5 Best Leveling Systems For Automatic Trailer Leveling That Nomads Swear By
Get perfectly level with the push of a button.
You pull into the perfect spot after a long day of driving. The view is incredible, but the ground looks like a skateboard ramp. Now comes the dance: leveling blocks, back and forth, check the bubble level, shout instructions to your partner, repeat. It’s a frustrating ritual that eats into the precious time you have to actually enjoy the place you just worked so hard to get to.
Level your RV on uneven terrain with these durable, interlocking blocks. The set includes 12 heavy-duty blocks (10 standard, 2 top) and a convenient carrying bag for easy storage.
This single, repetitive chore is one of the biggest points of friction in the RV lifestyle. It’s the difference between kicking back with a cold drink in ten minutes or spending an hour in a state of low-grade marital strife. An automatic leveling system isn’t just a luxury; it’s a fundamental upgrade to your quality of life on the road.
Investing in an auto-leveling system transforms your arrival experience from a dreaded task into a non-event. It’s about more than just convenience. It’s about stability, protecting your rig’s components, and reclaiming the time and energy you’d rather spend exploring. This is one of those upgrades that, once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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Why Your Trailer Needs an Auto-Leveling System
The most obvious benefit is the sheer elimination of physical labor and guesswork. No more crawling on the ground with leveling blocks or arguing over "a little more to the left." You press a button, and within minutes, your rig is perfectly level and stable. This simple act saves you time, energy, and a significant amount of setup-related stress.
Beyond convenience, a level trailer is crucial for the proper function of your onboard systems. Your refrigerator, especially an absorption-style unit, needs to be level to operate efficiently and avoid permanent damage. Slide-outs also operate best on a level plane, reducing strain on the motors and mechanisms and preventing costly binding issues down the road.
This 7.5 cu ft apartment-size refrigerator with freezer offers even cooling via Multi-Vent Technology and organized storage with adjustable shelves and crisper drawers. Enjoy easy temperature control and spill-proof glass shelves for effortless maintenance.
Finally, a properly leveled and stabilized rig just feels better. A system with multiple jacks planted firmly on the ground dramatically reduces the bounce and sway you feel when walking around inside. This enhanced stability makes your trailer feel less like a temporary vehicle and more like a solid, grounded home, which is exactly what you want when you live in it.
Lippert Ground Control 3.0: The Industry Standard
Replace your Lippert Ground Control 3.0 leveling system jack with this direct replacement part. It supports up to 5,000 lbs and extends to 17" for easy leveling.
If you’ve looked at any new fifth wheel in the last decade, you’ve likely seen a Lippert (LCI) system. The Ground Control 3.0 is the ubiquitous choice for manufacturers, making it the de facto industry standard. Its widespread adoption means that finding parts, service, or online help is easier than for almost any other system on the market.
This system typically uses a six-point electric jack configuration—two front landing gear, two jacks just ahead of the axles, and two at the rear. This setup creates an incredibly stable footprint that virtually eliminates movement. Its one-touch control panel is intuitive, and it includes a handy feature that remembers your hitch height, making reconnecting to your tow vehicle a simple, automated process.
The main tradeoff with Lippert is that its dominance means it’s built to a certain price point. While generally reliable, some users report needing to recalibrate the "zero point" from time to time to maintain perfect leveling. However, for its blend of performance, features, and unparalleled service availability, it remains the go-to for a huge portion of the nomadic community.
Equalizer Systems: Power and Precision for You
Equalizer Systems is the brand nomads turn to when they want uncompromising power and build quality. Known for their robust hydraulic systems, they are a common sight on higher-end fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes. Their reputation is built on brute strength and long-term reliability, making them a favorite among full-timers.
The key differentiator for Equalizer is their use of dual-acting hydraulic jacks. This means hydraulic pressure is used to both extend and retract the jacks, a feature that is invaluable if a jack gets stuck in soft mud or frozen ground. Electric systems that only power down can struggle in these situations, but an Equalizer system can power its way out, giving you serious peace of mind.
This level of engineering comes at a cost, both in price and weight. Equalizer systems are among the more expensive options and add significant heft to your rig. But for those who frequently camp in rugged, uneven terrain or who simply demand the most rock-solid foundation possible, the investment in an Equalizer system is a direct investment in dependability.
BAL Auto-Level: A Smart Choice for Your Rig
Achieve precise height, distance, and angle measurements with this 26X automatic optical level. Its magnetic dampened compensator ensures accuracy, while the IP54 waterproof and dustproof metal housing makes it ideal for construction and surveying in any condition.
BAL has been a trusted name in RV jacks and stabilizers for decades, and their auto-leveling system builds on that legacy. They offer a compelling alternative to the bigger names, often praised for its precision and smart design. It’s a popular choice for both factory installation and aftermarket upgrades on a wide range of trailers.
The system is electric and integrates seamlessly with the trailer’s frame, using a rigid, fixed-jack design that provides a very firm footing. BAL’s engineering focuses on creating a stable platform by triangulating forces through the frame. This results in a remarkably solid feel with minimal internal movement once the rig is leveled.
For many, BAL hits the sweet spot between performance, reliability, and cost. It’s a robust electric system that avoids the complexity and weight of hydraulics while delivering fantastic results. If you’re looking to upgrade a trailer that didn’t come with auto-leveling from the factory, BAL is one of the top contenders to consider for its straightforward installation and dependable operation.
HWH Corporation: Your Heavy-Duty Leveling Solution
When you’re dealing with the biggest, heaviest rigs on the road, you need a leveling system that doesn’t even flinch. That’s where HWH Corporation comes in. They are the undisputed experts in heavy-duty hydraulic leveling, primarily serving the Class A motorhome and luxury fifth-wheel markets where weight and size demand serious power.
HWH systems are famous for their "kick-down" style jacks, which pivot down before extending, providing better clearance and adaptability on uneven ground. Their components are over-engineered for extreme durability, designed to handle the massive dynamic loads of a 45-foot, 20,000-pound coach. This is a system built for a lifetime of hard use, not just for weekend trips.
For the average travel trailer or mid-size fifth wheel, an HWH system is absolute overkill. But if you own a massive toy hauler loaded with gear or a residential-quality fifth wheel, their systems provide the ultimate in power and peace of mind. It’s a specialized solution for nomads whose rigs demand the absolute best in heavy-duty hydraulic performance.
Lippert Ground Control TT: Level Your Towable Fast
Level your travel trailer in under 3 minutes with the Lippert Ground Control TT 5-Point Leveling System. Featuring Hall Effect technology for precise leveling and a durable, bolt-on design for easy installation.
For a long time, true one-touch auto-leveling was a luxury reserved for fifth wheels. Travel trailer owners were stuck with power stabilizers that helped with wiggle but did nothing for leveling. The Lippert Ground Control TT completely changed the game, bringing effortless setup to the travel trailer market.
This all-electric system intelligently uses the trailer’s power tongue jack as the front pivot point, working in concert with four corner jacks to level the rig front-to-back and side-to-side. The entire process is automated through a simple touchpad, turning a 30-minute chore involving blocks and bubble levels into a 3-minute, hands-off operation. It’s a revolutionary upgrade for towable owners.
Effortlessly raise and lower your A-frame trailer with the Lippert Power Tongue Jack. This 3,500 lb capacity jack features integrated LED lighting and a durable, weather-resistant casing for reliable performance.
The impact of the Ground Control TT cannot be overstated. It has made the RV experience more accessible and enjoyable, especially for those who are new to trailering or have physical limitations. It’s the single biggest quality-of-life improvement you can make to a travel trailer, transforming the most frustrating part of arrival into the easiest.
How to Choose the Right Leveling System for You
Your first decision point is the type of rig you have. Systems are designed specifically for fifth wheels, travel trailers, or motorhomes, and they are not interchangeable. A fifth wheel’s six-point system is structurally different from a travel trailer’s five-point (including tongue jack) setup. Start by filtering for systems compatible with your RV.
With your rig type in mind, weigh these key factors. There is no single "best" choice, only the best choice for your needs.
- Hydraulic vs. Electric: Hydraulic systems are faster, stronger, and can lift more weight, but they are also heavier, more expensive, and more complex to maintain. Electric systems are lighter, more affordable, and simpler, making them perfect for most travel trailers and many fifth wheels.
- Your Rig’s Weight: Always choose a system rated for your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Overloading a system is a recipe for failure and can be dangerous. Check the specs and err on the side of caution.
- Budget and Installation: The cost of the system itself is only part of the equation. Professional installation can add thousands of dollars. Factor this in when comparing an aftermarket upgrade to a rig that comes with a system from the factory.
Finally, be honest about your travel style. If you primarily stay in paved, level RV parks, a standard electric system is more than enough. But if you’re a boondocker who frequently finds themselves on wildly uneven terrain in the middle of nowhere, the power and reliability of a heavy-duty hydraulic system from a brand like Equalizer or HWH might be a non-negotiable necessity.
Level Up Your RV Life: Your Final Decision
Ultimately, an automatic leveling system is about buying back your most valuable resource on the road: time. It erases a major chore from your setup and teardown process, allowing you to start relaxing the moment you arrive and making your departure smoother and faster. It’s a foundational piece of equipment that makes your mobile life easier every single time you move.
Each system we’ve discussed serves a specific nomad. Lippert is the trusted all-rounder, Equalizer brings the muscle, BAL offers a smart and precise alternative, HWH is for the heavyweights, and Ground Control TT finally gives travel trailer owners the convenience they deserve. Your rig, budget, and travel style will point you to the right solution.
Don’t view this as just another gadget. Think of it as an investment in the core experience of nomadic living. The right leveling system provides the stability and ease that bridge the gap between camping in a vehicle and living in a home. It lets you spend less energy on logistics and more on the freedom that this lifestyle is all about.
The ground beneath your wheels will rarely be perfect, but your home on top of them can be. Choosing the right auto-leveling system isn’t just about getting level; it’s about building a better foundation for your life on the move, one perfect campsite at a time.
