Beatrice Lang
Electric jacks are a convenient way to level your camper or RV. While some people use manual methods like cordless drills or blocks to level their campers, electric jacks can make the process quicker and easier. There are several types of electric jacks available, including Lippert wireless control jacks, wired jacks, folding electric jacks, and twin scissor jacks with electric motors. It's important to note that power stabilizers are different from power jacks and are not meant for leveling. When using electric jacks, you should still use leveling blocks or pads beneath the jacks to ensure stability and reduce the distance needed to reach a stable surface. Additionally, wheel chocks are necessary to prevent the wheels from rolling while parked.
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What You'll Learn
Use wheel chocks to prevent wheels from rolling
When levelling a camper with electric jacks, it is important to use wheel chocks to prevent wheels from rolling. This is a critical safety measure to ensure that your camper remains stationary and does not accidentally roll or move, which could be dangerous for you and those around you.
Wheel chocks are wedge-shaped blocks that are placed in front of and behind the wheels of your camper to prevent it from rolling forward or backward. They provide a physical barrier that stops the wheels from turning, even on uneven ground. It is recommended to use wheel chocks made specifically for RVs or campers, as they are designed to handle the weight and size of these vehicles.
To use wheel chocks effectively, start by levelling your camper as much as possible using levelling blocks or ramps. Once you have achieved a rough level, place the wheel chocks on the ground in front of and behind the wheels, ensuring they are in solid contact with the ground and the tyre. The chocks should be placed on the side opposite to the levelling blocks, as this is the side that may turn and drag the tongue jack. Make sure your parking brake is also engaged for added security.
It is important to use the correct type and size of wheel chocks for your camper. Some popular options include rubber chocks, Lynx blocks, and Camco blocks. Rubber chocks are flexible and can conform to the shape of the tyre, providing a snug fit. Lynx blocks have chocks that slot into the blocks placed under the wheels, providing additional stability. Camco blocks can be stacked to level your camper, and chocks can be added to prevent rolling.
By following these steps and using wheel chocks properly, you can effectively prevent your camper's wheels from rolling when levelling with electric jacks, ensuring a safe and stable setup for your RV or camper.
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Level from side to side
To level your camper from side to side, you will need a bubble level, pieces of wood or plastic, and leveling blocks. You can also use a smart device with a leveling app, like Camper Level, to check the levelness of your camper.
First, park your camper on a flat surface to avoid tipping and tire damage. Clear the area of rocks, branches, and other camping items that may get in the way. Then, use your bubble level to measure the camper's levelness from side to side. If one side is lower than the other, you will need to adjust it.
To adjust the levelness of your camper, you can use leveling blocks, wood scraps, or plastic scraps. Place these under the low side of your camper, and slowly pull forward until the wheels are on top of them. You can also use gravel to raise the height of your camper. Once your camper is level, place wheel chocks under the tires to keep the wheels from rolling and coming off the blocks.
If you have a tongue jack, you can use it to adjust the levelness of your camper. First, place pieces of wood under the tongue jack to give it a place to rest. Then, adjust the tongue jack by hand or with a drill attachment to raise or lower the camper until it is level.
It is important to note that stabilizer jacks are not meant for leveling your camper and can be damaged if used for this purpose. Always use leveling blocks or other tools to adjust the levelness of your camper before using stabilizer jacks to stabilize it.
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Use a bubble level to check the grade
A bubble level is a handy tool to check the grade and ensure your RV or camper is level. These levels are also referred to as inclinometers or tilt gauges and are an essential part of the levelling process. They are small and can be placed in various spots on your RV or camper. You can also mount them permanently if desired.
To use a bubble level, first, park your RV or camper, keeping in mind the slope of the terrain. Check the front-to-back level of your vehicle using the bubble level. The goal is to centre the bubble, and if it's off-centre, you will need to raise one end. You can do this by placing levelling blocks on the low end and driving up onto them slowly until the bubble is centred.
Next, you can begin the side-to-side levelling process. Place the bubble level along the front-to-back axis of your vehicle. If you need to raise one side, place levelling blocks under the lower-side tires and drive up onto them. Again, the goal is to get the bubble as close to the centre as possible.
You can also use a bubble level to check the grade after making adjustments with your stabilizers or jacks. If you have stabilizing jacks, use them to further stabilize your RV or camper once it's level. It is important to note that stabilizing jacks are not meant for levelling, so be sure not to lift your vehicle with them.
There are also alternative approaches to using a bubble level. These include placing a can on its side to see if it rolls, placing water in a frying pan, or simply staring at a glass of water. Additionally, there are mobile apps available that can help you level your RV or camper.
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Adjust tongue jacks
Adjusting tongue jacks is a crucial step in levelling your camper and ensuring a comfortable camping experience. Here are some detailed instructions on how to adjust tongue jacks effectively:
Park Your Camper and Assess the Ground:
Start by parking your camper on relatively even ground. Ideally, look for a paved RV pad at a designated campsite. This initial levelling will make the subsequent adjustments easier and more accurate.
Use Tongue Jacks to Stabilise:
Use a tongue jack to stabilise the front of your camper. Tongue jacks are essential for levelling your camper from front to back. They can either be electric, running off your camper's 12-volt electric system, or manual, requiring you to turn a crank. If you have an electric model, ensure it is properly connected to your camper's power source.
Check Level with a Bubble Level:
Attach a bubble level to the front of your camper to check the grade from front to back. This tool will help you determine how much adjustment is needed on the tongue jack.
Adjust the Tongue Jack:
Based on the reading from the bubble level, adjust the tongue jack until the length of your camper is level. Raise or lower the jack accordingly, ensuring that the front of your camper is stable and level before proceeding to the next steps.
Stabilise with Blocks:
Once the tongue jack is adjusted, use levelling blocks or pads to stabilise the rest of the camper. Place these blocks under the wheels or stabiliser jacks to ensure they rest on a stable surface, especially if the ground is soft. This will prevent unwanted movement and help maintain the level position.
Remember, safety should always be a priority when working with jacks and levelling your camper. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model of tongue jack and take the necessary precautions to prevent injury or equipment damage.
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Stabilise with blocks or pads
When stabilising your camper, it is important to use jack pads to prevent the jacks from sinking into soft ground. Jack pads are designed to prevent your rig from sinking by guaranteeing equal weight distribution. They are usually made from heavy-duty materials like nylon polymer or rubber, which can withstand water, moisture, and sunlight. Jack pads with built-in handles are a convenient option as they can be easily placed under the foot of your jacks and stored away when not in use. Some jack pads also come with interlocking and velcro straps for easy storage.
You can also use blocks or plywood under the stabiliser jacks to spread them out and increase stability. This is especially useful if you are parking on soft ground, where you may want to use a wider surface area of blocks to stop the jack from sinking. You can use stackable levelling pads, wooden boards, or plastic blocks to do this.
If your camper is unlevel both side to side and front to back, place the blocks by one low corner of the camper to level out both angles at once. Now, stabilise your tongue jack by placing a tongue jack stand underneath it. Crank the jack to the ground using the handle. The weight of your trailer's tongue will rest on the jack after you pull your tow vehicle away.
Starting at the front of your camper, use a hand crank to lower the stabiliser jack until you feel resistance. Repeat for each side of the camper. If one of the jacks doesn't reach the ground, use Lynx Levelers or similar products to make up the difference in height.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wheel chocks, a jack crank handle, and a scissor jack drill attachment. You may also need levelling blocks or pads.
First, level the camper side-to-side. Then, place levelling blocks or pads beneath the stabilizer jacks, and lower the jacks. Engage the electric levelling system, and let it raise the front of the camper. Once level, lower the stabilizers.
Choose a spot that is already level to save time and effort. Use a bubble level to check the grade of the camper from front to back. If using a manual jack, a cordless drill can help speed up the process.
