There is nothing worse than rolling out of bed at 3:00 AM because your trailer is on such a tilt you’ve slid halfway across the mattress. Or worse, trying to fry an egg on a stove where the grease pools entirely on one side of the pan. Proper RV levelling isn’t just about comfort; it’s about making sure your fridge stays running and your slide-outs don’t bind. Whether you’re parking on a gravel pad in Algonquin or a patch of grass in the BC Interior, getting it straight the first time saves your equipment and your sanity.

Why “Close Enough” Isn’t Good Enough

I’ve seen folks pull into a site, drop the jacks, and call it a day. That’s a mistake. Most RV refrigerators rely on gravity to circulate chemicals; if you’re off by more than a few degrees, those fluids can pool and permanently damage your cooling unit. Plus, if you aren’t level, your grey and black tanks won’t drain properly. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried to empty a tank that’s tilted away from the outlet. It’s a mess you don’t want.

The Gear You Actually Need

Don’t rely on scraps of rotted 2x4s you found in the woods. Canadian weather—especially that spring melt—makes the ground soft and unpredictable. You need tools that won’t crack when the temperature drops in October.

• RV Levelling Blocks: These are your best friends. I always carry the RV Traveler’s Choice Stackers because they snap together like Lego. They’re essential for building a solid base under your tires or jacks when the ground is uneven.
• The Bubble Level: You can go high-tech with Bluetooth sensors, but a simple stick-on bubble level on the front and side of your rig is foolproof.
• Wheel Chocks: Never start the process without these Wheel Chocks. Once you find your spot, chock those wheels so the rig doesn’t decide to take a solo trip down a hill.

Side-to-Side: The First Step

You have to get the side-to-side level right before you even unhook from your truck. Drive onto your RV levelling blocks to lift the low side. If you’re dealing with the notorious frost heaves of the Trans-Canada Highway, your site might be more “crater” than “pad.” Take the time to stack your blocks properly. Once the bubble is centred, set your parking brake and chock the wheels.

Front-to-Back: Using Your RV Tongue Jack

Now that the sides are set, it’s time to unhook. Use your electric RV tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer. If you’re on soft ground in the Maritimes, put a pad or a stacker block under the jack foot so it doesn’t sink into the mud. If you want to see more ways to keep your rig in top shape, check out our guide on getting your RV in tip-top shape.

Stability vs. Levelling: Don’t Mix Them Up

This is where most beginners mess up. Your RV scissor jacks or RV stabilizer jacks are for stopping the “rock and roll” when you walk inside. They are not meant to lift the weight of the RV. If you try to level the rig using only the stabilizers, you’re going to bend the frame or snap a jack. Get the rig level with blocks and the tongue jack first, then snug down the stabilizers.

For replacement parts and everyday RV accessories, the RV Care Shop makes it easy to shop online in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I level my RV with the slide-outs extended? No. Always level the RV first, then move your slides out. Extending slides on an unlevel rig puts massive strain on the motors and tracks.

Do I really need blocks if I have an auto-levelling system? Yes. Even the best “one-touch” systems have limits. If the slope is too steep, the system will error out. Putting blocks under the jacks gives the system a head start and keeps the pistons from over-extending.

What happens if my RV isn’t level? Beyond the fridge issues mentioned earlier, your doors might not shut right, your drains will slow down, and you’ll likely have a headache from sleeping at an angle.

Get It Straight Before You Sit Down

Levelling shouldn’t take an hour. With a good set of stackers and a bit of patience, you can have the rig rock-solid in ten minutes. It’s the difference between a relaxing weekend and a frustrating trip filled with swinging cabinet doors.

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