Is your 5th wheel camper level when you park it? If not, don’t worry! You can use a few simple steps to level it without the help of a tow vehicle. In this post, we’ll show you how to do it. So get ready to camping in style! 🙂
What is a fifth wheel and why do you need to level it before camping or travelling in it?
A fifth wheel is a type of RV that has a hitch attached to the bed of a pickup truck. It is usually larger than a travel trailer and provides more space and amenities.
Because the fifth wheels are tall and have a lot of weight over the rear axle of the truck, it is important to level them before camping or travelling in them. If they are not level, they can put stress on the truck’s suspension and cause problems with the brakes.
In addition, if the camper is not level, it can be uncomfortable to sleep in and cook in. By taking the time to level your fifth wheel before you camp or travel in it, you will make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable.
3 Methods to Level a 5th Wheel Without a Tow Vehicle/Truck?
There are a few different ways that you can level a fifth wheel camper.
1- Using Jack
The easiest and most common way is to use levelling jacks. Levelling jacks are devices that you attach to the corners of the camper. They have either a manual crank or an electric motor that lowers or raises the corner of the camper.
2- Using Bricks/Blocks
Another way to level a fifth wheel is with bricks or blocks. You would place these under the low side of the camper until it is level.
This method is not as common because it can be difficult to find enough bricks or blocks that are the same height. In addition, if you use this method, you need to be careful not to put too much weight on one side of the camper.
3- With a Truck
The last way to level a fifth wheel is with the truck. This is done by raising or lowering the truck’s suspension until the camper is level. This method is not recommended because it can damage the truck’s suspension.
No matter which method you use to level your fifth wheel camper, make sure that you do it before you set up camp or travel in it. By taking the time to level your camper, you will have a more enjoyable and comfortable trip.
How to Level a 5th Wheel Without a Truck/Tow Vehicle?
What you will need to level a 5th Wheel without a Tow Vehicle?
- A level
- Chocks
- Jacks (either leveling or scissors)
- Blocks (optional)
Steps to Level A 5th Wheel of Trailer/Camper
Step 1:-
Park your 5th wheel in the spot where you will be camping. If you are not sure if the ground is level, you can use a level to check.
Place the level on the ground in front of and behind the tires. If the ground is level, the bubble in the level will be in the center. If it is not, you will need to adjust the 5th wheel until it is level.
Step 2:-
Once the 5th wheel is in the desired location, put chocks on all four tires. This will prevent the 5th wheel from moving when you are leveling it.
Step 3:-
If you are using leveling jacks, attach them to the fifth wheel at the corners. You will need to place them under the frame so that they are level with the ground. Once they are attached, you can use the crank or motor to lower or raise the corner of the fifth wheel until it is level.
Step 4:-
If you are using blocks, place them under the low side of the fifth wheel until it is level. Once it is level, you can remove the chocks from the tires and enjoy your camping trip!
Step 5:-
If you are using the truck to level the fifth wheel, raise or lower the truck’s suspension until the camper is level. Once it is level, you can remove the chocks from the tires and enjoy your camping trip!
Watch the video below for the complete instructions. Happy camping!
Tips and Tricks for Leveling a 5th Wheel of Camper/Trailer
Here is a list of few tips & tricks those will be helpful for you while leveling 5th wheel of your RV/Camper.
- Use a level to check if the ground is level before you park the 5th wheel.
- Put chocks on all four tires before you start leveling the 5th wheel. This will prevent it from moving while you are working.
- If you are using jacks to level the fifth wheel, make sure that they are attached to the frame and not the axle. This will prevent damage to the fifth wheel.
- If you are using blocks to level the fifth wheel, make sure that they are the same height. This will prevent damage to the fifth wheel.
- Be careful not to put too much weight on one side of the fifth wheel when leveling it. This can cause damage to the fifth wheel.
- If you are using the truck to level the fifth wheel, make sure that you do not damage the truck’s suspension.
Also Read: How to Level a Travel Trailer on a Permanent Site?
Can you level a fifth wheel with the slides out?
Yes, you can level a fifth wheel with the slides out. You will need to use leveling jacks or blocks to do this.
Place the jacks or blocks under the low side of the camper until it is level. Once it is level, you can extend the slides and enjoy your camping trip!
What happens if your trailer is not level?
If your trailer is not level, you may experience problems with the doors, windows, slides, and appliances. The doors and windows may not open or close properly, and the slides may not extend or retract properly.
Additionally, the appliances may not work correctly if they are not level. If you are having problems with any of these things, you should level your trailer before using it.
How do you level an trailer with jacks?
To level an trailer with jacks, you will need to attach the jacks to the trailer at the corners. Once they are attached, you can use the crank or motor to lower or raise the corner of the trailer until it is level. You may need to adjust multiple jacks to get the trailer perfectly level.
Can I use my truck to level my fifth wheel?
Yes, you can use your truck to level your fifth wheel. To do this, you will need to raise or lower the truck’s suspension until the camper is level. Once it is level, you can remove the chocks from the tires and enjoy your camping trip!
What is the best way to level an trailer?
The best way to level an trailer will depend on the type of trailer and the resources that you have available. If you have leveling jacks, they are the best way to level an trailer .
If you do not have leveling jacks, you can use blocks or your truck to level the trailer. Whichever method you use, make sure that the trailer is level before using it.
How do I know if my trailer is level?
You can use a level to check if your trailer is level. Place the level on the floor of the trailer in multiple locations. If the bubble is in the middle of the level, then the trailer is level. If the bubble is not in the middle, then you will need to adjust the trailer until it is level.
Final thoughts
While it is possible to level a 5th wheel without a tow vehicle, it can be difficult and time consuming.
Fifth wheel leveling can be done in several ways, but the most common and simplest way is to use blocks. There are different types of blocks available, so you must choose the right ones for your needs.
We hope this article has helped you understand how fifth wheel leveling works and given you the information you need to get started on doing it yourself.