When you’re parking up at a campsite or rest stop, nothing ruins the mood like a wobbly van or a lopsided bed. Getting your caravan level isn’t just about comfort — it’s critical for safe appliance operation, even wear on your chassis, and better sleep. Whether you’re travelling full-time or taking weekend getaways, knowing how to level your caravan quickly and accurately makes a world of difference.
If you’re shopping for caravans in Heatherbrae, this is one of those essential skills that every buyer should learn from day one.
Why Levelling Your Caravan Matters
An uneven caravan can create more problems than just sloping coffee cups. Many caravan appliances like three-way fridges require a level surface to function properly. Sloping can also cause discomfort when sleeping, disrupt drainage systems, or place unnecessary strain on the chassis and tyres. Even basic activities like cooking or showering can feel “off” in an unlevel van.
Levelling your van correctly ensures stability and protects the internal and external components. It also reduces the risk of movement while parked, especially in windy or uneven terrain. Whether you’re staying at a caravan park or wild camping off-grid, levelling is a step you don’t want to skip.
What You’ll Need to Get the Job Done
Before you begin, it’s important to have the right tools on hand:
- Levelling ramps or chocks
- A spirit level (manual or digital)
- Wheel chocks
- Caravan jockey wheel
- Stabiliser legs or corner steadies
- Drill attachment or winding handle (for manual steadies)
A compact spirit level is a must-have, or you can use a levelling app on your smartphone for quick checks. Levelling ramps help raise one side of the caravan, while chocks prevent movement after positioning. These are low-cost items that can save you a world of headaches.
Step-by-Step: Levelling Side to Side
- Pick Your Spot: Ideally, park on the flattest ground available. Avoid inclines, ditches, or soft sand.
- Check with Spirit Level: Place your level across the floor or drawbar. Identify which side is higher.
- Position the Ramps: Place levelling ramps in front of or behind the lower-side wheels, depending on your direction of approach.
- Drive Slowly Onto Ramps: Inch the caravan forward or reverse until the spirit level indicates the van is level from side to side.
- Chock the Wheels: Secure both wheels immediately to prevent rolling.
This process might take a few attempts at first, but you’ll get faster with practice. Always double-check the level before unhitching.
Front to Back Levelling Tips
Once you’ve got the side-to-side levelling sorted, it’s time to adjust front to back using the jockey wheel:
- Use Your Spirit Level Again: This time, place it along the length of the caravan.
- Adjust the Jockey Wheel: Raise or lower the front until the bubble is centred.
- Double-Check Stability: Make sure there’s no wobble and that both axes are level.
The jockey wheel not only helps with levelling, but also plays a role in getting your tow hitch height just right when reconnecting. Never forget to lock it down securely once you’re happy with the setup.
Don’t Rely on Corner Steadies for Levelling
A common mistake new travellers make is trying to level the van by adjusting the stabiliser legs. This is a no-go. Corner steadies are designed to stabilise, not lift. If you attempt to raise one side of the van using them, you risk bending the legs or damaging the frame.
Instead, always use ramps or jockey wheel adjustments to get the van level first, and then deploy the corner steadies to reduce sway or bounce. Think of steadies as the final touch — not the foundation.
Levelling on Uneven or Off-Grid Sites
Free camping or off-road spots often come with unique terrain. In these cases:
- Bring extra chocks and timber blocks for improvised ramping.
- Use a shovel to dig in a bit of the high side if needed.
- Carry a small plank for your jockey wheel on soft ground.
Levelling off-grid requires more flexibility and a bit of creativity, but it’s entirely doable. The more tools and improvisation you can pack, the better.
How Often Should You Recheck Your Level?
If you’re staying put for a few days, rechecking level once every 24–48 hours is a good habit — especially after rain or wind. Over time, weight shift, soft ground, or minor movement from going in and out of the van can affect stability. A quick spirit level check ensures everything remains in good shape and avoids long-term wear.
Final Safety and Setup Checklist
Once your van is fully level:
- Double-check all wheel chocks are firmly in place.
- Lower your corner steadies fully and evenly.
- Secure your jockey wheel and handle.
- Test interior appliances for proper function.
- Lock up and relax.
This simple checklist can become second nature and will save you frustration down the road.
FAQs
1) How Do I Know If My Caravan Is Level?
The most accurate way to check is with a spirit level placed inside the van on a flat surface—ideally across the kitchen bench or floor. You can also use a digital levelling device or smartphone app. Levelling front to back and side to side is essential. Even a slight tilt can affect things like fridge function, drainage, and comfort. If the bubble is slightly off-centre, try adjusting your position or using thinner blocks. With practice, you’ll be able to spot when the van is off balance just by walking inside. But always use a level for confirmation.
2) Can I Use a Car Jack to Level My Caravan?
No. A car jack should never be used to level your caravan. It’s meant for changing tyres, not for levelling large, heavy vans. Using a jack this way can lead to frame damage or serious safety risks. Always use proper levelling ramps and a jockey wheel. These are designed to take the weight and adjust smoothly. The stabiliser legs are also not for lifting—just for keeping things steady once the van is already level. The correct approach ensures safe travel and long-term chassis integrity.
3) What’s the Best Levelling Ramp for a Caravan?
There are plenty of levelling ramps available, from single-piece plastic models to multi-stage versions. Brands like Milenco, Fiamma, and Camec are widely trusted. Choose a ramp with a good weight rating (at least 2 tonnes per axle) and anti-slip ridges. Look for UV-stabilised materials for Australian conditions. Some ramps come with built-in chocks or paired levels. If you often camp on rough terrain, opt for heavy-duty ramps with a wider surface area. Avoid using random timber offcuts—they can split, rot, or slide under load. A quality ramp set is a smart investment.
4) How Long Does It Take to Properly Level a Caravan?
Once you get the hang of it, the whole process should take no more than 10–15 minutes. First-timers might take a bit longer, but experience quickly builds confidence. Arriving on a flat site speeds things up, while rougher terrain may add time. Always be patient—rushing this step can lead to poor stability or appliance issues later. Many seasoned travellers have their own flow or system. The key is repetition: park, level side to side, adjust front to back, drop the steadies, and double-check. Within a few trips, you’ll be levelling like a pro.
5) Can I Leave My Caravan Unlevel Overnight?
Technically, yes—but it’s not a great idea. Sleeping on a slope can lead to discomfort, strained backs, and even things rolling off benches. More importantly, certain caravan appliances—especially gas fridges—may not operate safely or efficiently on a tilt. Water drainage can also be affected. If you’re in a pinch, prioritise levelling side to side, and park with your head uphill for better sleep. That said, a few blocks and five extra minutes can save you plenty of hassle overnight. Levelling improves your experience tenfold, even on short stays.
Get the Most from Every Trip with a Level Setup
Whether you’re gearing up for the long haul or just pulling in for the weekend, levelling your van properly sets the tone for a smooth stay. It’s one of those small habits that leads to major comfort—and once you’ve got it down, you’ll never go back to guessing. For local advice, quality vans, and hands-on walkthroughs, the team at 7th Street Caravans has you covered.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.