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Do You Need RV Leveling Blocks?

Do You Need RV Leveling Blocks?

If you’ve been RVing for a while, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of very unlevel RV sites. If you haven’t yet, trust us, you will eventually. Trying to sleep, work, or even just walk around your RV when it’s sloped can be a huge nuisance. It also isn’t good for your RV to spend time in this position. That’s where RV leveling blocks come in.

What’s an RV Leveling Block?

RV leveling blocks (which people sometimes call jack pads, stacker blocks, or stabilizer pads) are useful tools that let you level your RV even on sloped surfaces. They’re also helpful when you’re parked on soft ground, as RV leveling blocks can help keep your jacks from sinking into the ground.

Why Do You Need to Level Your RV?

If you have electric or hydraulic jacks on your RV, you may wonder why, or even if, you need leveling blocks. Here are several important reasons to level your RV either with jacks, leveling blocks, or a combination of both:

Travel trailer leveled on an unbelievably un-level driveway

There’s sloped… and then there’s SLOPED! ?

First, many campsites are sloped. This is not only annoying and uncomfortable, but it’s also bad for your RV. RVs need to be level for equipment to work properly. For example, it’s not recommended that you put your slides out if your RV is at an angle. Additionally, safe RV refrigerator operation depends on your rig being level. RV fridge problems can lead to a fire which could cause a total loss of your rig, and even death. It’s simply not something you want to take lightly.

Finally, you may need RV leveling blocks because sometimes your built-in levelers aren’t enough to make your RV level. This is true of extremely sloped sites, or sites with soft ground into which your jacks will sink.

So not only is leveling your RV much more comfortable, but it ensures that everything works properly.

Types of RV Leveling Blocks

There are lots of options out there for RV leveling blocks. So how is a person to know which option is the best? Keep reading to find out.

DIY Wood Blocks

Pros: Wood blocks are inexpensive to make if you already have a table saw.

Cons: These RV leveling blocks are heavy and can experience cracks or rotting with time. Another drawback is the fact that tools and raw materials are required to make these blocks. Additionally, if you aren’t at least a little bit handy, then making your own wood blocks is probably not your best option.

Plastic Leveling Stacker Pads

Pros: The pros of these leveling blocks are that they are lightweight and you can easily store them because of their compact stacking design.

Cons: The drawback of many of these RV leveling blocks is their waffle-like grid bottom. This design means they may sink into soft surfaces, and hold lots of dirt in the bottom when it’s time to break camp. Additionally, if you have a heavy RV, plastic stacker pads may crack when used.

Sale
Camco Camper / RV Leveling Blocks - Features Interlocking Nested Design & Includes Zippered Bag for RV Storage - Each Camper Leveling Block Measures 8.5" x 8.5" x 1" - 10-Pack, Design May Vary (44510)
  • CUSTOMIZABLE RV LEVELING SYSTEM: These interlocking RV wheel blocks offer a reliable way to achieve safe and secure camper leveling. They are designed...
  • COMPATIBILITY: Camco’s leveling blocks work with single wheels, double wheels, hydraulic jacks, tongue jacks, stabilizer jacks, fifth wheel jacks,...

Andersen Levelers

Pros: These leveling blocks make leveling a fairly simple and speedy process. In fact, proper leveling takes only a few minutes. The Anderson Levelers are lightweight and compact, which is a must for RVers. But they are also sturdy and come with a lifetime warranty. Their tapered design lets you get very precise with your leveling.

Cons: They may not work for very heavy RVs, and they have some tire size restrictions. They’re also more expensive than traditional RV leveling pads.

ANDERSEN HITCHES | 3604-2 2-Pack Camper Leveler System Must Have RV | Camping Travel Easy Storage Jack Stabilizer Block | Levelers Blocks for Campers and Fifth Wheels
  • 🛻[MUST HAVE FOR CAMPERS OR FIFTH WHEEL]: Works great on trailers up to 30,000 lbs and with tires up to 32" diameter. The Andersen Camper Leveler...
  • 🛻[EASY TO USE]: Just drive on, decide how high you want it and place the chocks! You'll be ready to go dirt biking or hiking in no time- It's that...

Utility Blocks

Pros: Utility blocks address many of the shortcomings of other RV leveling blocks. They’re lightweight but almost indestructible, making them the perfect choice for any RV. While they’re more expensive than cheaper plastic blocks, they still cost a lot less than many other “high end” jack pads without sacrificing quality.

Other beneficial features include the slightly sloped sides which act as a ramp onto which you drive your RV. They also have a rope handle that makes it easy to pull them out from under your RV when you’re ready to pack up camp. Plus there’s a notch that your RV awning rod can fit into, which allows you to move it around under the RV. This way you don’t have to crawl under your RV to make adjustments.

Utility Blocks are almost entirely flat on the bottom. There’s only one groove which allows the block to lock into another block for stacking. When you park your RV on the blocks, the groove and ridge on the top fit together perfectly so there’s no sliding or slippage. Utility Blocks save weight without compromising integrity or strength. They do this by having holes all the way through, lengthwise. Utility blocks are also larger than many of the cheaper blocks, so they’re less likely to sink into soft surfaces. They’re also taller than most other RV leveling blocks, offering more flexibility for badly sloped surfaces.

If you have a travel trailer, Utility Blocks also have a circular recess in the top, designed to support the tongue jack. This helps hold the wheel in place while you’re parked.

Cons: If you have a very large and heavy motorhome, you may need jack pads with a larger surface area than Utility Blocks provide. While less expensive than other premium jack pads, they’re still more expensive than basic plastic leveling pads.

We like Utility Blocks so much, they’ve been our primary RV leveling pads for years.

Quality Plastics Utility Block - Four Pack
Durable jack pads that withstand the weight. Made in the USA. This is the 4 pack.

Every RVer Needs RV Leveling Blocks

If you’re an RVer, you need to travel with leveling blocks. Before you set out on a trip, you have no way of knowing just what your site will look like. RV leveling blocks maximize comfort, function and safety, no matter where the road takes you.

So, if you don’t already have RV leveling blocks, you’ll definitely want to add them to your list before your next camping trip. You may not thank us right away, but we KNOW you’ll thank us eventually!

And if you’re looking for some new technology that can help you know how un-level a site is, or how many blocks you’ll need to use to get level, check our our post about the LevelMatePRO.

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Tom

Wednesday 13th of January 2021

Hi - I have been using the Camco Drive On Tri-Levelers for five years for my 20,000 LB Winnie class A. I boon dock on open, rough ground most frequently . The Tri-Levelers work well and have not cracked. If the ground is soft they will sink slightly as would any block but the foot print is large enough so they hold up well and are stable. Benefit is you can back up onto the blocks to either of the three levels. If an opposing wheel needs to be raised to a lower level, set the block snug against the wheel that needs to be raised higher and set the block behind the tire that needs to be raised to a lower the proper distance further away from that wheel so the respective wheels are raised to the preferred level. I camp long term so have to periodically drive to the BLM service area to dump tanks and refill fresh water so can slowly drive off the blocks, leave them in place, and when returning, line up and back up onto the blocks. I've also set up where it was easier and quicker to align everything to drive forward up the blocks. Regards, Tom P.S. Your blog is tops, thanks, and have been following your travels and tips for years. P.S.S. My next rig however shall have jacks - beats aligning blocks in the rain!

TheRVgeeks

Wednesday 13th of January 2021

Thanks for the great additional insights, Tom! Sounds like you have a great system in place for handling this... very well thought out.

John C

Wednesday 13th of January 2021

I would like to read/see a video on your thoughts about people who use only the RV's levelers - no blocks - on difficult sites with tires off the ground. Seems to me they are just asking for a cracked windshield and/or twisted frame. (Have seen folks in TTs use stabilizer jacks for leveling also).

TheRVgeeks

Wednesday 13th of January 2021

Great suggestion, John! We'll add it to the list.

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