Just push a button, wait a minute, and your RV is level. Sounds great, right? Well, not always.
Automatic leveling systems from companies like Lippert Components and HWH Corporation are very helpful add-ons for motorhomes of all sizes. Unfortunately, some RV owners don’t use them properly.
Here’s the problem: These systems only care about making the RV level, but sometimes that means lifting the wheels off the ground.
When Wheels Lift Off the Ground – Leveling Too Far
When you press “auto level” in an uneven campsite, the system will raise one side until the RV is flat. But, in some cases, the leveling jacks will continue to extend even after the wheel is lifted off the ground.
Lately, I have been seeing more and more motorhomes with the front tires lifted off the ground.
This can cause problems:
- The parking brake may not hold as well
- The RV can rock when people walk inside
- The frame can twist from uneven pressure
- Windshield damage may occur if the frame gets twisted (esp. Class A motorhomes)
- Jack legs can become bent or broken
Just because your RV is level does not mean it is safe. Having tires and jacks grounded provides more surface area in contact with the ground which gives you maximum stability.
Leveling jacks are also installed away from the outer edge of the RV and have a much smaller footprint than tires. Both of these factors decrease the stability and reliability even further.
The Wind Problem
Wind makes this even worse. Your tires are wide and strong and help your RV stay planted and steady. If the leveling system lifts the tires off the ground, your RV is resting mostly on small jack feet.
In strong winds:
- The RV can rock more
- The jacks take side pressure they weren’t made for
- Jack pads can sink or slide on soft dirt
- The RV can feel unstable inside
Example: While boondocking in a remote area recently, we experienced wind gusts up to 50 mph. Even with our hydraulic jacks down and the wheels on the ground, our motorhome was rocking hard. I can’t imagine what would have happened if we relied on the jacks alone for stability.
What Auto-Level Does NOT Know
Your leveling system does not check:
- If tires are touching the ground
- If the soil is soft
- If it’s windy
- If the RV frame is under stress
It only checks whether the RV is level. If one corner needs to go up 8 inches, it will lift it 8 inches.
A Safer Way to Level
Here’s what works better if you can’t find a more level spot.
- Use rear tires as an anchor point since that’s where the emergency brakes are
- Try to keep all tires on the ground and start leveling
- If your wheels start lifting off the ground, put leveling blocks under the low-side tires
- If necessary, put leveling blocks under the low-side jacks
- Don’t let the jacks extend too far
- Use manual mode if needed
- In windy weather, choose stability over perfectly level.
Here’s a video showing how we get level on all kinds of terrain and surfaces and the equipment we use.
When to Add Blocks?
If the tires come off the ground on one side while leveling, back up and place leveling blocks on that side and then re-level.
With some trial and error, you may even be able to tell when blocks will be needed just by eye-balling it or using a small level.
YouTube Video Comment: If I’m a 1/2 bubble out from level, I’m using blocks so I don’t run the risk of a tire off the ground when using the hydraulic levers. ~Anthony
How to Make Your Own Leveling Blocks
For decades RV owners have been using various sizes of wood planks for blocks. The advantage of doing that is that you can tailor your blocks to your specific RV. The disadvantage is that it can take up more storage space.
There are also several stackable block sets you can buy, like these Camco 4×2 Blocks. They achieve similar results and are easy to store. It is really your choice.
Personally, I carry both types: DIY wood blocks and off-the-shelf stackable blocks. Since we boondock in remote places, we need to be prepared for anything.
Bottom Line
Automatic leveling systems are helpful tools, but they are not smart enough to know if your RV is safe.
Some may say “It’s no big deal. I do it all the time“. But I think it’s a risky practice and would advise against it.
So, the next time your wheels are hanging in the air, know that it’s not a good setup. Stability is more important than being perfectly level.