7 Steps to Level a Camper on Sloped Terrain That Nomads Swear By

Finding a perfectly level campsite can feel impossible when you’re eager to set up your RV or travel trailer for the night. Most camping spots have some degree of slope that’ll leave your camper tilted and uncomfortable.

Leveling your camper properly isn’t just about comfort – it’s essential for your refrigerator operation appliance safety and preventing water damage from improper drainage. The right technique can turn any sloped site into a stable comfortable base camp.

These seven proven steps will transform you from a frustrated camper into a leveling pro who can tackle any terrain with confidence and speed.

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Step 1: Assess the Slope and Choose Your Parking Spot

Finding the right spot can make or break your entire leveling process. You’ll save hours of frustration by spending 10 minutes upfront evaluating your options.

Evaluate the Terrain Grade and Direction

Walk around your potential parking area to identify which direction the slope runs. The ground might appear level from one angle but drop significantly from another direction.

Use your smartphone‘s built-in level app or grab a simple bubble level to check the grade. Most RVs can handle slopes up to 6 degrees, but anything steeper requires careful positioning and multiple leveling blocks.

Identify the Most Level Area Available

Look for the flattest section within your designated camping spot, even if it’s not perfectly positioned. You’re better off parking slightly off-center in a naturally level area than fighting a steep slope.

Check for rocks, roots, or soft spots that could destabilize your camper. The most level ground won’t help if your wheels sink into mud or rest on unstable surfaces.

Consider Safety Factors and Drainage

Position your camper so water flows away from your site during rain. Low spots collect water and can create muddy conditions that make departure difficult.

Ensure you have adequate clearance from trees, power lines, and neighboring campsites. Leave enough space to extend your awning and open all doors without obstruction, as you might need access to storage compartments during the leveling process.

Step 2: Gather Essential Leveling Equipment

You’ll need the right tools before attempting to level your camper on sloped terrain. Having everything within reach prevents multiple trips and ensures a smooth leveling process.

Manual Leveling Blocks and Chocks

Plastic leveling blocks remain the most versatile and affordable option for most campers. Lynx Levelers and Andersen Camper Levelers stack securely and support up to 30,000 pounds per set. You’ll want at least 10 blocks for moderate slopes and 20 blocks for steeper terrain.

Wheel chocks prevent dangerous rolling during the leveling process. Place them behind wheels that aren’t being raised to maintain stability throughout your setup.

Hydraulic or Electric Leveling Systems

Hydraulic jacks offer precision control and can handle extreme slopes that would require dozens of blocks. Lippert Ground Control systems automatically level your RV in minutes, though they cost $3,000-$5,000 installed.

Electric stabilizer jacks provide a middle-ground solution for frequent campers. They’re faster than manual blocks but require more maintenance than basic leveling equipment in dusty or sandy conditions.

Bubble Levels and Smartphone Apps

Traditional bubble levels give you instant feedback without battery concerns. Mount a two-way level inside your RV for quick reference during the leveling process.

Smartphone leveling apps like iHandy Level provide precise degree measurements and work well for initial slope assessment. Keep your phone in a protective case since you’ll be moving around rocky or uneven ground while checking measurements.

Step 3: Position Your Camper for Initial Setup

Once you’ve assessed your site and gathered your equipment, positioning becomes the foundation of your entire leveling strategy. Smart initial placement can save you 30 minutes of repositioning later.

Approach the Site at the Correct Angle

Drive perpendicular to the slope’s direction rather than straight up or down it. This positioning gives you maximum control over your RV’s left-to-right leveling needs. If you’re facing a side-to-side slope, approach from the lower side so your heavy axle settles naturally. For front-to-back slopes, position your RV’s nose slightly uphill – this prevents your refrigerator from working overtime and keeps your bedroom level for better sleep.

Leave Room for Leveling Adjustments

Park 3-4 feet away from your final desired position to allow space for block placement and minor repositioning. You’ll need clearance around all wheels for stacking leveling blocks and maneuvering. Consider your slide-out extensions too – they add 3-4 feet to your RV’s footprint. Mark your ideal final position with cones or stakes before beginning the leveling process, giving yourself clear targets to work toward as you make adjustments.

Engage Parking Brake and Stabilizers

Set your parking brake firmly and deploy all stabilizer jacks before checking your initial level readings. This prevents any settling or shifting that could throw off your measurements. Don’t fully extend stabilizers yet – just make contact with the ground to eliminate bounce. Your RV should feel solid but not stressed. Take your first level reading now using your smartphone app or bubble level to establish your baseline measurements for the remaining leveling steps.

Step 4: Level Side-to-Side Using Blocks or Jacks

Side-to-side leveling tackles the most challenging aspect of RV positioning on sloped terrain. You’ll address the lateral tilt that affects everything from sleeping comfort to refrigerator operation.

Place Leveling Blocks Under Low-Side Wheels

Position your leveling blocks under the wheels on the downhill side of your RV. Stack blocks incrementally, adding height until your bubble level shows you’re getting close to level. Drive slowly onto the blocks, checking frequently to avoid overshooting your target position. Most campers need 2-4 blocks per wheel depending on the slope severity.

Use Hydraulic Jacks for Precision Adjustment

Hydraulic jacks offer precise control for fine-tuning your side-to-side level after initial block placement. Position jacks under your RV’s designated lifting points and raise the low side gradually. Monitor your bubble level continuously while adjusting to prevent over-correction. Electric leveling systems can handle this process automatically, but manual hydraulic jacks give you complete control over the adjustment speed.

Check Level Status with Bubble Level

Place your bubble level on a flat interior surface like your kitchen counter or dinette table. The bubble should sit centered between the reference lines for proper side-to-side positioning. Take readings from multiple locations inside your RV to account for any structural variations. Digital levels provide more precise measurements, showing exact degrees of tilt rather than approximate positioning.

Step 5: Level Front-to-Back Using Tongue Jack

After achieving side-to-side level, you’ll tackle the front-to-back adjustment using your tongue jack. This step requires patience since you’re working with the full weight of your camper’s tongue.

Adjust Electric or Manual Tongue Jack

Raise or lower your tongue jack to adjust the front-to-back tilt of your camper. If your camper’s nose sits too high, lower the jack to bring the front down. If the rear appears elevated, raise the jack to lift the tongue higher.

Electric jacks make this process effortless with precise control at the push of a button. Manual jacks require more effort but offer excellent feel for gradual adjustments—crank slowly to avoid overshooting your target level.

Fine-Tune Until Camper Sits Level

Make small adjustments rather than large corrections to achieve perfect front-to-back level. Check your bubble level frequently as you adjust the tongue jack, since small movements create noticeable changes in your camper’s pitch.

Stop cranking when your level’s bubble centers between the guide lines. Digital levels work exceptionally well here, showing exact degree measurements that help you achieve precision leveling within 0.5 degrees of perfect.

Verify Both Directions Are Properly Aligned

Double-check that your side-to-side level remains accurate after tongue jack adjustments. Weight shifts during front-to-back leveling can sometimes throw off your lateral positioning, requiring minor wheel block adjustments.

Test multiple interior locations with your level to confirm consistent readings throughout your camper. Kitchen counters and dinette tables provide reliable flat surfaces for verification, ensuring your entire living space sits properly aligned.

Step 6: Deploy Stabilizing Jacks and Wheel Chocks

With your camper properly leveled, you’ll now secure it against movement and bouncing. This final stabilization step transforms your RV from a wobbly platform into a solid, comfortable living space.

Lower All Four Corner Stabilizer Jacks

Extend each corner jack until it makes firm contact with the ground, then add an additional quarter-turn for proper tension. You’re not trying to lift the camper – these jacks prevent side-to-side rocking and front-to-back movement when you walk around inside.

Start with the front jacks first, then move to the rear corners. Check that each jack pad sits flat against the ground rather than balanced on rocks or uneven surfaces.

Place Wheel Chocks Behind and Front of Tires

Position wheel chocks on both sides of each tire to prevent any rolling movement during your stay. Heavy-duty rubber or plastic chocks work best, as they grip the tire surface and won’t slide on wet or slippery ground.

For trailers on steep slopes, use two chocks per tire for extra security. The chocks should fit snugly against the tire tread without gaps that could allow movement.

Test Stability by Walking Around Inside

Walk through your camper’s interior, paying attention to any bouncing, swaying, or creaking sounds. Step firmly near the entry door and bathroom areas, which typically show movement first if stabilization isn’t adequate.

If you notice excessive movement, readjust your stabilizer jacks with additional tension. A properly stabilized camper should feel solid underfoot, with minimal flex when you move around inside.

Step 7: Perform Final Level Check and Adjustments

Your initial setup might feel solid, but temperature changes and settling can shift your carefully positioned camper. This final verification ensures you’ll sleep comfortably and your appliances will function properly throughout your stay.

Use Multiple Level Points Throughout Camper

Check levels at multiple interior locations to verify consistent readings across your entire living space. Place your bubble level on the kitchen counter, dinette table, and bedroom area to confirm uniform positioning.

Your camper’s frame can flex slightly under different loads, creating variations between front and rear sections. Test both lengthwise and widthwise orientations at each location, noting any discrepancies that exceed a quarter-bubble on your level.

Make Minor Corrections as Needed

Make small adjustments using your tongue jack for front-to-back corrections or add single leveling blocks for side-to-side fine-tuning. Avoid major repositioning at this stage since you’ve already secured your setup.

Recheck stabilizer jack tension after any adjustments to maintain solid contact with the ground. A quick walk-through test inside your camper will reveal any remaining bounce or movement that needs addressing.

Document Setup for Future Reference

Take photos of your block configuration and jack positions before leaving the site. This visual record helps you replicate successful setups when returning to the same campground or similar terrain.

Record the number of blocks used and their placement in a camping journal or smartphone notes. Include the campsite number and slope direction to build a reference library for future camping trips.

Conclusion

Mastering these seven steps transforms camping on uneven terrain from a frustrating challenge into a manageable skill. You’ll find that consistent practice makes the entire process faster and more intuitive with each camping trip.

Remember that patience during setup pays off with better sleep quality and properly functioning appliances throughout your stay. Taking time to level correctly prevents costly damage and ensures your safety systems work as designed.

Keep your leveling equipment organized and easily accessible for quick deployments. Document successful configurations in different terrains to build your personal reference guide for future adventures.

With these techniques in your toolkit you’re ready to confidently tackle slopes that once seemed impossible and enjoy comfortable camping experiences anywhere your travels take you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What slope can most RVs handle when camping?

Most RVs can safely handle slopes up to 6 degrees. Beyond this grade, you’ll need careful positioning and multiple leveling blocks to achieve proper stability. Always assess the terrain using a level app or bubble level before attempting to park on steeper inclines.

What essential equipment do I need for RV leveling?

You’ll need manual leveling blocks, wheel chocks, hydraulic jacks, and a smartphone leveling app or bubble level. Having these tools readily accessible streamlines the leveling process and ensures you can handle various terrain challenges effectively.

Should I level my RV side-to-side or front-to-back first?

Always level side-to-side first, then front-to-back. Place leveling blocks under the wheels on the downhill side and drive onto them slowly. Once side-to-side is complete, use your tongue jack to adjust the front-to-back level.

How do I know when my RV is properly leveled?

Use a bubble level or smartphone app to check multiple interior locations. The bubble should be centered in both directions. Make small adjustments with the tongue jack or additional blocks until you achieve consistent level readings throughout your RV.

Why is proper RV leveling important for camping?

Proper leveling ensures your appliances function correctly, prevents water damage, improves comfort while sleeping, and allows cabinet doors to close properly. It also prevents water accumulation and ensures your RV’s systems operate as designed during your camping trip.

When should I deploy stabilizing jacks and wheel chocks?

Deploy stabilizing jacks and wheel chocks after completing both side-to-side and front-to-back leveling adjustments. This final step secures your RV against movement and bouncing, ensuring maximum stability throughout your camping stay.