Proper leveling is one of the most critical aspects of RV setup, yet it’s something many RVers struggle with or don’t fully understand. After decades of helping RVers select and use leveling systems, I can tell you that the right leveling solution makes an enormous difference in comfort, safety, and the proper functioning of your RV’s systems.
Your refrigerator needs to be level to operate efficiently, your comfort depends on sleeping on a level surface, and your overall RV experience is dramatically better when your rig is properly leveled. But choosing the right leveling system involves understanding your RV type, your camping style, your budget, and the trade-offs between different leveling approaches.
The challenge with selecting a leveling system is that there’s no universal solution that works for everyone. A small pop-up camper needs a completely different leveling approach than a 45-foot diesel pusher. A weekend warrior who camps at developed campgrounds has different needs than a boondocker who camps on uneven terrain. Understanding these differences and matching them to available leveling solutions is essential for making a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Today, I’m providing a comprehensive guide to choosing the right RV leveling system for your specific situation. This isn’t a product catalog—it’s practical guidance based on years of experience helping RVers of all types find leveling solutions that work for their rigs, their camping styles, and their budgets.
The first step in choosing a leveling system is understanding your RV type and its specific leveling requirements. Different RV types have different leveling challenges and different solutions available to them.
Travel trailers and fifth wheels are towed units that level differently than motorhomes. These RVs typically use a combination of tongue jack or kingpin leveling for front-to-back leveling, and wheel-based leveling or stabilizer jacks for side-to-side leveling. The BAL Light Trailer Tire Leveler represents the simplest approach to trailer leveling—driving one side of your trailer onto a ramp to raise that side. This simple solution works well for lightweight trailers on relatively level sites.
Motorhomes have integrated leveling needs that differ from trailers. Class A, B, and C motorhomes can use sophisticated automatic leveling systems that level the entire coach at the push of a button. The EQ Systems 8757UPS Class B+ & Class C Smart-Level Leveling System For Mercedes Sprinter 3500 Chassis demonstrates the advanced leveling technology available for motorhomes. These systems use hydraulic jacks mounted at strategic points on the chassis to automatically level the motorhome, providing push-button convenience and precise leveling.
RV size and weight significantly affect leveling system selection. Larger, heavier RVs require more robust leveling systems with higher weight capacities. Smaller, lighter RVs can use simpler, less expensive leveling solutions. When evaluating leveling systems, always ensure the system’s weight capacity exceeds your RV’s weight with a comfortable safety margin.
Manual leveling solutions are the most affordable and straightforward approach to RV leveling. These solutions require physical effort but offer simplicity, reliability, and low cost.
Leveling blocks and ramps like the BAL tire leveler are the simplest leveling solution. You drive your RV’s wheels onto the blocks or ramps to raise one side, achieving side-to-side level. These solutions are inexpensive, virtually indestructible, and work with any RV type. The limitation is that they only provide a fixed amount of lift, so they work best on sites that are close to level to begin with.
Stackable leveling blocks like the Tri-Lynx Interlocking Lynx Levelers With Storage Bag - 10 Pack offer more versatility than fixed-height ramps. These interlocking blocks can be stacked in various configurations to achieve different heights, allowing you to level your RV on more severely unlevel sites. The 10-pack with storage bag provides enough blocks to create tall stacks when needed, and the interlocking design keeps the blocks from shifting as you drive onto them.
The Tri-Lynx levelers are made from heavy-duty plastic that can support up to 40,000 pounds per set, making them suitable for even the largest RVs. The bright yellow color makes them easy to see, reducing the risk of forgetting them when you break camp. The included storage bag keeps the blocks organized and makes them easy to transport.
Jack stands and base pads like the Stromberg Carlson Base Pad Leveler With Wheel Chock & Anti-Slip Mat, 30,000 Lbs provide stable support for your RV’s jacks and leveling systems. These base pads distribute the weight of your jack over a larger area, preventing the jack from sinking into soft ground. The integrated wheel chock and anti-slip mat provide additional stability and safety. With a 30,000-pound capacity, this base pad can handle even the heaviest RVs.
Automatic leveling systems represent the pinnacle of leveling technology, providing push-button convenience and precise leveling. These systems are more expensive but offer unmatched ease of use.
Motorhome automatic leveling systems like the EQ Systems Smart-Level are designed for specific chassis and provide complete automatic leveling. These systems install permanently on your motorhome and use hydraulic jacks at strategic points to level the coach. The Smart-Level system is specifically designed for Mercedes Sprinter 3500 chassis, which are popular for Class B+ and Class C motorhomes.
The EQ Systems Smart-Level uses sophisticated sensors and computer control to automatically determine the optimal jack extension for perfect leveling. You simply press a button, and the system does the rest, typically leveling your motorhome in under two minutes. The system includes safety features like automatic retraction if unsafe conditions are detected, and the hydraulic jacks are built to withstand years of use.
Fifth wheel automatic leveling systems like the Lippert 358590 Ground Control 3.0 5th Wheel RV Leveling System With Touchpad and Remote provide automatic leveling for towable RVs. These systems use electric jacks mounted at four points on your fifth wheel’s frame to provide automatic leveling. The Ground Control 3.0 includes both a touchpad controller and a wireless remote, giving you flexibility in how you operate the system.
The Ground Control 3.0 is Lippert’s flagship leveling system, featuring intelligent controls that automatically determine the optimal leveling sequence. The system can level your fifth wheel in about a minute, and the four-point design provides excellent stability. The touchpad display shows your rig’s level status in real-time, and the system includes LED lighting on each jack for visibility in low light.
Your RV’s size and weight significantly influence which leveling systems are appropriate and effective. Understanding these relationships helps you choose a system that will work reliably for your rig.
Small trailers and pop-ups (under 3,000 lbs) can use the simplest leveling solutions. The BAL tire leveler is ideal for these lightweight rigs, providing adequate leveling with minimal cost and complexity. Small trailers are also light enough that manual tongue jacks and simple stabilizers provide adequate support.
Mid-size trailers and fifth wheels (3,000-10,000 lbs) benefit from more robust leveling solutions. The Tri-Lynx stackable levelers work well for these rigs, providing the versatility to handle more challenging leveling situations. These rigs may also benefit from upgraded tongue jacks or kingpin jacks with higher capacities.
Large fifth wheels and motorhomes (over 10,000 lbs) require the most robust leveling solutions. Automatic systems like the Lippert Ground Control 3.0 or EQ Systems Smart-Level provide the power and precision needed to level heavy rigs. These systems are expensive but provide the convenience and reliability that serious RVers demand.
Your budget and how often you use your RV should guide your leveling system investment. There’s no point in spending thousands on an automatic leveling system if you only camp a few weekends per year, but there’s also no reason to struggle with inadequate leveling if you’re a full-timer.
Budget-conscious solutions like the BAL tire leveler provide effective leveling at minimal cost. These solutions work well for occasional campers or those with small, lightweight RVs. Adding quality base pads like the Stromberg Carlson base pad enhances stability without breaking the bank.
Mid-range solutions like the Tri-Lynx stackable levelers provide excellent versatility and performance at reasonable cost. These solutions work for a wide range of RV types and camping situations, making them good choices for frequent campers who want reliable leveling without the expense of automatic systems.
Premium solutions like the Lippert Ground Control 3.0 and EQ Systems Smart-Level represent significant investments but provide unmatched convenience. These systems are worth the investment for full-timers, frequent travelers, or anyone who values the convenience of push-button leveling.
How and where you camp significantly influences your leveling system needs. Understanding your camping style helps you choose a system that matches your typical situations.
Developed campground campers typically encounter relatively level sites with prepared pads. Simple leveling solutions like the BAL tire leveler or basic Tri-Lynx levelers work well in these situations. The sites are usually close enough to level that modest leveling equipment is adequate.
Boondockers and dispersed campers encounter more challenging leveling situations on uneven terrain. These campers benefit from versatile leveling solutions like the 10-pack Tri-Lynx levelers that can handle significant height differences. Automatic leveling systems are particularly valuable for boondockers, as they can handle severe unlevel conditions that would be difficult or impossible to address with manual leveling.
Full-timers who set up and break down frequently benefit most from automatic leveling systems. The convenience of push-button leveling becomes increasingly valuable when you’re leveling your RV multiple times per week. Systems like the Ground Control 3.0 pay for themselves in time saved and frustration avoided.
Understanding installation requirements and compatibility issues helps you choose a leveling system that will work with your specific RV.
Universal leveling solutions like the BAL tire leveler and Tri-Lynx levelers work with any RV and require no installation. You simply use them as needed, making them ideal for RVers who want to avoid permanent modifications.
Chassis-specific systems like the EQ Systems Smart-Level are designed for specific vehicle chassis and require professional installation. These systems must be precisely matched to your chassis type and installed by qualified technicians to ensure proper operation and safety.
Frame-mounted systems like the Lippert Ground Control 3.0 mount to your RV’s frame and require careful installation to ensure proper weight distribution and structural integrity. Professional installation is strongly recommended for these systems to ensure they’re mounted correctly and function safely.
Choosing the right leveling system involves balancing multiple factors to find the solution that best meets your needs.
For occasional campers with small RVs: Simple, affordable solutions like the BAL tire leveler provide adequate leveling without significant investment.
For frequent campers with mid-size RVs: Versatile solutions like the Tri-Lynx stackable levelers provide the flexibility to handle various leveling situations while remaining affordable.
For full-timers and large RV owners: Automatic systems like the Lippert Ground Control 3.0 or EQ Systems Smart-Level provide the convenience and precision that justify their premium cost.
For all RVers: Quality base pads like the Stromberg Carlson base pad enhance stability and protect against sinking, regardless of your primary leveling method.
Proper leveling is essential for RV comfort, safety, and the proper functioning of your systems. Take the time to carefully evaluate your RV type, camping style, and budget to choose a leveling system that will serve you well for years to come.
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I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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