6 Scissor RV Leveling Jacks That Nomads Swear By

You pull into the perfect boondocking spot, the view is incredible, but every time you walk from the dinette to the bed, the whole rig sways like a ship at sea. That gentle rocking might seem charming at first, but after a few hours, it becomes a maddening source of distraction and discomfort. This is where a solid set of scissor jacks transforms your RV from a wobbly box on wheels into a stable, grounded home.

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

Why Scissor Jacks Are Essential for RV Stability

Let’s clear up a common misconception right away: scissor jacks are for stabilizing, not leveling. Your tires and leveling blocks do the heavy lifting to get your rig level side-to-side and front-to-back. Scissor jacks are the final touch, the gear that eliminates the bounce, wiggle, and sway that comes from the suspension and tires.

Think of them as the four legs of a table. You can have a perfectly level tabletop, but if the legs are wobbly, every touch sends ripples across the surface. By applying firm pressure between your RV’s frame and the ground, scissor jacks create a solid foundation. This simple mechanical connection is the difference between a shaky camper and a solid, comfortable living space.

The effect is immediate and profound. Making coffee doesn’t shake the person still sleeping in bed. A windy day doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a treehouse. For full-time nomads or even weekend warriors, this stability is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental requirement for comfortable living.

Lippert Manual Scissor Jack: A Solid Standard

If you’ve ever looked under a factory-built travel trailer, you’ve probably seen a Lippert jack. They are the industry standard for a reason: they are reliable, widely available, and get the job done without any fuss. They are the baseline against which other jacks are often measured.

Lippert jacks typically come in 24" or 30" extensions with a 5,000-pound capacity per jack. This is more than enough for most travel trailers and fifth wheels. The black powder-coat finish holds up reasonably well to the elements, and their simple, proven design means there’s very little that can go wrong.

The main advantage of sticking with a standard like Lippert is predictability. You know exactly what you’re getting, and finding a replacement part or a compatible drill adapter is easy at almost any RV supply store. They aren’t the fanciest or the strongest, but they are a trustworthy workhorse for the average RVer.

Eaz-Lift Scissor Jack: Heavy-Duty Performance

When you need more muscle, Eaz-Lift is a name that comes up often. These jacks are built for RVers who demand rock-solid stability, especially those with larger, heavier rigs or multiple slide-outs that add extra leverage for movement. Their jacks often boast higher weight ratings, sometimes up to 7,500 pounds per jack.

This extra capacity comes from beefier steel construction and a more robust screw mechanism. The result is a jack that can be snugged down tighter against the frame, providing a more rigid connection to the ground. If you’re particularly sensitive to movement or have a family moving around inside, the upgrade to a heavy-duty model like this can be a game-changer.

The tradeoff is weight and cost. Heavier-duty jacks add more pounds to your rig, which is always a consideration. But for those who prioritize a completely stable living environment, the extra weight is a small price to pay for the significant increase in comfort and peace of mind.

BAL C-Type Stabilizing Jack: Low Profile Pick

Not all RVs have a lot of ground clearance. Vintage trailers, teardrops, and some modern low-slung models can’t accommodate a traditional scissor jack. This is where the BAL C-Type jack shines. Instead of collapsing into a tall, narrow stack, it retracts into a very low-profile "C" shape that tucks up neatly against the frame.

The C-Jack operates on a single-arm principle, swinging down and then extending, which is different from the dual-truss structure of a scissor jack. This design is brilliant for tight spaces. It provides good fore-and-aft stability, which is often the most noticeable type of RV movement.

However, it’s important to understand the design’s limitations. Some users find they offer less side-to-side stability compared to a traditional scissor jack with its wider base. For a small, lightweight trailer, this is rarely an issue. For RVers struggling with clearance, the BAL C-Jack is an elegant and effective solution to a very specific problem.

Stromberg Carlson Scissor Jacks: Universal Fit

For the DIY builder or the owner of an older rig with non-standard frame dimensions, Stromberg Carlson is a lifesaver. They specialize in creating jacks that are highly adaptable, often with options for either bolting or welding them to the frame. This "universal" approach makes them a go-to for retrofitting and upgrades.

These jacks are known for their quality construction and often come in a range of sizes and capacities, allowing you to find the perfect match for your rig’s weight and height. Many of their models also feature a bowtie base, which provides a solid footing on a variety of surfaces, from soft ground to asphalt.

The key with any "universal" product is to measure twice and buy once. Check your frame-to-ground clearance when the RV is level to ensure you get a jack with the correct extension range. Stromberg Carlson provides a reliable option for those who can’t just grab an off-the-shelf OEM replacement.

Camco Olympian Aluminum Jack: Lightweight Champ

Every pound counts in an RV. The Camco Olympian Aluminum Jack addresses this directly by swapping heavy steel for lightweight, rust-proof aluminum. This can save you a significant amount of weight, especially when you’re replacing four steel jacks. For those towing with smaller vehicles or pushing the limits of their cargo-carrying capacity, this is a huge benefit.

Being aluminum, they are completely immune to rust, which is a major advantage for anyone traveling in wet climates or near saltwater. They are surprisingly strong, often rated for 6,000 pounds or more, making them suitable for a wide range of trailers.

The primary consideration here is durability against impact. While strong, aluminum is a softer metal than steel and can be more susceptible to damage from rock strikes or being dropped. For the careful RVer focused on weight savings and corrosion resistance, the Camco Olympian is an excellent, modern choice.

Husky Towing Scissor Jacks: Built for Toughness

Husky Towing has a reputation for building gear that lasts, and their scissor jacks are no exception. These are often the choice for RVers who are hard on their equipment and travel through rough terrain and harsh weather. They feature heavy-gauge steel, a durable weather-resistant finish, and a smooth, reliable operating mechanism.

What sets them apart is often the attention to detail in the construction. The welds are clean, the screw mechanism is well-lubricated from the factory, and the base plate is thick and wide. It’s a product that feels substantial and inspires confidence right out of the box.

While they may not have the unique features of a low-profile or aluminum jack, they excel at their core function: providing rugged, long-lasting stability. If your priority is buying one set of jacks and never having to think about them again, Husky is a brand that consistently delivers on that promise.

Proper Use and Maintenance of Scissor Jacks

Owning the best jacks in the world won’t help if you use them incorrectly. The process is simple but critical. First, level your RV using blocks under the tires. Only then should you deploy your scissor jacks. Their job is to snug up to the frame and stop the wobble, not to lift the weight of the rig. Trying to level your RV with them will damage the jacks and potentially twist your RV’s frame.

Proper deployment is key. Always place the jack on a firm, level surface. On soft ground like dirt or sand, use a jack pad or a simple block of wood to prevent it from sinking. Extend the jack until it makes firm contact with the frame—you want it tight, but don’t try to lift the RV off its suspension. A cordless drill with a socket adapter makes this a 30-second job.

Maintenance is minimal but important.

• Keep them clean: Periodically wipe down the screw mechanism to remove dirt and grit.
• Keep them lubricated: A couple of times a year, apply a good-quality grease or lithium spray to the screw threads to ensure smooth operation.
• Inspect them: Before each trip, give them a quick visual check for any signs of bending, cracking, or severe rust.

A little care goes a long way in ensuring your jacks work reliably for years, providing that solid foundation that makes an RV feel like a home.

Ultimately, the right scissor jack is the one that fits your rig’s specific needs—whether that’s low clearance, heavy-duty capacity, or minimal weight. Don’t underestimate the massive impact these simple devices have on your day-to-day comfort. A stable RV is a happy RV, and that solid ground beneath your feet is the first step to truly relaxing wherever you’ve parked.