How To Level A Travel Trailer With A Slide Out

How to Level a Travel Trailer with a Slide-Out: A Comprehensive Guide

Leveling your travel trailer, especially one with a slide-out, is crucial for comfort and the longevity of your RV. An unlevel trailer can lead to uncomfortable sleeping, malfunctioning appliances, and even damage to your RV's structure. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free leveling experience.

Understanding the Challenges of Slide-Out Leveling

Leveling a travel trailer with a slide-out presents unique challenges. The slide adds weight and complexity to the leveling equation. Improper leveling can cause the slide to bind, making it difficult or impossible to extend or retract. It can also put undue stress on the slide mechanism, potentially leading to costly repairs. Therefore, precise leveling is paramount.

Key Considerations Before You Begin:

• Check Your Site: Before you even begin, assess your campsite. Look for level spots. A slightly uneven site is manageable, but severely sloped areas will require more effort and may not be suitable.
• Utilize Your Leveling Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools ready, including wheel chocks, leveling blocks, and a reliable level. A digital level is recommended for accuracy.
• Understand Your Trailer's Leveling System: Familiarize yourself with your specific trailer's leveling system (manual, electric, or hydraulic). Knowing how it works will significantly expedite the process.

Step-by-Step Leveling Process

1. Positioning Your Trailer:

• Initial Placement: Drive your travel trailer as close to level as possible. Take your time and make small adjustments until you are reasonably close. Don't be afraid to reposition multiple times.
• Deploying Landing Gear: Carefully extend your landing gear. Ensure that all gear is deployed evenly. Uneven deployment is a common cause of leveling issues.

2. Initial Leveling Check:

• Side-to-Side Leveling: Using your level, check the side-to-side level of your trailer. Adjust the landing gear accordingly. Small adjustments are key here; avoid large, sudden movements.
• Front-to-Back Leveling: Repeat the process for front-to-back leveling. Again, make small, gradual adjustments until you achieve a level surface.

3. Fine-Tuning with Leveling Blocks:

• Strategic Placement: Use leveling blocks under your tires or landing gear to achieve pinpoint accuracy. Remember, you’re aiming for perfect levelness, not just "close enough."
• Iterative Adjustments: Check your level frequently and make small adjustments as needed. This is an iterative process; don’t rush it.

4. Slide-Out Deployment:

• Test the Slide: Once you believe the trailer is level, carefully extend your slide-out. Listen for any unusual sounds or resistance.
• Recheck Leveling: After extending the slide, re-check your level. The additional weight of the slide might slightly shift the trailer's balance. Make any necessary adjustments.

5. Final Checks and Securing:

• Thorough Inspection: Perform a final check of your leveling. Ensure everything is stable and secure. Double-check all connections and ensure your slide operates smoothly.
• Wheel Chocks: Use wheel chocks to prevent your trailer from rolling.

Troubleshooting Common Leveling Issues

• Slide Binding: If your slide binds, immediately retract it and re-check your leveling. Even a slight incline can cause significant binding.
• Uneven Landing Gear Deployment: Ensure your landing gear is deployed evenly. Uneven deployment can cause significant leveling problems.
• Incorrect Use of Leveling Blocks: Use leveling blocks strategically, making small adjustments as needed. Avoid stacking too many blocks or placing them unevenly.

By following these steps carefully, you can effectively level your travel trailer with a slide-out, ensuring a comfortable and safe camping experience. Remember, patience and precision are key. Happy camping!