An unlevel RV isn't just uncomfortable — it affects how your absorption refrigerator operates, makes doors swing open or shut unpredictably, causes water to pool in one end of the shower, and turns sleeping into a slow slide toward one side of the bed. Getting level at camp is one of the first things you do when you arrive and one of the last things you troubleshoot when something feels "off."
The good news: leveling doesn't have to be an hour-long exercise in wooden-block Tetris. Modern leveling systems range from $30 stackable blocks that handle most situations to hydraulic auto-levelers that get you level at the touch of a button.
Leveling Methods Compared
| Method | Best For | Max Lift | Effort | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stackable interlocking blocks | Most RVs, most situations | 4–5 inches | Moderate (stack, drive on, chock) | $ |
| Drive-on curved ramps | Quick leveling, mild slopes | 3–4 inches | Low (drive on and stop) | $ |
| Scissor / tongue jacks | Front-to-back leveling (travel trailers) | Varies | Moderate (crank or electric) | $–$$ |
| Hydraulic auto-leveling | Motorhomes, high-end fifth wheels | 10+ inches | None (press a button) | $$$ |
| 2×8 lumber blocks | Budget backup | Unlimited (stack as needed) | High (cut, stack, maneuver) | $ |
Camco Fasten Leveling Blocks — Best Stackable System
The Camco Fasten system is the industry standard for stackable RV leveling blocks. Bright yellow interlocking blocks stack in a pyramid formation — you build the stack to the height you need, drive your low-side tires onto the stack, and chock the wheels. The textured surface grips tires and resists slipping on wet surfaces. Rated for up to 40,000 lbs per stack of ten, which covers everything from pop-up campers to heavy fifth wheels.
Sets typically come in 10-packs with a storage bag. Lightweight, virtually indestructible, and small enough to store in a compartment bay. The main limitation: they max out at about 4 inches of lift. For more severely uneven sites, you need to combine blocks with your stabilizer jacks for front-to-back leveling. But for the vast majority of campsite pads, a set of Fasten blocks handles side-to-side leveling reliably and affordably.
Industry standard · Extremely affordable · Rated to 40,000 lbs · Lightweight and compact · Works on any surface · Virtually indestructible
Max ~4 inches of lift · Requires driving precisely onto the stack · Need wheel chocks separately · Can slide on ice
Andersen Camper Leveler — Best Drive-On Ramp
The Andersen Camper Leveler takes a different approach than stackable blocks. Instead of building a stack to a specific height, you drive your tire onto a curved ramp surface and stop when a bubble level mounted on the RV reads level. The continuously variable incline means you get infinitely adjustable leveling within the ramp's range — no guessing how many blocks to stack.
The integrated chock holds the tire in place at whatever position you stop, so there's no separate chocking step. Pairs come in a compact storage bag. The design works well for solo RVers who don't have a spotter to watch the level while driving onto blocks. The trade-off is slightly less maximum lift than a full stack of Fasten blocks, and the ramp can slide on loose gravel unless you anchor it with the included rear chock.
Infinitely adjustable within range · Integrated chock · No spotter needed · Compact storage · 30,000 lb rating
Less max lift than full block stacks · Can slide on loose gravel · Higher price than basic blocks · Two sets needed for dual-axle trailers
Lippert Ground Control 3.0 — Best Auto-Leveling System
For RVers who want to press a button and be level in under two minutes, hydraulic auto-leveling systems are the ultimate upgrade. The Lippert Ground Control 3.0 is one of the most widely installed aftermarket auto-leveling systems for travel trailers and fifth wheels. Six hydraulic jacks — four at the corners plus two additional stabilizer points — deploy automatically, sense the RV's attitude, and level the rig without any manual intervention.
The system comes factory-installed on many higher-end travel trailers and fifth wheels, but it's also available as an aftermarket retrofit. Installation requires professional mounting and hydraulic plumbing, but once installed, setup at camp goes from a 15-minute exercise in blocks and levels to a 90-second button press. The jacks also provide superior stability compared to manual stabilizer jacks — no more rocking when you walk around inside.
Fully automatic leveling · Superior stability · Under 2-minute setup · No blocks or manual labor · 6-point contact
Expensive (system + installation) · Professional install required · Adds weight to the RV · Hydraulic systems require maintenance · Still need blocks as backup
Don't Forget the Accessories
Wheel chocks: Essential if you're using leveling blocks (the Andersen Leveler has them built in). Use in pairs — front and behind the tire. Match the chock's weight rating to your RV. Rubber chocks grip better than plastic on wet surfaces.
Stabilizer jack pads: Place these under your stabilizer jacks to prevent them from sinking into soft ground, asphalt, or gravel. Without pads, jacks can punch through hot asphalt, sink into mud, or lose contact on uneven surfaces.
Bubble levels: Stick-on two-axis levels mount to the exterior of your RV and let you check level from outside while adjusting. Digital levels with Bluetooth connectivity that read on your phone are a convenience upgrade — but a $5 bubble level gets the job done.
Which System Is Right for You?
Weekend campers at developed campgrounds: A set of Camco Fasten blocks plus wheel chocks handles 90% of campsites. Under $50 for the complete setup. Start here.
Solo RVers who want simplicity: The Andersen Camper Leveler's integrated chock and infinitely adjustable design means no spotter and no guessing. Worth the upgrade if you camp alone frequently.
Full-timers or frequent movers: An auto-leveling system pays for itself in time and back strain over hundreds of setups. If your RV doesn't have one factory-installed, the aftermarket retrofit is a worthwhile investment for anyone who sets up camp more than once a month.