1) With your RV positioned in the site where you want it, place the bubble level on the floor to determine if the unit is level both front-to back and side-to-side. If you have slide outs, extend them now to see which way your trailer or motorhome leans. Then retract them for safety.
2) Next, mark some lines in the dirt in front or back of the tires on the side that needs to be leveled.
3) Now pull your rig forward (or back it up) so that the tires are clear of the lines. Place your boards or blocks in position. If you determine that you'll need several layers of boards or blocks to get your rig level, build them in a ramp configuration.
Don't try to force your RV to climb up more than 2 inches at a time.
4) Move your motorhome or trailer up onto the levelers, making sure to keep the tire footprint completely on the boards or blocks. Don't let your tires overhang any edge as this can cause damage.
5) Now check the bubble level again and adjust the height of the boards or blocks as needed so that your rig is level side-to-side. When all looks good, place wheel chocks in front or behind the tires (depending which way the site slopes) to keep the trailer from moving. You can then disconnect your trailer from your tow vehicle and use the trailer's hitch jack (or a fifth-wheel's "landing gear") to fine-tune the front-to-rear level.
For motorhomes, put the transmission in "park" and set the parking brake.
How to Stabilize Your RV
Now that your RV is level, you'll want to stabilize it so it doesn't rock back and forth when you walk around inside. You should use stabilizing jacks to accomplish this.
Note: These should never be used to level a rig, as they weren't designed for that purpose.
Stabilizing jacks come in several configurations. The most common is the scissor jack, which is usually bolted or welded to the trailer's frame at the front and rear.
Pop-up tent trailers are frequently equipped with a drop-down style jack, which, as the name implies, drops down from the frame.
To use the stabilizing jacks after you've leveled the RV:
1. Lower the jacks following the manufacturer's instructions. To save time and give the foot of each jack a larger base, slide a couple of short 2x4- or 2x6-inch boards beneath each foot. This is especially helpful if the ground is loose or sandy.
2. Once the jack foot is in contact with the ground, give the crank a few extra turns to provide the trailer a secure footing. Check the bubble level to make sure your RV remains level. Do this for all four corners.
And that's how to park and level an RV! Your RV is now safely in the campsite and ready to enjoy. When you get ready to leave just reverse these steps, remembering to raise the jacks to their travel position, and collect and store your leveling boards or blocks.
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