When you’ve found your perfect pitch – your next step is to get the legs down and get it level. We all know that that’s easier said than done, particularly when you’re on an uneven pitch.
It’s an even bigger job when you’ve got four wheels and four legs to consider and way more difficult!
It’s pretty straightforward to level front-to-back as you use the Jockey Wheel, but side-to-side is a different matter.
Over the years I’ve seen various ways of levelling caravans – mainly using levelling blocks or DIY wooden blocks.
We’ve used both of these methods ourselves on a single-axle and they worked perfectly, but with our newer twin, we quickly noticed that the levelling blocks are too long to get behind the second (rear wheel).
So how do you get around this?
Well, I have two solutions – one we currently use, and another I’ve found via some popular caravan vloggers.
Steps to Levelling a Twin Axle Caravan
1. Position the Caravan in a Good Position
- Before you start to level the caravan you want to make sure the van is in a position that you are reasonably happy with for the duration of your stay.
- If you are on a serviced pitch make sure you are positioned close enough to access the facilities.
2. Level the Caravan Axle (Right to Left)
- It’s important with twin axles that you level on the axle first – this is where a ramp, block or inflation system comes in.
3. Level the Caravan Front to Back
- Once you are happy with the axle level – next use the jockey wheel to level the caravan from front to back.
- Once you’ve done this and you are happy with the overall level – lower the steadies down into position.
Solution 1: Curved Levelling Ramp – Genius Idea!
Finding these were a game changer for us – they are genius! The video below shows how you can use them to easily level the caravan with minimal effort – they’re not mega-cheap, but are very well made and will last a long time.
They are a similar height to the traditional blocks so the height that it lifts the caravan is pretty much the same.
These curved levels should fit any twin-axle caravan and are really straightforward to use: simply wedge in both the front and rear wheels and roll forwards and backwards until you get the height and level needed.
CARMTEK Caravan/ Camper Leveller Kit
- ANTI-SLIP JOINTING SYSTEM: special jointing system with precise grip channels on the surface of the levellers to prevent levellers from sliding when backing the camper tire onto the levellers.
- FAST & PRECISE LEVELING: Avoid the hassle of setting up your camper with travel trailer levelling blocks or planks under your tires.
- Makes caravan levelling a fast and precise task. Level at any increment between 1/2″ and 4″ in less than 5 minutes.
You will need to allow reversing room for this as you don’t want your caravan’s final position to be too far forwards.
Once you are in the position you want – just slide in the additional wedge to ‘lock’ the ramps into place.
When it’s home time you can simply tow the caravan forwards so they come away easily.
Beware though you will not be able to use this system if you have a motor mover installed.
Solution 2: Lock and Level System
I have seen these on a few caravans and they seem to do the job nicely.
Made of sturdy nylon reinforced polypropylene the lock and level system works by inflation vis a car or tyre pump.
The idea here is that you have two lines on the pad to line up with the rear wheel.
You then roll the caravan forwards, position the pad behind the rear wheel, and then roll backwards again so that both wheels are lined up on the pad.
Now that both wheels are lined up on the pad – you inflate the system to desired level and height.
Lock n Level Twin Axle Caravan Stabiliser
- Enables you to raise your twin axle caravan up to 6 inches.
- You can change any wheel on a twin axle
- Safe to use on caravans with motor movers
- Less likely to sink on soft ground.
The lock and level is a great system – but it is heavy. Coming in at 7kg you will need to factor this is to your overall towing weight.
You can safely use this system if you have a motor mover fitted.
You may also need some lino, or plywood to put under the pad as you wouldn’t want to run the risk of puncturing it when pitched on stone as we are.
Remember: this will also add to your weight.
The Lock and Level can also come in handy if you need to jack up the caravan for any reason.
What System Should You Go For?
Well, it’s entirely up to you. The method we use (the ramps) is a faster set-up, and a cheaper option, while the Lock and Level system takes around 10 minutes to set up.
It’s also an expensive option – especially if it punctures!
FAQ’s
What are Caravan Levelling Blocks?
Levelling blocks or ramps allow you to perfectly adjust the height of your caravan when you are pitched on uneven ground – particularly grass.
This helps ensure the caravans’ interior appliances can work properly (and that your glass of wine or lagers stays in place)!
Not using a leveller on uneven ground could cause some of your appliances to stop working – such as the fridge, which needs to be balanced to work efficiently.
The majority of touring caravan and campsites’ pitches won’t be completely flat – so levellers are a must!
They take the guesswork (and stress) out of where the most level pitch is, as you can use the blocks or ramps anywhere.
Instead, just use a levelling block that takes this headache away.
How do I Know if I Need Levelling Blocks?
Unless you have a self-levelling caravan or an installed levelling system – you are going to need blocks!
How do I Know When my Caravan is Level?
Once you’ve adjusted the caravan on your chosen levelling system – you can use a small spirit level. Place the level on the floor in the middle of the van and check that the bubbles are centred.
If you don’t have a spirit level – try balancing a coin on the kitchen worktop and see if it rolls!
You May Be Interested In: How To Buy A Used Caravan + FREE Printable Checklist!
Can you Level a Caravan with the Steadies?
No, no and NO! It might seem like the obvious choice would be to use the steadies to level the caravan – but do so at your peril.
Corner Steadies are fitted to the floor of the van, and not the chassis.
This means that using the steadies for levelling can twist and bend the floor – leading to delamination and leaks down the line!
What About Automated Caravan Levelling Systems?
We have a separate post here on automated systems. There are quite a few automated caravan levelling systems available. The newer Elddis Buccaneer models now have these systems built in!
Like motor movers – automated levelling systems are very nifty, and will get the job done in minutes. But they are pricey!
At the time of writing – you will be looking at around £3k to have the system fitted, and is dependent on the caravans’ overall weight.
This could be a great option for those who are less agile as it means they can still tow their vans anywhere without the additional stress of levelling.
So that wraps up today’s post – we hope you’ve found it helpful. We’re not the experts in caravanning by any measure – we only want to share what we think you may find useful, based on our own experience and research 🙂
Take care and happy caravanning! X