Do you know what an RV leveling block is and why you need it? We’ll walk you through all the important things you need to know about this key supply you should pick up before any camping trip.
Why do you need to level your RV?
Even though you should always park your RV on the most level ground you can find, you should also take the extra step of actually leveling your RV. Why?
- It keeps all your systems working properly, especially your plumbing.
- You can get an accurate reading on your tank levels.
- It helps you avoid damage to any mechanical parts like power slide-outs.
- It reduces any wobble you might experience inside, which keeps you more comfortable.
For more on the importance of leveling, check out our article here.
What’s an RV leveling block?
An RV leveling block is like a mini ramp for your tires to rest on. Most are made of plastic, and many are designed to stack up and connect with each other to form a graduated series of flat surfaces for parking a tire.
Some people use wood or concrete blocks for leveling, but both are porous materials that can break down when they come in contact with moisture on the ground. Plus, plastic blocks are often easier to store, clean, and carry.
How do you use a leveling block?
- Park your RV and engage your parking brake. Extend any slide-outs you have, because they’ll affect how level your RV will end up.
- Check out how level your RV already is from side to side, and identify where you’ll need to lift it. You can use a handheld level to get a reading, or attach one or more to your RV.
- Pull your slide-outs back in. (Never move your rig with slide-outs still extended.)
- Place your blocks right up to the tires you’ll raise, positioned so you can drive up them like a ramp. You always want to keep one tire on the ground.
- Back your RV onto the blocks, re-engage the parking brake, and check the readings on your levels. If you’re good to go, place a wheel chock in front of the tire you lifted (on the opposite side the level is on) so that your wheel doesn’t roll forward. A wheel chock is not a leveling block and should not be used as one.
- If you have a towable RV, unhitch it and use the tongue jack at the hitch to level your trailer from front to back.
- Extend all of your stabilizer jacks (manually or automatically) to further reduce any sway or wobble.
- When you’re ready to leave the campsite and hit the road again, undo all of your leveling in reverse order. Stabilizer jacks first, then hitch tongue, then chocks and blocks.
How much do RV blocks cost and where can you buy them?
Typical plastic RV blocks are sold at almost all big box stores and hardware stores, and they range from around $10 to around $50. Head to the automotive or camping section of the store and the blocks will likely be near the hitches and wheel chocks. We highly recommend RV block sets, especially those that stack together or come with a handle. Grab at least two sets so you can use them on both sides of your RV if needed.
