Learning how to level a pop up camper properly is easy!
All you need is some patience and the right tools to get the job done.
Learning how to level a camper is something every RVer needs to know how to do, no matter how big your RV is.
In this article, you’ll learn what tools you need to learn how to level your pop up trailer, and a handy walkthrough to get the job done. It’s so easy, anyone can do it!
How to Level a Pop Up Camper Properly: The Basics
Leveling your camper is one of the very first things you’ll do when setting up camp. But it doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect!
Having a level camper will provide a more comfortable camping experience and help doors close and open properly. And, if you have an RV fridge, your trailer must be level to keep it operating safely.
There are a few tools you need to level your pop up camper. The basics are wheel chocks to keep your wheels from rolling, leveling pads or wood blocks to help level the uneven side, and a bubble level to know when you’re done.
What You Need to Level a Pop Up Camper
The following list includes different tools for leveling your camper. You don’t need every single item on this list, but you do need to make sure you have, at minimum: chocks, leveling pads or wood blocks, a bubble level, and stabilizers or jacks.
Related: If you want a more comprehensive list than this, check out this article: 70+ Must Have Pop Up Camper Accessories. It covers towing, campsite setup, interior accessories, storage accessories, and more!
Wheel Chocks
- Pack of 2
- Non-Slip Base
- For Tires Up to 26 inches in Diameter
- Durable UV Resistant Material
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
RV wheel chocks are essential for every RV and camper owner. These small blocks wedge underneath each side of the RV tires to prevent the trailer from shifting or rolling.
While chocks can be especially helpful in hilly terrain, they should be used every time you set up camp as an extra safety measure.
You can put wheel chocks just under one side of your wheel, but personally I recommend chocking both sides for safety’s sake.
Leveling Pads
- Pack of 10
- Heavy-Duty Interlocking Blocks
- For Use Under Wheels, Hydraulic Jacks, and Tongue Jacks
- Over 10k 5-Star Reviews
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leveling pads are heavy-duty interlocking blocks that you place under your pop up camper tire to help level your camper from side-to-side.
RV leveling pads typically come in a 10-pack and can be stacked together in a pyramid shape to add extra height for leveling.
To use these, simply place them under the tire of the lowest side of the camper to help get it level. Leveling pads are also useful to place under the tongue jack to level your pop up camper from front-to-back.
Wood Blocks
Wood blocks can be used in place of leveling pads to add height to one side of your camper. There's a caveat: wood blocks don’t last as long and are susceptible to rot. But in a pinch they're a good substitute for leveling pads.
You can use wood blocks under your tires or under your tongue jack to level your camper from side-to-side and front-to-back. But keep in mind that you should upgrade to weather and rot-resistant tools as soon as you can!
Bubble Levels
- Pack of 2
- Monitors Tilt from 0 to 10 Degrees
- For Checking Front-to-Back and Side-to-Side RV Leveling
- Mounts Securely with 3M Tape
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bubble levels are one of the most important parts of leveling your pop up camper. You can use a regular bubble level ruler, or you can purchase special RV bubble levers that stick onto your camper.
Use a bubble level to determine if your camper is level from front-to-back and side-to-side.
Drive Up Leveler
- 2-Pack Andersen Levelers
- Level Camper in 5 Minutes
- Can Support Campers Up to 30k lbs
- For Tires up to 32 inches in Diameter
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You can use drive-up levelers like ramps or Andersen levelers in place of RV leveling pads. These levelers work well but tend to take up more room in storage.
Andersen levelers are the most popular and versatile choice of drive-up leveler because they have many levels of leveling (no pun intended), and function as a chock.
BAL Trailer Levelers
- For Single Axle Trailer
- Fits 13, 14 & Most 15 inch Wheels
- Special Ratchet Wrench Included
- Corrosion-Resistant Finish Can Withstand Any Weather Conditions
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BAL trailer levelers are unique leveling devices made for single axle trailers, like pop up campers.
You simply place your BAL leveler under the tire on the low side of the camper and use a ratchet tool to raise your trailer until it’s level.
BAL tire levelers are great if you don’t want to mess with driving up onto leveling pads. This is a great way to level your tent trailer if you're traveling solo.
Stabilizing Jacks
Most pop up campers have stabilizing jacks on all four corners of the trailer. Your stabilizing jacks are an important part of keeping your camper level and stable.
Stabilizing jacks come in automatic and manual varieties. To make the job quicker with manual stabilizing jacks, you can use a power drill to raise and lower them.
Download this FREE ebook learn 60+ ways to earn an income from anywhere!
How to Properly Level A Pop Up Camper
Now that you know what tools you need, let’s learn how to properly level a pop up camper.Â
Positioning Your Camper
When you arrive at the campsite, leave your pop up camper connected to your vehicle. Enter the campsite and position your camper in the general area that you would like to set up at.
Once you have your camper in the area that you want to set up, use your bubble levels to check and see what sides you need to raise. Be sure to check both front-to-back and side-to-side.
How to Level a Pop Up Camper from Side to Side
Now that you know what side of your camper is lower, it’s time to place your leveling tools.
If you are using leveling pads or a drive-up leveler, position it under the tire on the lower side. You can either drive up onto the leveler or reverse onto it. Either way, take it slow and get out and check as many times as you need to!
After you have your pop up trailer level from side-to-side using pads or drive-up levelers, place wheel chocks under the other tire.
If you are using a BAL tire leveler, there is no need to move the camper. First, chock the tire on the higher side to help keep your camper in place.
Next, place your BAL leveler under the lower tire. Using the supplied ratchet wrench, raise the lower side until your bubble level shows that your camper is level from side-to-side.
Be sure to check your bubble levels several times during the leveling process.
Unhook Your Pop Up Camper
Once your pop up trailer is level from side-to-side, it’s time to unhook it from the car. Be sure that you have wheel chocks in place to keep your camper from rolling after you unhook from your tow vehicle. Next, it’s time to level your camper from front-to-back.
How to Level a Pop Up Camper from Front to Back
You can level your pop-up camper from front-to-back using your tongue jack. When unhooking from the car, you can place leveling pads or a wood block under your tongue jack to assist with front-to-back leveling.
Set Stabilizer Jacks
Once your pop up camper is level from both front-to-back and side-to-side, it’s time to set your stabilizer jacks.
Stabilizer jacks help your camper remain level and keep it from wobbling and shifting while you are moving around inside.
After you lower your stabilizer jacks, check your bubble levels again to make sure your camper is still level.
You can place leveling pads under the stabilizer jacks to help distribute the weight if your camper is on soft ground.
Stabilizer jacks are for stabilizing only, they should not be used to try and level your camper. They are not designed for leveling or bearing the brunt of the camper’s weight.
Set Up Camp
It’s official: you know how to level a pop up camper. Learning how to level a pop up trailer is easy! You’ll be an RV pro in no time.
Now that your camper is level, it’s time to set up camp. Open your pop up, set up your indoor and outdoor campsite, and get to relaxing. You’ve earned it!
Related Articles:
- Rockwood Pop Up Camper: A Pop Up Camper Brand with Something For Everyone
- 13 Small Pop Up Campers For Sale Today That Don't Skimp On Amenities
Carrie Wilder
Carrie has a passion for location independence and nomadic lifestyles. After traveling full-time in an RV and living the van life, she created Making Money and Traveling to help others make the switch to a remote lifestyle. Learn more about Carrie on the About page or connect on social media below.Â
Download this FREE ebook learn 60+ ways to earn an income from anywhere!
