranking each jack by hand, which can be a real chore on very uneven ground. The pro tip nearly everyone adopts is to use a cordless drill with a 3/4" socket adapter. This turns a five-minute sweat session into a 30-second task. Just remember, these are for stabilizing, not for lifting the entire weight of your RV off the ground.

BAL C-Jacks: For Rock-Solid Stabilization

If standard scissor jacks feel a bit flimsy, BAL C-Jacks are the next logical step up. Their unique "C" shape and robust construction are engineered specifically to fight the side-to-side motion that many other stabilizers struggle with. They mount directly to your RV’s frame and provide a much more rigid connection to the ground.

The difference in stability is immediately noticeable. Where scissor jacks primarily prevent up-and-down movement, C-jacks create a wider, more solid base that significantly reduces lateral wobble. This is especially true for longer trailers where even small movements can feel amplified. If you’re a full-timer or spend extended periods in one spot, this upgrade can completely change your in-rig experience.

Like scissor jacks, they are manually operated, so you’ll still want that cordless drill handy. They are a permanent modification, either bolted or welded to the frame, making them a more involved installation. But for those who are serious about creating a rock-solid living space, the stability they provide is well worth the effort and modest investment.

Lippert PSX1 Electric Jacks: Push-Button Power

Tired of crouching and cranking? Lippert’s Powers Stabilizer Jacks (PSX1) are where convenience truly enters the picture. This system replaces your manual jacks with a set of powerful, 12-volt motorized jacks that extend and retract with the push of a button. It’s a game-changer, especially when you’re setting up in the dark or in bad weather.

What sets a system like the PSX1 apart is the independent control. Each jack has its own motor, allowing you to adjust each corner individually to find solid ground. This is a massive advantage on uneven sites where one side of the RV might need significantly more extension than the other. The motors are also strong enough to provide firm pressure, creating a very stable platform once set.

Of course, power comes with a price and complexity. Electric jacks are more expensive than manual ones and introduce another system that can potentially fail. You’re dependent on your 12V battery system, and a dead motor or a faulty switch can be a real headache on the road. It’s a classic tradeoff: you sacrifice some of the rugged simplicity of manual jacks for incredible speed and ease of use.

HWH Hydraulic Leveling: The Automatic Solution

When you see a big Class A motorhome level itself in 90 seconds with a quiet hum, you’re watching an HWH hydraulic system at work. This is the top tier of leveling and stabilization. A central control panel operates a powerful hydraulic pump that deploys massive, heavy-duty jacks to level the rig automatically, often using internal sensors to do all the thinking for you.

These systems are incredibly powerful—they can easily lift the entire multi-ton vehicle completely off the ground. This not only provides an unbelievably solid foundation but also makes changing a tire a much simpler affair. For large, heavy rigs, hydraulic leveling isn’t just a luxury; it’s almost a necessity for achieving true stability without putting undue stress on the frame.

This level of performance comes with significant tradeoffs. Hydraulic systems are by far the most expensive option, often adding thousands to the cost of an RV. They are also heavy, and the complexity of hydraulic lines, pumps, and solenoids means that when something goes wrong, repairs are specialized and costly. This is a factory-installed system, not a simple aftermarket upgrade, reserved for the biggest and best-equipped rigs.

Camco Olympian Stack Jacks: Lightweight Support

Sometimes, your primary jacks aren’t enough. Even with stabilizers at all four corners, a long trailer can have a noticeable bounce in the middle. This is where Camco’s aluminum Stack Jacks come in. These are not primary jacks; they are lightweight, portable, and designed for supplemental support.

You use them by simply placing them under the I-beam of your frame and screwing the top platform upwards until it’s snug. They are perfect for adding support right in front of or behind the axles to eliminate that trampoline effect when someone walks from one end of the RV to the other. Because they are made of cast aluminum, they are incredibly light and easy to store.

It’s crucial to understand their role. These are for support, not lifting. You should never try to level your rig with them. Think of them as an inexpensive, highly effective tool for fine-tuning your stability after the main work is done. For a minimal cost, a pair of these can make a 30-foot trailer feel as solid as a foundation.

Stromberg Carlson JET-3500: Top Tongue Jack

For anyone with a travel trailer, the tongue jack is the most frequently used jack of all. It handles the critical task of front-to-back leveling and, more importantly, lifting the heavy tongue on and off the tow vehicle’s hitch. An electric tongue jack like the Stromberg Carlson JET-3500 is one of the single best quality-of-life upgrades you can make.

This jack replaces the mind-numbing, shoulder-straining task of hand-cranking with the simple flick of a switch. The JET-3500 has a 3,500-pound lift capacity, which is more than enough for most travel trailers, and includes thoughtful features like an LED light to illuminate your hitch area for late-night arrivals. It makes the entire process of hitching and unhitching faster, safer, and infinitely less strenuous.

While it does rely on your 12V battery, most electric tongue jacks have a manual override crank for emergencies, giving you a reliable backup. The time and physical effort saved over hundreds of setups and breakdowns is immense. It’s an affordable upgrade that delivers a huge return in convenience every single time you move your rig.

Comparing Jack Types for Your Specific Needs

There is no single "best" RV jack, only the best jack for your rig, your budget, and your travel style. The key is to match the tool to the job. Don’t overbuy for a small weekend trailer, and don’t under-equip a 40-foot fifth wheel you plan to live in.

Here’s a simple framework to guide your decision:

• Eaz-Lift Scissor Jacks: Best for the budget-conscious RVer with a smaller trailer who doesn’t mind a little manual work. The ultimate in reliability.
• BAL C-Jacks: The ideal upgrade for those seeking maximum manual stability. Perfect for longer trailers and full-timers who want a rock-solid feel without the complexity of electric systems.
• Lippert Electric Stabilizers: The sweet spot for convenience and price. A fantastic choice for people who move frequently and want to dramatically speed up their setup process.
• HWH Hydraulic Leveling: The premium, one-touch solution for large Class A motorhomes and luxury fifth wheels. Unmatched power and convenience, with a price tag to match.
• Camco Stack Jacks: An essential, low-cost supplemental tool for almost any trailer owner looking to eliminate extra floor bounce.
• Stromberg Carlson Electric Tongue Jack: A non-negotiable, must-have upgrade for nearly every travel trailer owner. It saves your back and your time.

Often, the best setup is a hybrid approach. An electric tongue jack combined with four manual C-jacks and a couple of portable stack jacks for the middle gives you incredible stability and convenience for a fraction of the cost of a full hydraulic system. Analyze how you camp, identify your biggest frustration, and invest there first.

Ultimately, a stable RV feels less like a vehicle and more like a home. Choosing the right jacks transforms an uneven patch of dirt into a solid, comfortable foundation for your adventures. Don’t underestimate their impact—getting this one piece of gear right makes every single stay better.