How to Stabilize Your RV in 3 Easy Steps (2024)

When you’re out on the open road in your RV, it’s essential to have a stable and level living space. Proper stabilization ensures a more comfortable experience inside the vehicle, prevents unwanted movements, and helps maintain the integrity of your RV. In this blog, we will guide you through three easy steps to stabilize your RV effectively and enjoy a smoother journey.

Step 1: Find Level Ground or Use Leveling Blocks

How to Stabilize Your RV in 3 Easy Steps (1)

The first and most crucial step in stabilizing your RV is finding level ground. A level surface provides a solid foundation, minimizing the risk of your RV swaying or rocking. If the ground isn’t naturally level, you can level it yourself using leveling blocks. Here’s how to use leveling blocks:

  • Park your RV in a relatively flat area.
  • Place the leveling blocks in front of or behind the wheels that need to be raised.
  • Slowly drive your RV onto the leveling blocks until it reaches a level position.
  • Check the levelness with a bubble level or an onboard leveling system.

Remember to chock the wheels on the opposite side of the leveling blocks to ensure stability. By finding level ground or using leveling blocks, you’ll create a solid base for further stabilization steps.

Step 2: Tongue Jack or Front Jacks

How to Stabilize Your RV in 3 Easy Steps (2)

Set Your Tongue Jack or Front Jacks To stabilize the front end of your RV, you’ll need to use the tongue jack or front jacks, depending on your RV’s configuration. Follow these steps to properly set them up:

  • Locate the tongue jack or front jacks on your RV. They are typically positioned near the hitch or at the front end of the vehicle.
  • Extend the jack(s) until they make firm contact with the ground. You may need to crank them down manually or use an electric or hydraulic system, depending on your RV’s setup.
  • Apply steady pressure to lift the front end slightly, ensuring the tires are still in contact with the ground.
  • Once the RV feels stable and secure, stop extending the jack(s) and double-check the levelness.

By setting your tongue jack or front jacks correctly, you distribute the weight evenly and minimize any unwanted movement in the front part of your RV.

Step 3: Stabilizer Jacks

How to Stabilize Your RV in 3 Easy Steps (3)

The final step is to utilize stabilizer jacks, which are typically located at the corners or sides of your RV. These jacks help further stabilize the vehicle and reduce any side-to-side motion. The usage may vary depending on whether your RV has an auto-leveling system: For RVs with an auto-leveling system:

  • Activate the auto-leveling system following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • The system will automatically extend the necessary jacks to level and stabilize the RV.

For RVs without an auto-leveling system:

  • Locate the stabilizer jacks near each corner or side of your RV.
  • Use a manual crank or an electric drill with the appropriate socket to extend each stabilizer jack until it makes firm contact with the ground.
  • Avoid overextending the jacks, as it may lead to unnecessary strain.
  • Once all stabilizer jacks are extended, double-check the levelness and make any adjustments as needed.

By utilizing stabilizer jacks, you’ll effectively reduce the RV’s sway and increase stability during your journey, ensuring a more comfortable experience. Stabilizing your RV is a crucial aspect of enjoying a comfortable and safe experience on the road. By following these three easy steps—finding level ground or using leveling blocks, setting your tongue jack or front jacks, and using stabilizer jacks—you’ll minimize unwanted movements and ensure a comfortable camping trip

How to Stabilize Your RV in 3 Easy Steps (2024)

FAQs

How to Stabilize Your RV in 3 Easy Steps? ›

Leveling A Travel Trailer With Andersen Levelers

Instead, Andersen levelers are shaped like wedges or ramps. With them, simply place the wedges in front of the tires or behind the tires that need to be lifted. Drive forward until your rig looks level or until your partner tells you you are level. Done!

How can I make my RV more secure? ›

5 Smart & Simple Tips to Increase RV Security
  1. Change Your Direction. Most people back into their campground site. ...
  2. Beef Up Your Locks. Houses have doors with security bolts. ...
  3. Leave Temptation Behind. This one seems pretty obvious. ...
  4. Install Security. If you want security, a system is a small price to pay. ...
  5. Cover Your Boot.
Nov 2, 2022

How to stabilize a camper when parked? ›

Understanding how to use jacks, levelers, stabilizers and chocks
  1. Jacks/Levelers: Reduce up and down motion. Used on four corners, or in the middles as well. ...
  2. Stabilizers: Reduce side to side motion. ...
  3. Wheel chocks: Reduce tire movement.
Apr 14, 2022

What is the easiest way to level a travel trailer? ›

Leveling A Travel Trailer With Andersen Levelers

Instead, Andersen levelers are shaped like wedges or ramps. With them, simply place the wedges in front of the tires or behind the tires that need to be lifted. Drive forward until your rig looks level or until your partner tells you you are level. Done!

How do you stop your travel trailer from shaking? ›

I use super grip chocks from Ultra fab and love them, BAL also makes them by the name X chock. You can buy them on rvpartsoverstock.com for a great price. Thank you all for your thoughts. Cement block is what we will do, at the four corners and both in front of and behind the axels.

How do you make an RV more stable? ›

For RVs without an auto-leveling system:
  1. Locate the stabilizer jacks near each corner or side of your RV.
  2. Use a manual crank or an electric drill with the appropriate socket to extend each stabilizer jack until it makes firm contact with the ground.
  3. Avoid overextending the jacks, as it may lead to unnecessary strain.
Jun 8, 2023

How do you burglar proof an RV? ›

Door and Window Locks: Consider adding additional latches or bars to your RV doors and windows. These can be simple and inexpensive devices that provide an extra layer of security by preventing doors and windows from being easily forced open.

How do I stop my camper from swaying? ›

10 tips to prevent trailer sway
  1. Use the manufacturer-recommended gear when towing.
  2. Slow down. ...
  3. Stay vigilant of what's happening around you. ...
  4. Check the tire pressure. ...
  5. Don't drive onto a soft shoulder when passing. ...
  6. Make wider turns at corners and curves.

Why does my RV shake when I walk? ›

Although the root cause could be several reasons, the most obvious is a loose tie rod end or drag link or worn-out steering damper. But it could also be a bad wheel. If the root cause of the vibration or shaking is because of a bad part, time is of the essence to repair or replace them for your safety and others.

How do you level an RV when parked? ›

Using your bubble level, check the grade of the RV from front to back. Adjust the tongue jack as needed until the length of your coach is level. Then you can set your stabilizer jacks around the rest of the RV to keep your trailer stable while you're parked.

Does RV need to be perfectly level? ›

Many of your RV's systems, such as refrigerators, toilets, and water heaters, rely on being level to function properly. If you're too far out of range, they won't work.

Are RV leveling blocks necessary? ›

Yes, leveling blocks are highly recommended for RV owners.

They are essential for achieving a stable and level surface for your RV, especially when parking on uneven terrain or slopes. Leveling blocks help prevent your RV from rocking or shifting, ensuring a more comfortable and secure camping experience.

How do I stop my RV from rocking when parked? ›

In order to further stabilize your Jayco travel trailer, I recommend additional jacks and wheel chocks. The best way to minimize swaying and rocking would be to have a total of four stabilizer jacks, one for each corner of the trailer.

How can I improve my trailer sway? ›

How to control trailer sway
  1. Know how much trailer sway is normal. When you're towing a trailer or RV, you can expect a little movement, especially when you go over bumps in the road. ...
  2. Get the right hitch. ...
  3. Load the trailer correctly. ...
  4. Install a sway control device. ...
  5. Driver slow. ...
  6. Check your tires.

Why does my travel trailer sway so much? ›

A cross wind can start it, a bump in the road can start it — even just passing a truck can set it off. Anything that causes the trailer to be temporarily pushed to one side can start the sway motion and then the dynamics of the particular trailer and tow vehicle take over from there.

How to keep your RV from being stolen? ›

RV theft prevention tips

Install new locks on your doors, cargo box, and hitch, so you are the only one with the key. Lock up: Lock windows, doors, and the cargo box when you leave your RV unattended. Review security: When you're traveling, ask about campground security before making a reservation.

How do I secure my RV in high winds? ›

Different ways to secure an RV include anchor kits, ground anchors or sandbags. If your RV doesn't have stabilizing jacks that might be used for anchoring, there are other options available for purchase. Tie down travel trailers. Remember to remove all awnings and store them in the RV or another safe place.

How can I make my RV Internet secure? ›

Cellular internet

As the need for strong internet options on the road grows, so are the options. With your mobile plan, consider adding a cellular router with a modem for your advanced needs like video conferencing, gaming and more. RVLove.com recommends a cellular router for great connectivity while living in an RV.

How do I protect my motorhome from theft? ›

Motorhome Security Devices for Travelling – Making Your Vehicle Immobile
  1. Wheel clamps for motorhomes or caravans.
  2. Steering locks for motorhomes.
  3. Make van undriveable.
  4. Motorhome or camper alarm.
  5. Motorhome security camera.
  6. Trackers & Immobilisers.
  7. Improve Motorhome security door locks.

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