The 9 Best Leveling Blocks
Editor's Notes
March 10, 2021:
It wasn’t an especially exciting round of updates, as we continued to stand behind the majority of our previous picks for this category. There were, however, a few items that we wound up removing due to availability issues – the Beech Lane 2-Pack, Andersen Tuff Pads and Camp’N Extra Large – and a couple new choices that we added to our list, to help make up for our losses.
Our first new choice was the Homeon Wheels Value Pack LEL-055 - B. We liked this set because, in addition to coming with a serviceable zippered storage bag, it includes a couple useful extras, like a simple stand to help support your trailer jack, and a basic level to help you get into the right position. It’s priced pretty reasonably too, so it’s an easy solution for RV owners looking for a kit to solve their problems.
Our second new addition, the Kohree Anti-Slip HY1650-HM-FBA, has a similar (and even simpler) design than our pick from Homeon Wheels, but it costs considerably more and doesn’t include any of the same bonus items. Still, we thought it was worth including in the interest of those leveling bigger trailers, as it’s capable of handling 32-inch tires, which is a significant improvement from the Homeon Wheels upper-limit of 26 inches.
If you are an RV owner, then you might also be interested in checking out our specialized lists of surge protectors and generators.
July 02, 2019:
Unfortunately, at this time, both the Level-Trek Interlocking and the OxGord Levelers have become difficult to find, so we ultimately decided to replace them. One new addition is the Camco Super, which offers three levels and a bright yellow construction for visibility. Note, though, that these are currently offered for purchase singly, which does make them something of an investment. Another new addition is the Hopkins Towing Solutions Endurance System, an interesting concept that tends to be "love it or hate it." On the one hand, because your vehicle will be resting on wood, there's no need to worry about flimsy plastic pieces cracking. On the other hand, some users find that the kit's pieces don't offer enough value for the price. Nevertheless, many like this option as an upgrade to plain boards, so we thought it worth including.
Finally, when it comes to top selections, we still think the Tri-Lynx Original RV and the Beech Lane 2-Pack are useful models, especially since the latter has been updated. In the past, it arrived with rubber adhesive to prevent slipping, but now, it is shipped with rubber mats that do the job better.
These Blocks Are On The Level
If you don’t happen to have one of those fancy-schmancy hydraulic leveling systems on your RV or trailer, you’re going to need a high-quality set of leveling blocks.
If you don’t happen to have one of those fancy-schmancy hydraulic leveling systems on your RV or trailer, you’re going to need a high-quality set of leveling blocks. Even in ultra-modern RV parks, there’s no guarantee that the concrete slabs at each site will be even, and if you plan on visiting state and national parks, you’re virtually guaranteed uneven ground at some point. But with a set of leveling blocks, getting your rig evened out shouldn’t be a problem.
Occasionally, RVers point out that wood works just as well, but realistically, a proper set of leveling blocks is generally the better choice. For one thing, wooden blocks and boards are much heavier and don’t feature the type of weather-resistant materials used in today’s first-rate choices. Many nowadays are resistant to UV rays and wet weather, can withstand heavy loads, and even feature handles that keep you out of the muck and mud.
Some RVers, particularly greenhorns, have also been known to ask whether leveling an RV or camper is necessary at all. For those RVs that have a refrigerator, the answer is a resounding yes. Your fridge is not meant to operate on a slant, and running it while it’s tilted can damage it. If you don’t have any appliances to worry about, you might be able to get away with not leveling. The problem, however, is that sleeping and walking around on a slant quickly becomes tiresome. You don’t want to wait until you’ve been tossing and turning for an hour to decide that leveling is crucial, after all.
Using leveling blocks isn’t terribly complicated. You’ll need a level, of course, to help you determine where the blocks need to go. Make sure the trailer or RV is where you plan to leave it before you start measuring; when you’ve determined where you’ll need blocks, place them next to the tire(s) they’ll be under. Drive forward, move the blocks over into the spaces where your tires were, then back up slowly onto the blocks. You may need to adjust and readjust a few times to find just the right spot.
A Few Words About Safety
While it’s not necessarily difficult to use leveling blocks, there are a few things you should look out for to keep you comfortable, and most importantly, safe. An accident that causes injury to either yourself or your rig could really put a damper on what might otherwise be the trip of a lifetime.
Also, be sure that the entire footprint of the tire covers the leveling block.
First, be sure you set your vehicle’s brake before you start the process of gauging the evenness of your rig and placing the leveling blocks. If you have a slide out, go ahead and extend it before you attempt to judge where you’ll need the blocks, as its weight can cause shifting. When everything is nice and snug, chock the wheels that are up on the blocks. The blocks are not made to hold your tire in place; that’s the wheel chock's job.
Also, be sure that the entire footprint of the tire covers the leveling block. There should be no overhang anywhere, front to back or side to side, because this can seriously harm your tire. And if you’ve got dually tires, don’t level just one on a side — put blocks under both.
Finally, you should resist the temptation to use your stabilization jacks to level out an RV. Sure, it would be easier than having to get out the blocks and spend time moving your rig onto them, but these jacks were not made for this purpose. It’s likely to put too much pressure on them and could lead to costly repairs down the road.
Staying Levelheaded
While we hope for your RV and camping trips to be nothing but successful, there are going to be bumps along the way, with some of the most notorious issues coming from the weather. There’s just no outdoorsy disappointment like being trapped inside, staring out at the rain pouring down — made that much worse when you have restless kids cooped up inside with you. But there are things you can do to not only make the time pass but also have some fun. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started.
True, you may not have a ton of extra space at your disposal, but small items like a deck of cards or set of dominoes won’t take up much room.
Before your trip, gather a supply of “just in case” items, such as board games, puzzles, coloring books, small craft projects, or novels. True, you may not have a ton of extra space at your disposal, but small items like a deck of cards or set of dominoes won’t take up much room.
You could also start thinking of some fun contests or family activities. For instance, hold a poem or story writing competition. Give everyone a set amount of time to craft their pieces, then hold a reading and vote on the favorite. Or, you could create your own board game, compose a family skit, write a song, or tell ghost stories.
If you’re going to turn to TV or movies, try to make this an event and not just something to endure while the rain is falling. If you simply plop down in front of the TV at 10 a.m., you or your kids will probably be feeling a bit restless by the afternoon, making the long stretch of evening seem daunting. Instead, spend some time creating a viewing list or a theme. Draw or color some invitations and create a menu. Make your viewing a party and not a chore. Just be sure to stock up on popcorn and snacks before you hit the road.
And if the weather isn’t too cold or dangerous, you might just lean into it, especially if you’re already wet from getting your leveling blocks into place. Get everybody in their rain slickers, ponchos, and rubber boots, and have some fun jumping in puddles. Take a walk and ask your kids to point out ways that the world changes during a shower. You’ll perhaps need to spend some time cleaning up, but the enjoyment you’ll get might just be worth it.