Having an RV leveling system is especially important for making sure certain appliances operate correctly, as well as for your own comfort. There are different ways to ensure that your motorhome or coach stays level. Different methods can be more suited to differing price levels or different types of RVs. They can be as simple as using planks of wood, or be as sophisticated as a hydraulic leveling system.

The main reason for keeping your RV level is to keep your refrigerator operating correctly. A gas absorption fridge needs to stay level in order to function. The evaporator coils in the cooling unit use liquid ammonia, making it crucial for the fridge to stay level for it to flow properly. Another reason to make sure your motorhome is level is for your comfort and the comfort of others, especially while sleeping. It also makes it less likely for you or anyone else to lose their balance while walking around inside. Readings from tank level sensors will also be more truthful when the RV is level.

The simplest and often least expensive way to level an RV is to have planks of wood under the tires. This is not necessarily the best way to handle the issue, however. As they are not made to be constantly exposed to the elements, they can decay over time. They can also become dislodged if the weight of your RV is not distributed correctly. Using leveling blocks is still inexpensive, yet more dependable than using wood planks. Leveling blocks can lock together to form an incline, making it easier for them to stay in place as an RV drives onto them. Keep in mind the blocks need to accommodate the entire surface area of contact between the tire and the ground. Lynx Levelers, for example, use an interlocking system that can support up to 40,000 lbs. For safety reasons, it’s best not to stack them higher than 5” off the ground.

Hydraulic leveling systems are a precise way of keeping an RV balanced, by raising or lowering a section of the motorhome as needed. While single corners can be moved independently, it is best to lift a whole side or end at the same time to avoid twisting the frame of your RV. Also make sure the RV is on a hard, stable material, such as concrete, to prevent the jacks from sinking into the surface. Bigfoot offers several types of leveling systems, such as the WC-8A1. The WC-8A1 is a wireless system that uses a remote to control the jacks. It can operate them in pairs so that an entire end or side can be adjusted at the same time. The 4 cylinders are each able to lift 12,000 lbs, and the pads are 100 square inches to provide a large surface area in contact with the ground.

Stabilizing is going a step beyond leveling. Once the RV is level, stabilizing jacks can help keep it in position. Keep in mind stabilizing jacks are different from leveling systems, and are not meant to be used as the sole means of keeping an RV level.