If you’ve ever parked your RV, stepped inside, and immediately felt like you were on a sinking ship, you know the struggle of leveling. No one wants to sleep at a weird angle or have their coffee slide off the counter! Whether you’re pulling into a campsite or setting up in your driveway, getting your rig level is key to comfort, safety, and even proper function of appliances (I’m looking at you, fridge). So, let’s talk about all the ways you can level your RV, from old-school methods to fancy auto systems. 
The Basics: Why RV Leveling Matters
Before we get into the tools of the trade, it’s important to understand why leveling is essential:
- Comfort: Walking around inside an uneven RV feels like navigating an obstacle course.
- Appliances: Many RV refrigerators (especially absorption ones) need a level setup to work efficiently.
- Slide-Outs: If your RV has slide-outs, an uneven base can put stress on their mechanics.
- Water Drainage: A slanted RV can lead to water pooling where it shouldn’t.
RV Leveling Methods
Method 1: The Classic Manual Approach (Using Blocks or Pads)
This is the method that most RVers start with—and the one that requires the most effort.
- Find a Flat Spot: Always try to park on level ground to minimize the work you have to do.
- Grab Some Leveling Blocks (or Wood Planks): Stack them under your tires to lift the lower side.
- Use a Bubble Level: Place it inside your RV (on a counter or floor) to check how off-balance you are.
- Adjust & Try Again: It might take a few attempts to get everything just right.
This method is simple, affordable, and doesn’t require fancy gadgets—but it can be a bit of a workout.
Method 2: Drive-Up Levelers Ramps
If stacking blocks feels like a hassle, products like Camco Curved Levelers make the RV leveling process so much easier. These are available at Rivertown RV Parts@rivertownrv.com
- Instead of stacking blocks, you drive onto curved levelers until your RV is even.
- Once you reach the right height, chock the leveler in place to secure it.
- No need to guess how much to lift—just drive up gradually until you’re satisfied!
These are quicker, easier, and more precise than basic blocks, plus they’re lightweight and easy to store.
Method 3: Auto-Leveling Systems (Like Lippert’s Hydraulic System)
Now, if you’re lucky enough to have an automatic leveling system, then congratulations—you’ve entered the world of effortless leveling!
- Park your RV where you want it.
- Look for decently level ground to park on or drive up on boards or pads to get your RV fairly level. If your rig is too uneven to start with sometimes these auto-leveling systems can’t compensate and will not work correctly.
- Push a button on the Lippert Auto-Level System (or similar model).
- Watch as your RV magically levels itself using hydraulic jacks!
The biggest perk? No manual labor. The biggest downside? These RV leveling systems aren’t cheap and are usually found on higher-end rigs.
What’s the Best RV Leveling Method?
Truthfully, the best RV leveling method depends on your RV type, budget, and patience level.
- If you like doing things manually (or are on a budget), blocks or pads work fine.
- If you want something easier, drive-up levelers like Anderson are great.
- If you want total luxury, an auto-leveling system is unbeatable.
No matter what method you use, the key is to take your time and double-check before calling it good. Trust me—you don’t want to find out in the middle of the night that you’re rolling toward the door.
Happy camping, and may your RV always be level! 🚐🔧