Leveling your RV is one of the most important steps in setting up your campsite—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of RVing for beginners. While it may seem like a small detail, a properly leveled RV affects everything: comfort, safety, appliance performance, plumbing, slide-outs, and even how well you sleep. If your RV is off-balance, you’ll feel it immediately—doors swing open, cabinets won’t stay shut, and your fridge won’t cool correctly.
The good news? Leveling doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tools and a simple step-by-step process, you can master the skill and set up your rig like a pro, even if it’s your very first trip. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or settling into a long-term site at St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens, this guide will show you exactly how to level your RV confidently and correctly.
Why Leveling Your RV Matters
Leveling isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for safe, efficient RV living.
Comfort and Stability
Sleeping, standing, or walking in an unlevel RV can feel uncomfortable and disorienting. A level RV simply feels better.
Slide-Out Safety
Slides should never be extended when your RV is crooked or unstable. Level first, then extend.
Plumbing Function
Tanks and drains rely on gravity. If your RV isn’t level, your tanks may not empty correctly.
Refrigerator Performance
Absorption RV fridges must be level to work safely and efficiently. Running them off-level can lead to permanent damage.
Structural Health
Uneven weight distribution can stress your frame and suspension over time.
Leveling is easy once you understand the basics—and it saves you from many issues down the road.
Understanding the Two Types of Leveling
There are two leveling tasks every RVer must complete:
1. Side-to-Side Leveling (left to right)
This is done before you unhook, using leveling blocks or ramps under the wheels. Travel trailers and 5th wheels need this step; motorhomes may not, depending on the site grade.
2. Front-to-Back Leveling (nose to tail)
This is done using your tongue jack (travel trailer) or leveling jacks (motorhome/5th wheel).
Once both are done, you stabilize the RV so it doesn’t rock when you move around inside.
Tools You Need to Level Like a Pro
You don’t need expensive equipment—just a few essentials:
RV leveling blocks (stackable or curved)
Wheel chocks
Bubble levels or RV leveling app
Tongue jack or motorhome leveling system
Stabilizer jacks (for support, not lifting)
A cordless drill with socket attachment (optional but helpful)
Rubber mallet
Once you have these tools on board, leveling becomes a fast and predictable process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Level Your RV
Follow these simple steps every time you arrive at your site, whether it’s at St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens or any campground.
Step 1: Park and Assess the Ground
Pull into your site and check if the ground slopes.
Is the RV leaning toward one side?
Do you need blocks on the left or right wheels?
Is the front higher than the back?
Place small bubble levels on your floor or use digital leveling tools to check the slope. Some RVers place a small level on the floor near the kitchen or doorway for accuracy.
Step 2: Level Side to Side
This step must be done before unhooking from your tow vehicle.
How to do it:
Place leveling blocks on the lower side (either left or right).
Pull forward slowly until your wheels rest on the blocks.
Re-check the bubble level.
Adjust with more blocks until the side-to-side bubble is centered.
Pro Tip: Curved levelers allow smoother, faster adjustments than stacking blocks.
Step 3: Chock the Wheels
Once you’re satisfied with the level:
Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the tires.
Never skip this step—it prevents your RV from rolling during setup.
Step 4: Disconnect From the Tow Vehicle (Trailers Only)
Now that the side-to-side leveling is complete:
Unhitch from the tow vehicle.
Use the tongue jack to lift slightly off the hitch ball for safe disconnection.
Step 5: Level Front to Back
Use the tongue jack (for trailers) or leveling jacks (for motorhomes) to get your rig perfectly balanced.
How to do it:
Raise or lower the tongue jack until the bubble level shows the RV is centered front to back.
Re-check the level at multiple points inside the RV.
This is usually the fastest leveling step.
Step 6: Lower Stabilizer Jacks
Stabilizers do not level your RV—they only reduce bounce and sway.
To stabilize properly:
Lower each jack until it makes firm contact with the ground.
Don’t over-crank them; stabilizers aren’t meant to lift your RV.
Add small wooden pads or plastic blocks under the jacks for better stability.
Once the stabilizers are down, your RV should feel solid and comfortable inside.
Step 7: Extend Your Slide-Outs
Slides should always be extended after leveling. Doing so beforehand risks damage to the frame and slide mechanisms.
Before extending:
Make sure your rig is stable.
Ensure there’s enough space around you for the slide to open fully.
Check for obstacles like power pedestals, trees, or picnic tables.
Once safe, extend your slides smoothly.
Common Leveling Mistakes Beginners Make
Avoiding these mistakes helps protect your RV and makes leveling faster and safer.
Mistake 1: Using Stabilizer Jacks for Leveling
This can damage the frame. Stabilizers support—not lift.
Mistake 2: Extending Slides Before Leveling
This puts too much strain on your RV’s structure.
Mistake 3: Skipping Wheel Chocks
Even on flat sites, an RV can roll unexpectedly.
Mistake 4: Parking Too Close to Hookups
You need space to adjust your RV during leveling.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Fridge Leveling Requirement
Absorption fridges must be level to prevent damage.
Learning the right steps helps you avoid costly repairs and dangerous setups.
Advanced Tips for Easier Leveling
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take your leveling skills to the next level with these pro tips.
1. Use a Smartphone Leveling App
Apps like LevelMatePRO let you see real-time leveling data from your tow vehicle.
2. Add Permanent Bubble Levels to Your RV Exterior
Mount them near the hitch or door for quick visual checks.
3. Keep Blocks Pre-Stacked
Have pre-made stacks ready to use—faster setup every time.
4. Practice Before Your First Trip
Try leveling in your driveway—it builds confidence.
5. Choose RV Parks With Level Sites
St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens is known for flat, easy-to-level campsites.
The more you practice, the faster and smoother leveling becomes.
Troubleshooting: What If You Still Can’t Get Level?
Sometimes the ground is uneven or soft, making leveling tricky. Here are solutions:
Add additional blocks under wheels
Use jack pads under stabilizers
Reposition your RV slightly
Avoid areas with soft soil
Park diagonally if allowed—sometimes angles help
If all else fails, the issue is usually site placement, not your leveling technique.
Why St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens Makes Leveling Easier
Staying at a campground with well-maintained, level sites takes a lot of stress out of RV setup. St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens offers:
Flat, spacious RV pads
Wide sites with maneuvering room
Reliable hookups positioned for easy alignment
Solid ground for stabilizers and leveling blocks
Peaceful environment for safe setup
Staff who can point you to the easiest sites for your rig
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned RVer, having this kind of setup support makes leveling quick and hassle-free.
Final Thoughts: Level Like a Pro and Enjoy Your Stay
Leveling your RV is one of the first skills every RVer needs to learn—but once you understand the process, it becomes second nature. With the right tools and a simple step-by-step method, you’ll set up your campsite smoothly every time.
At St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens, we make it easy with spacious, level sites and a relaxing environment that helps you settle in and start enjoying your stay. Whether you’re passing through, vacationing, or staying long-term, leveling your RV properly ensures a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable RV experience.
If you’re ready for your next adventure, we look forward to welcoming you.
