Level side to side first by driving the low side onto stackable blocks or a curved ramp, then chock the wheels, unhitch, and level front to back with the tongue jack or landing gear. Stabilizer jacks reduce bounce but are not designed to lift the RV. A level RV sleeps better, drains properly, and keeps absorption refrigerators working as designed.
Leveling takes a few minutes and makes every system in the RV work better.
Step by step
- Check side-to-side level at the site.
- Place blocks or a curved ramp in front of the low-side tires and drive on.
- Chock the wheels.
- Unhitch (towables) and level front to back with the tongue jack or landing gear.
- Lower stabilizers until snug.
Blocks vs ramps
| Stackable blocks | Curved ramp | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Build the height you need | Set range, dial in by rolling |
| Ease | Need to guess and restack | One try |
| Load | Check the rated load | Check the rated load |
Chocks
Use wheel chocks on both sides of a tire. X-chocks between tandem wheels reduce rocking.
Related: 12V compressor vs absorption fridge.
Common questions
Can stabilizer jacks level an RV?
Most stabilizer jacks are made to steady an RV, not lift it. Level with blocks, ramps or leveling jacks first.
How do I know if my RV is level?
Use a bubble level on a flat surface inside, or a level that mounts on the frame. Some RVs have built-in sensors.
Why does my RV fridge need to be level?
Absorption refrigerators rely on gravity to move their cooling fluids and can stop cooling properly when badly off-level.