You have finally arrived at your campsite. The view is spectacular, the air is fresh, and the grill is calling your name. Everything is perfect—until you step inside your rolling home. Suddenly, the refrigerator door swings open on its own, the water pool in the sink refuses to drain, and you realize you will spend the night rolling toward the wall of your bed. The problem? You are not level.
For the RV traveler, leveling is not just a matter of comfort; it is a fundamental requirement for the proper function of your systems and the structural longevity of your rig. Nearly every campground, from pristine paved resorts to rugged national forest boondocking spots, presents some degree of slope or unevenness. This is where the simple yet indispensable RV leveling block steps in as your great equalizer. These blocks are the unsung heroes of setup, transforming an irritating chore into a quick, predictable process that ensures your refrigerator cools correctly and your doors stay where you put them.
We are going to move past the confusion and break down the absolute necessity of leveling, how to use these essential blocks correctly and safely, and review the top products that seasoned RVers swear by. Understanding this vital piece of gear will not only improve your nightly sleep but will fundamentally enhance every moment you spend in your home away from home. Mastering the art of the level rig means mastering your adventure.
Why Leveling Your RV Is Non-Negotiable
A common misconception among new RVers is that a slight tilt is harmless, but the truth is that a level platform is integral to the health and function of your entire RV. You must understand that several crucial components rely on gravity to operate properly, and even a small deviation can cause major headaches.
The most critical component demanding level ground is your absorption refrigerator. Unlike residential refrigerators that use compressors, the standard RV absorption fridge relies on a precise, gravity-fed flow of ammonia, water, and hydrogen to facilitate the cooling cycle. If the RV is tilted more than about three degrees off-level for an extended period, the ammonia mixture can pool and crystallize within the cooling unit tubes, effectively starving the system and causing permanent, costly damage that requires replacing the entire cooling unit or refrigerator. Protecting this appliance is perhaps the number one reason you must achieve a level stance.
Beyond the fridge, leveling ensures the smooth operation of your entire life inside the RV. Doors need to close securely without slamming open or shut. Water needs to drain correctly from your sinks and shower into your gray tank, preventing standing pools and odors. Even your slide-outs benefit from a level coach, as operating them when tilted puts undue stress and torque on the mechanism and frame, leading to premature wear and expensive repairs. Finally, your sleep quality and overall comfort are dramatically improved. No one enjoys feeling like they are sliding out of bed or leaning awkwardly while eating dinner. Achieving a perfect level is an act of preventative maintenance and a guarantee of comfort.
The Art of the Manual Level: Block Types and Placement
Leveling an RV manually involves a straightforward process of elevating the lower side of your vehicle until it is perfectly plumb. This task requires the right tools, and on the market today, you typically encounter two primary categories of leveling blocks: stackable interlocking blocks and curved wedge ramps.
Stackable interlocking blocks, often resembling large, colorful building bricks, are made of durable plastic and are the most versatile option. You build a ramp by stacking these blocks directly under the tire or jack foot that needs elevation. Their great advantage lies in their customizable height; you can add or remove blocks one inch at a time to achieve incredibly precise leveling on severely uneven ground. They are also multipurpose, often serving as pads under stabilizer jacks, tongue jacks, or hydraulic landing gear to prevent the feet from sinking into soft ground. The key to success with these blocks is ensuring you place enough layers to support the entire footprint of the tire, preventing the tire from being damaged by uneven pressure.
Curved wedge ramps, like the popular Andersen-style levelers, offer an alternative, quicker method. These are solid, curved blocks that sit in front of the tire on the low side. You simply drive your RV slowly up the ramp until your bubble level or leveling app indicates you are perfectly horizontal. Once level, you slide a locking chock beneath the block, securing it in place. This method is incredibly fast for side-to-side leveling, eliminating the need to stack and re-stack blocks when you misjudge the height. However, they are generally best suited for travel trailers and fifth wheels, and their maximum lift is often limited compared to a tall stack of blocks.
Regardless of which style you choose, the correct technique involves leveling side-to-side first, and then leveling front-to-back using your tongue jack or rear jacks. Always place wheel chocks on the side that is not being raised or on the downhill side to prevent any accidental rolling once you are positioned.
Five Top-Rated Leveling Blocks
Choosing the right blocks means finding the best combination of strength, ease of use, and versatility for your specific rig and travel style. We have pulled together five of the most trusted and highly-rated leveling block systems available to the modern RV traveler.
1. Camco Heavy-Duty Leveling Blocks
The Camco blocks are the recognizable yellow counterpart to the Lynx system, offering a similar approach to modular leveling but often with a thicker and sometimes larger profile, emphasizing durability and greater weight capacity for heavier motorhomes and fifth wheels. These high-density polyethylene blocks interlock securely and can be stacked to create a supportive ramp for your tires or a solid base for any type of jack or stabilizer. They often feature a slightly textured top surface to help tires grip while driving up and are known for their ability to withstand the crushing weight of large RVs without compromising structural integrity. Their heavy-duty construction makes them a reliable, long-term investment for full-time RVers and those with sizable rigs.
Pros
- Exceptional weight capacity, suitable for the heaviest Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels.
- Interlocking system is simple to use and secure once positioned.
- The durable plastic resists sun damage and corrosion, ensuring a long service life.
- Widely available at almost any major RV or camping retailer for easy replacement.
Cons
- They are generally more expensive per block compared to other stackable brands.
- The blocks are heavier and bulkier than the Lynx design, taking up more valuable storage space.
- Like all stackable blocks, misjudging the required height means getting back in the driver’s seat for multiple adjustments.
2. Tri-Lynx Lynx Levelers
The Lynx Levelers system consists of bright orange, interlocking square blocks that snap together like massive building toys, allowing you to quickly and easily customize the exact height needed to level your RV. You can use these blocks under tires, tandem axles, hydraulic jacks, stabilizer jacks, and even your tongue jack, making them an extremely versatile cornerstone of your RV toolkit. The blocks are made from a durable, UV-stabilized resin plastic that resists cracking and warping, and their hollow design keeps them lightweight for easy handling and storage in the included nylon bag. They are designed to withstand significant weight, providing a reliable and stable foundation on various surfaces from asphalt to soft grass.
Pros
- Highly versatile, usable under wheels, jacks, and stabilizers.
- Extremely lightweight and compact, easy to store in a small bay.
- Interlocking design provides stability and customizable height in one-inch increments.
- Often sold in large sets, providing ample blocks for complex leveling needs.
Cons
- Can be time-consuming to stack and adjust multiple times on highly uneven sites.
- The plastic material can be prone to sliding on slippery surfaces like smooth concrete or ice.
- Individual blocks may crack or warp under the heavy point load of certain hydraulic jack feet if not centered perfectly.
3. Andersen Camper Leveler Kit
The Andersen Leveler offers a completely different, wedge-style approach to leveling, eliminating the need for tedious block stacking altogether. This system uses a single, continuous curve ramp made from highly durable, high-density polymer. To use it, you place the ramp under the low-side tire, slowly drive up until the RV is level, and then simply slide the corresponding wedge-shaped chock beneath the high side of the ramp to lock it in place. The continuous curve allows for infinite height adjustment up to the ramp’s maximum lift, making it incredibly precise and fast for side-to-side leveling on travel trailers and fifth wheels with tandem axles. Its simple, drive-on, and chock design revolutionized the speed of campsite setup.
Pros
- Extremely fast, one-step leveling process for side-to-side adjustments.
- Allows for infinite, fine-tuned height adjustments without getting out of the rig multiple times.
- High weight capacity, handling most travel trailers and mid-sized fifth wheels.
- Very lightweight and simple to store in a small space.
Cons
- Requires a separate method (like stackable blocks) for stabilizing jacks and tongue jacks.
- Can be challenging to use on soft ground or slick surfaces where the tire or ramp may slide before engaging.
- Less effective for extremely steep slopes that exceed the ramp’s maximum lift height.
4. Beech Lane Camper Leveler
The Beech Lane Camper Leveler operates on the same curved ramp and chock principle as the Andersen system, but it is often marketed as a robust, upgraded version. The product features a unique honeycomb design in the ramp structure for added strength and durability, aiming to prevent the warping or cracking sometimes associated with heavy, continuous use. Like its curved competitor, it offers infinite side-to-side leveling adjustment by slowly driving the wheel up the ramp until the trailer is perfectly level, then securing it with the included chock. This system is known for its excellent traction and a user-friendly design that makes solo leveling a much less frustrating experience.
Pros
- Robust construction utilizing a strong, anti-slip material that is highly resistant to breaking or warping.
- Incredibly quick and precise for side-to-side leveling with infinite height micro-adjustments.
- Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, providing confidence in the purchase.
- Generally provides superior grip and less slippage on loose gravel or muddy sites compared to some rivals.
Cons
- The large, curved shape may not fit between the close-spaced tires of all tandem axle setups.
- High price point reflects its quality and guarantee, often costing more than basic block sets.
- The system only addresses side-to-side wheel leveling, leaving front-to-back and jack support to other tools.
5. Homeon RV Leveling Blocks
Homeon offers a highly versatile, heavy-duty alternative to the traditional interlocking block, often featuring a wider footprint and a robust, single-piece design in each layer. These stackable blocks are engineered from a high-strength polymer plastic to support substantial weights, with some kits rated up to 40,000 pounds. They are popular for their large surface area, which is highly beneficial for preventing jack pads or tires from sinking into soft ground like dirt or mud, distributing the rig’s weight across a larger area. The blocks feature a non-slip pattern and often include a handy carrying bag, appealing to travelers who prioritize stability and maximum support on diverse and challenging terrain.
Pros
- Exceptional weight capacity and wide surface area, ideal for stabilizing heavy rigs on soft surfaces.
- The durable material ensures long-lasting performance without cracking under heavy loads.
- Modular design allows for custom height stacking, similar to the major brands.
- Often priced competitively, offering a good balance of strength and value.
Cons
- Due to their larger size, they can be more cumbersome to store than the smaller, lighter Lynx-style blocks.
- The plastic material can occasionally be slippery on wet or icy concrete.
- >Alignment can be difficult on highly sloped sites, requiring precise placement before driving onto the blocks.
How to Use RV Leveling Blocks on Uneven Terrain
- Park your RV as close to level as possible.
- Place blocks under the tires on the low side.
- Drive slowly onto the blocks until level.
- Use wheel chocks for extra safety.
- Recheck your bubble level or leveling system.
Pro Tip: For gravel or dirt, add a board underneath the blocks to prevent sinking.
Alternatives to Leveling Blocks
- Hydraulic Leveling Systems: Expensive but convenient.
- DIY Wooden Blocks: Cheap but heavy and less durable.
FAQs
Do I need leveling blocks if my RV has auto-leveling jacks?
Yes, blocks can reduce strain on your jacks and provide extra stability.
Can I use leveling blocks on gravel?
Yes, but consider adding a flat board for better stability.
How many leveling blocks do I need?
Most RVers carry at least 10 blocks for flexibility.
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Final Thoughts
Leveling blocks are far from the most glamorous purchase you will make for your RV, but they are arguably one of the most important. You have learned that these simple tools are the foundation upon which your entire camping experience rests, directly impacting everything from your refrigerator’s lifespan to your quality of sleep. Whether you choose the customizable precision of the stackable blocks like Lynx and Camco or the quick, drive-on convenience of the curved ramp systems like Andersen and Beech Lane, the goal remains the same: achieving that perfect, stress-free horizontal plane. Take the time to master your leveling technique, invest in a quality set of blocks that match your rig’s weight and your travel style, and you will ensure that every single campsite, no matter how rugged or sloped, becomes a comfortable, fully functional home base for your next great adventure.