Leveling a travel trailer with a slide out is an important step to ensure stability and comfort during your camping trips. A slide out adds extra weight to one side of the trailer, which can result in uneven weight distribution and potential problems. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of leveling your travel trailer with a slide out, ensuring a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
Why is Leveling Important?
Leveling your travel trailer is essential to prevent any issues that can arise from an unbalanced setup. Here are some reasons why leveling is important:
- Stability: A level trailer provides stability, especially when you are parked on uneven ground.
- Smooth Slide-Out Operation: Proper leveling ensures that the slide-out can extend and retract smoothly without any strain on the mechanism.
- Avoid Damage: Uneven weight distribution can cause damage to the slide-out components and the overall structure of the trailer.
- Comfort: A level trailer ensures a comfortable and safe environment inside, with doors that open and close properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Level Your Travel Trailer
Follow these simple steps to level your travel trailer with a slide out:
Step 1: Find A Suitable Parking Spot
Look for a level area in the campground or RV park to park your travel trailer. Pick a spot that allows enough space for the slide-out to fully extend without hitting any obstacles.
Step 2: Use A Bubble Level
Place a bubble level on a flat surface inside your trailer, such as the kitchen countertop or the floor. Check if the bubble is centered to determine if your trailer is level.
Step 3: Adjust The Tongue Height
If your trailer is not level, start by adjusting the tongue height. Lower or raise the tongue using a trailer tongue jack until the bubble level is centered.
Step 4: Check Side-to-side Leveling
Measure the level from side to side by placing a level on the floor near the centerline of the trailer. If the bubble is off-center, you will need to make adjustments to level the trailer.
Step 5: Use Leveling Blocks Or Jacks
If the side-to-side level is off, you can use leveling blocks or jacks to raise the low side of the trailer. Place the blocks or jacks under the wheels on the low side and gradually raise it until the bubble is centered.
Step 6: Stabilize The Trailer
Once your trailer is level from side to side, stabilize it by using stabilizer jacks. These jacks help to prevent any rocking or swaying when you are inside the trailer.
Step 7: Check Front-to-back Leveling
To ensure front-to-back leveling, place the bubble level on a countertop or another flat surface in a perpendicular direction. If it is not level, adjust the tongue height again until the bubble is centered.
Step 8: Extend The Slide Out
Now that your travel trailer is level, you can safely extend the slide out. Ensure there is enough clearance on the side to avoid any obstacles. Use the slide out control to extend it fully.
Step 9: Final Check
Double-check the level of your trailer after extending the slide out. If any adjustments are needed, make them by slightly raising or lowering the appropriate side or angle.
By following these steps, you can confidently level your travel trailer with a slide out, ensuring a safe and smooth camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How To Level A Travel Trailer With A Slide Out
How Do You Level A Travel Trailer With A Slide Out?
To level a travel trailer with a slide out, use leveling blocks or a leveling system, adjusting each corner until the trailer is level.
What Tools Do You Need To Level A Travel Trailer With A Slide Out?
To level a travel trailer with a slide out, you will need leveling blocks, a bubble level or smartphone app for leveling, and a stabilizer jack for added stability.
Why Is It Important To Level A Travel Trailer With A Slide Out?
Leveling a travel trailer with a slide out is important to ensure proper operation of the slide out and to prevent damage to the trailer’s frame and slide mechanism.
How Often Should You Level A Travel Trailer With A Slide Out?
You should level a travel trailer with a slide out every time you set up at a new campsite, as uneven leveling can put stress on the slide mechanism and cause damage.
Can You Level A Travel Trailer With A Slide Out On Uneven Ground?
Yes, you can level a travel trailer with a slide out on uneven ground by using leveling blocks or a leveling system to adjust the height of the trailer’s wheels on one side.
Conclusion
Leveling a travel trailer with a slide out is crucial to maintain stability and prevent any damage or discomfort during your camping trips. By carefully following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily level your travel trailer and enjoy a hassle-free camping experience. Remember, proper leveling not only ensures your safety but also enhances the longevity of your travel trailer.