RVs provide comfort and convenience for anyone traveling or camping. Who doesn’t want to have their own sleeping areas in the wilderness?
If you find yourself camping on uneven terrain or uphill ground, it’s essential to know how to level your RV.
There are debates out there about whether RVs can be leveled regardless of their slides’ position. So, can you level RV with slides out? Let’s find out!
Can You Level RV With Slides Out?
The short answer is yes, but not every RV owner does. Some RV owners prefer leveling their RVs with the slides in.
Nevertheless, you should always refer to your RV’s manual first before attempting to level your RV. If your manual gives you the go signal, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Method 1: Use Weight Distribution Hitch
Using the weight distribution hitch method evenly distributes the trailer’s weight across all four tires. What’s more, this method improves the stability of your tow vehicle and RV.
You can do this method by attaching your RV to a tow vehicle and fastening it as per your manual. It also involves measuring the front and back heights for your truck to make sure there’s even distribution.
Method 2: Use Stabilizing Jacks
Using stabilizing jacks is another option to level your RV. These are built-in stabilizers if you own a high-end RV.
You can set up automatic stabilizing jacks without a hitch by pressing a few buttons. There are also manual jacks that you can easily buy.
Manual stabilizing jacks will require more effort, though. Even so, with a hand crank, it shouldn’t be a difficult setup.
How to Properly Level Your RV
Depending on the type of your RV, there are a few differences in how to level it.
RVs are divided into motorhomes and towable RVs. Motorhome RVs have their own engines and driving gears, while towable RVs require tow vehicles to move.
For both types, there are two common steps. You’ll need to complete the following steps first before you can properly level your RV. Once done, all you need to worry about is finding the RV’s balance.
1. Secure an Even Parking Site
You’ll want to secure a relatively even parking site. The more even it is, the less work for you.
If sloped surfaces are the only sites available, try to park your RV with the front end facing downward. You can easily lift the front end when leveling rather than the back end.
2. Check the Level of Your RV
The level of your RV once parked will determine how much time you’ll need for leveling.
Set your bubble level down in the center of your RV. This could be on the floor, counter, or table, depending on your RV’s layout. Placing it in the center gives you a more accurate measurement.
Motorhome RVs
To find the right balance for your RV, follow the general rule of fixing the front-back balance first, then the left-right balance.
Using your blocks, increase the height on the front and back if your RV is off balance in the front-back system.
If your RV is only off-balance in the left-right system, raise both wheels on the lower side. If it’s off-balance on both systems, adjust the appropriate wheels with lower sides.
Towable RVs
Unless your RV has an automatic leveling system, towable RVs take more steps to complete their leveling.
First, check your left-right balance. If it’s off-balance, pull your RV forward to align with the blocks.
Once you’re okay with the balance, place your wheel chocks on the sides of your wheels. Remember to do this before unhooking your RV to stop it from rolling away.
Then, determine if the front-back is off balance. Instead of moving your RV, adjust your A-frame jack down on the blocks to find the right balance.
Finally, set your stabilizers down. You’ll still have to check the pressure on the stabilizers to ensure it’s all evenly distributed.
Why Leveling Your RV Is Important
Getting the best experience from your RV means regularly leveling. Here are some reasons why leveling your RV is important.
Reduce Pressure on the Structure
The frames and structure of your RV can take a lot of pressure if the vehicle isn’t leveled.
Imagine squatting improperly for a long time. You’re putting unnecessary stress on the wrong parts. This is what it’s like for your RV.
You can damage your door frames, cupboards, and plumbing system if you don’t level your RV. By leveling it, you’re making sure that the pressure is distributed evenly throughout your RV’s structure.
Ensure Overall Comfort
One of the greatest joys about being in an RV is recreating the comfort of your own home. However, an unleveled RV can make this difficult.
If your RV isn’t leveled, you may notice that your counters are sloped. Any appliance resting on them can easily slide and fall into pieces. You may also have a hard time eating because of the uneven tables and seats.
Not to mention, an unleveled RV can cause poor sleep. Your bed may tilt at an angle, making it hard to find the right sleeping position.
Protect Fridge Life
Your RV’s fridge life should be one of your main concerns when your RV isn’t leveled.
Since RVs use absorption refrigerators, they need to be on a leveled surface to operate properly. If they’re left in an uneven plane for a long time, they can run into serious issues.
Fridges in an unleveled RV can move the liquid ammonia to a stagnant point. If this happens, you can end up with a damaged fridge that only releases heat.
Ensure Accurate Water Tank Reading
If you remember from science class, liquids take the shape of their container. So, if the container is tilted, the liquid inside will also tilt.
As an RV owner, you’ll know how important it is to always have an accurate reading of your water tank. If you suddenly find water in your tank after your tank sensor reads empty, you most likely have an unleveled RV.
An accurate water tank reading helps you gauge how much water is left in your tank, especially when camping.
Final Thoughts
So, can you level RV with slides out? Instead of pulling the slides back in before leveling, you can relax knowing that you can level your RV with slides out.
Next time you need to level your RV, remember to follow the right procedures to avoid damage to the RV. Making sure that it’s leveled can guarantee you a great experience in your RV.