How to level a pull behind camper. Camping is everyone’s favorite summertime activity, and let’s be honest: enjoying the outdoors is one of the best ways to spend a good time with loved ones.
But one cannot deny that camping takes a lot of planning and energy regardless of the camper you’re camping in.
One of the most important tasks to do as part of setting up your rig at a campsite is leveling it- the proper functioning of essentials such as the fridge is contingent on your camper being level.
Also, when a camper is not level, various parts, including door frames, the plumbing system, and windows, are likely to bear extra stress, potentially leading to long-term problems and damage to the affected areas.
If you own a tow-behind camper, this guide will teach you how to level a pull-behind camper to ensure every device operates properly and, of course, avoid irritations such as items rolling off counters.
Keep reading.
How to Level a Pull Behind Camper
Just as motorized campers, your towable was designed to be used while level at campsites, so this is not a task you can forego despite it not being exactly fun.
Follow these steps to manually level your camper before you occupy it with your family:
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Tip: The exact steps may differ from one pull behind to the next, so it is important to look at the “leveling” section in your owner’s manual for exact instructions before you begin.
Keep in mind there are two main operations in leveling these types of campers:
Operation 1: Level the camper side to side
Operation 2: Level the camper front to rear
Here is the procedure:
Preliminaries
1. Park on relatively level spot
Tow the camper to a flat spot and park. Needless to say, trying to level your camper while parked on a slope not only makes your job harder, but it can be dangerous.
In addition, the ground you park on should be firm enough to support the full weight of jacks and/or other support devices.
But if you have to park on an incline- depending on where you’re camping- park the camper facing downhill (than uphill). This is crucial since only the rear wheels are typically locked.
2. Prep the area
Before you start to level, remove hindrances such as rocks, tree branches, and any other item in the vicinity- you don’t want them to interfere with the operation.
Operation 1: Level the camper side to side
It’s worth pointing out that, on the whole, the operation should be completed while the unit is still hitched to your tow vehicle.
Step 1: Check for the side that needs leveling
Check the attitude – you can use a small level first to determine if leveling is necessary. If yes, proceed to level it from side-to-side as explained from step 2 below.
Step 2: Place plastic or wood leveling blocks
Start by placing plastic or wood leveling blocks (one or more) on the ground- forward of the unit’s wheels. The blocks should be positioned near the tires.
Step 3: Tow the camper onto the leveling blocks
Next, tow the camper slowly onto the blocks. Stop when the wheels have securely stepped on the blocks.
Step 4: Assess the level again
Use your level to measure if the camper is now leveled. If not, adjust the position of the wheels as required (drive slightly forward/back).
Step 5: Put tire chocks under your tires
While your parking brakes can keep the camper from rolling away, they’re not completely safe on their own.
For this reason, always put tire chocks under your tires once level- the wheels are much less likely to roll away when used in combination with parking brakes.
That’s the recommended way to complete side-to-side leveling (and not placing wheels in a hole).
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Operation 2: Level the camper front to rear
Here now is how to level the camper from front-to-rear:
Step 1: Place jack pad/caster wheel under hitch jack
Your first step is placing the jack pad/caster wheel beneath the hitch jack
Step 2: Unhitch the camper
Disconnect the hitch, all safety cables, wiring harness, and everything else from your tow vehicle.
Step 3: Adjust the jack as necessary
You then adjust the jack down or up until you’re level from front-to-back and firmly engaged.
Step 4: Stabilize the unit
Now you can use stabilizing jacks to end the spring action of axles. For maximum stability, ensure that all jacks have roughly the same pressure (on them).
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A word on models equipped with leveling system
A hydraulic leveling system makes selecting an appropriate parking site for the camper easier and faster as it reduces the effects of uneven ground (remember that the hydraulic jacks usually raise any affected low corners).
Note that when it comes to getting it level, units with hydraulic leveling systems are the most straightforward to level- for the most part, all you have to do is simply press a button on the leveling system’s control pad and voila!.
If unsure, consult your leveling system operation’s guide and follow the typically easy-peasy instructions to level your camper easily and quickly.
The guide also contains useful technical information, additional precautions, and instructions on how to level such a pull behind camper manually if the system fails.
How to level a pull-behind camper – Useful tips/warnings
Never use stabilizing jacks to level or lift the camper
- Never use jacks to lift your camper- stabilizing jacks are designed to be used to balance the camper and not bear weight.
- Keep your loved one clear of the camper while leveling it- you can never be certain that an accident won’t occur.
- Do not use leveling blocks on icy/slick surfaces because they can slip easily, making it more difficult for you to drive the tires up onto them.
When you have planned to stay in the same area for several days/weeks/months, you want your camper to be as even and stable as possible.
Follow the steps above to level your camper once at the site if you found a correction necessary after assessing the ground.
Spending those extra few minutes as part of the site setup is worthwhile!
References and Citations:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: TOWING A TRAILER Being Equipped for Safety https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/CG-CVC/CVC3/training/dmgcontrol/G-PCV-3_CFVS_DC_Trainer_NHTSA_TowingSafety.pdf
