Tips for Leveling Your RV Like a Pro

There’s nothing quite like pulling into a scenic campsite, stepping out of your RV, and realizing… your rig is tilted like a seesaw. Uneven ground, poor setup, and the wrong tools can turn a relaxing getaway into a frustrating ordeal. That’s why mastering RV leveling is one of the most important skills for any RVer — whether you’re a weekend explorer or living full-time on the road.

Proper leveling ensures your appliances work correctly, your slide-outs extend smoothly, and your sleep isn’t interrupted by a slanted mattress. At Lippert, we’ve helped thousands of RVers achieve smooth, stable setups with our industry-leading RV leveling systems. In this guide, we’ll share our top RV leveling tips to help you level your RV like a pro.

Before diving into tips and tricks, it’s important to understand what RV leveling actually means. Leveling refers to adjusting your RV so it sits evenly on the ground — both side to side and front to back. This is different from stabilization, which involves minimizing movement once your RV is parked.

Leveling affects everything from your refrigerator’s performance to your plumbing and overall comfort. If you’re new to RVing, we recommend starting with our Beginner’s Guide to RV Leveling — a comprehensive resource that covers the fundamentals.

Professional-level RV leveling starts before you even touch a jack. First, scout your campsite for a flat, stable surface. Avoid soft ground, steep slopes, or areas with excessive debris. Once parked, place wheel chocks behind and in front of your tires to prevent any movement during setup. This simple step is often overlooked but is essential for safety and accuracy.

The difference between a frustrating setup and a smooth one often comes down to your gear. Leveling blocks, bubble levels, and stabilizer jacks are essential for manual setups. For added convenience, Lippert offers a range of electric tongue jacks and scissor jacks that make adjustments easier and more precise.

If you’re ready to upgrade, consider Lippert’s Ground Control® automatic leveling systems. These systems allow you to level your RV with the push of a button — no blocks, no guesswork, just fast and accurate results.

Always begin by leveling your RV side to side. This ensures your wheels are properly supported and balanced before adjusting the front-to-back pitch. Use leveling blocks under the low-side wheels and slowly drive onto them until your RV is even. A bubble level placed on the floor or countertop can help you monitor your progress.

Once side-to-side leveling is complete, use your tongue jack or front landing gear to adjust the front height. Continue checking your level until your RV is perfectly balanced.

Leveling gets your RV even — but stabilizing keeps it steady. After leveling, deploy your stabilizer jacks to reduce movement inside the rig. This is especially important if you’re walking around, cooking, or sleeping. Lippert’s JT’s Strong Arm™ Stabilizer Kit is a popular choice among RVers who want rock-solid stability with minimal hassle.

If you’re tired of crawling under your RV or stacking blocks in the dark, automation is your best friend. Lippert’s Ground Control® 3.0 and Level Up® systems offer one-touch leveling that’s fast, accurate, and ideal for fifth wheels and travel trailers. These systems use electric or hydraulic jacks to automatically adjust your RV’s position, saving you time and effort at every stop.

Slide-outs can shift your RV’s balance, especially if they’re extended before leveling is complete. Always level your RV first, then extend your slide-outs. Once they’re out, recheck your level to ensure everything is still even. This small step can prevent long-term wear and tear on your frame and components.

Even the best leveling systems can sink into soft ground if the surface isn’t strong enough. Carrying heavy-duty support pads or jack pads can prevent your jacks and blocks from digging into dirt or gravel. Lippert’s offers replacement pads and various other leveling parts to ensure you’re always ready in case an accident happens.

Traditional bubble levels work fine, but digital technology offers more precision and convenience. Smartphone apps and wireless leveling tools allow you to monitor your RV’s angle in real time, often from the driver’s seat. Some Lippert systems even integrate with mobile apps, giving you full control of your leveling process without stepping outside until adjustments are complete.

Your leveling system works hard every trip, and like any RV component, it needs regular maintenance. Inspect jacks, blocks, and stabilizers for signs of wear. Keep moving parts lubricated, check hydraulic fluid levels if applicable, and tighten any loose bolts. A few minutes of maintenance before each trip can save you hours of frustration later.

It’s not just about leveling — it’s about where water will flow when it rains. Parking nose-down on a slope could send water pooling near your entryway or underbelly. Whenever possible, choose a spot where water naturally drains away from your RV. This prevents long-term damage and makes your outdoor space more enjoyable.

Leveling gets easier the more you do it. Practicing in your driveway or at a local campground can help you refine your process so you’re not fumbling with blocks or jacks under pressure. Time yourself, experiment with different tools, and develop a routine. With practice, you’ll shave minutes off your setup and start enjoying your campsite sooner.

This could be caused by soft or shifting ground, especially after rain. Recheck your blocks and jacks to ensure they’re on solid, compacted soil. Consider using wider Lippert leveling blocks for better weight distribution. 

Uneven jack extension may indicate low hydraulic fluid, electrical issues, or mechanical wear. Inspect the fluid reservoir if you’re using a hydraulic system, and check wiring connections for electric jacks. Lippert’s Support Center offers step-by-step guides for troubleshooting jack systems.

Extending slide-outs before leveling can shift your RV’s center of gravity. Always level first, then extend. If imbalance occurs afterward, retract the slide-outs, re-level, and try again.

This could be due to frame flex or uneven pressure points. Double-check your level and stabilizers. If the problem continues, inspect door hinges and seals for misalignment. 

This is usually a stabilization issue. Leveling gets your RV even, but stabilizers keep it steady. Deploy your stabilizer jacks fully and consider upgrading if the problem persists.

Cheap or worn-out blocks can crack under pressure or sink into soft ground. Replace them with heavy-duty, stackable blocks designed for RV weight loads. Lippert’s leveling accessories are built for durability and long-term use.

Temperature changes or settling soil can cause your RV to shift slightly. Recheck your level and adjust jacks as needed. If this happens frequently, consider switching to an automatic system that self-adjusts.

Make sure jack pads are placed on clean, dry surfaces. If they’re sliding, use grip-enhancing pads or rubber mats underneath. Lippert offers accessories designed to improve traction and stability.

Grinding, squeaking, or clicking sounds may indicate lack of lubrication or internal wear. Inspect the jack mechanism and apply approved lubricants. If the issue persists, contact Lippert’s technical support for guidance.

When in doubt, don’t guess. Lippert’s Support Center includes videos, manuals, and live chat options to help you diagnose and resolve issues quickly. You can also reach out to certified service technicians for hands-on help 

Leveling your RV like a pro doesn’t require years of experience — just the right knowledge, tools, and a little patience. Whether you’re using manual blocks or a state-of-the-art automatic system, these tips will help you achieve a smooth, stable setup every time.

Ready to upgrade your gear or explore smarter solutions? Check out Lippert’s full lineup of RV leveling products and take the stress out of campsite setup. Your next adventure deserves a solid foundation.