An RV does not need to sit perfectly flat to be comfortable, but a clearly unlevel campsite can make sleeping, cooking and drainage annoying. It can also push certain appliances outside their operating instructions. Start by identifying what you are actually trying to lift. Raising tires on the low side is different from stabilizing the frame after a towable is level; those tasks require different equipment. The most expensive automatic system will not make up for selecting hardware meant for a different RV.
Side-by-side comparison
Start with these product and compatibility distinctions, then inspect the shortlisted models and the decision factors below. Check the exact SKU before buying: model variants and bundles change.
| System | Rig fit | What it adjusts | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interlocking leveling blocks | Travel trailers, motorhomes, vans (use rated models) | Tire elevation on low side | Check weight rating, tire footprint and stacking instructions |
| Drive-on curved ramp | Many single-axle trailers and some tandem setups | Fine tire-height adjustment | Tandem-axle clearance may be limited; test before purchase |
| Tongue jack / landing gear | Compatible towables | Front-to-back level after tires are positioned | Never substitute scissor stabilizers for lifting/leveling |
| Lippert Ground Control 3.0 | Specified fifth-wheel applications | Electric automatic leveling, in 4- or 6-point configurations | Not hydraulic; installation and prep compatibility matter |
Products and systems worth comparing
These are specification-based editorial comparisons, not claims that RVGear purchased or personally tested each model. Always verify current manufacturer documentation, seller listings and vehicle-specific limits. Marketplace buttons use the RVGear eBay affiliate campaign already present in the site's existing links. Listings are searches, not claimed direct product matches.
Camco leveling block system
Interlocking leveling blocks provide a modular way to raise a tire on the low side of the campsite. Their appeal is versatility: you can carry enough blocks for typical small corrections without installing hardware. The manufacturer’s instructions determine correct stacking, tire contact area and capacity.
Portable, no electrical modification, useful as part of a basic setup kit.
Buy enough area for the tire footprint, carry chocks and check specific load limits.
Andersen-style curved camper leveler
A curved drive-on ramp lets you adjust height progressively as a wheel climbs instead of stacking a stepped pyramid. Many travelers find this especially convenient on single-axle travel trailers. On tandem axles, the available tire spacing is often the deciding factor, so test clearance rather than relying on a generic fit claim.
Smooth adjustment and a rapid routine on compatible tire setups.
Check tire spacing, actual lift range and chock placement carefully.
Lippert Ground Control 3.0
Ground Control 3.0 is an electric automatic leveling system for specified fifth-wheel applications. Some kits use four points and others six. It is not a generic hydraulic solution for all motorhomes or travel trailers, and its total lift figures do not grant permission to use the jacks for tire service.
Push-button leveling for supported fifth-wheel configurations.
Verify prep kit, fifth-wheel frame, mounting positions, electrical feed and installer instructions.
Leveling and stabilizing are different jobs
Leveling changes the RV’s position relative to the ground. Stabilizing reduces movement while people walk around inside after it is parked. The small scissor stabilizers mounted near the corners of many trailers are commonly intended for stability, not for lifting the trailer wheels off the ground or correcting a campsite grade. Misusing them can damage the frame or stabilizer assemblies. Follow the labels and your RV manual.
For a travel trailer, the basic approach is to adjust the low-side tires to address side-to-side tilt, chock securely and only then use the approved tongue jack for front-to-back adjustment. A fifth wheel uses its landing gear and any compatible leveling system differently. Motorhomes may have suspension-based or hydraulic systems from the factory; the aftermarket compatibility picture depends on the chassis and installed equipment.
Measure the slope before stacking equipment
A simple two-axis level or reliable leveling app can tell you whether the problem is mainly side-to-side or front-to-back. Small variations are routine, but a site that requires a large lift deserves another look. Do not stack loose scraps of lumber beyond safe instructions or improvise towers under one wheel. Confirm block dimensions, tire loading and maximum height. If you cannot set the rig up securely, moving the RV to a more suitable pad is a better decision than forcing the equipment to work.
For curved ramps, wheel spacing matters. A ramp that fits under a single axle may collide with the adjacent tire in a tandem-axle configuration. Tandem-specific procedures and tire placement requirements should come from the manufacturer’s instructions for that exact setup.
What automatic leveling does, and what it does not
An electric automatic system reduces manual setup but adds mounting hardware, power requirements, weight and potential service points. Ground Control 3.0 is often confused with Lippert’s hydraulic Level Up family. They are distinct products. Ground Control 3.0 uses electric jacks and is offered in specific configurations. Its published lift capacity is a system limit, not an instruction to raise the whole coach, operate on soft ground without pads or crawl beneath a supported trailer.
Before comparing prices, check whether your RV was designed or prepped for the kit under consideration. Review frame clearances, manufacturer-approved mounting and level-sensor setup. Budget for installation by a qualified technician when required.
A repeatable arrival checklist
- Walk the parking pad and look for soft spots, holes or obstacles before driving onto equipment.
- Park and establish which side needs tire-height correction; position approved blocks or ramps.
- Reposition slowly with a spotter when needed, following the equipment and tire instructions.
- Chock wheels securely and set the parking brake where applicable.
- Finish the approved front-to-back leveling procedure; deploy stabilizers only for their intended purpose.
Three small accessories worth carrying
Real wheel chocks: do not rely on the ramp’s shape alone unless the product’s specific installation and chock directions support that procedure. Jack pads: distribute pressure on approved contact surfaces and help reduce sinking into soft soil or warm asphalt. A level you trust: you can get excellent results with a simple bubble level. A phone-connected system is a convenience purchase, not a requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use scissor stabilizer jacks to level my travel trailer?
Ordinary stabilizer jacks are generally not intended to lift the frame or wheels. Refer to your specific RV and jack instructions.
Is Lippert Ground Control 3.0 hydraulic?
No. Ground Control 3.0 is an electric automatic leveling system. Lippert also offers separate hydraulic leveling products.
Do I need two curved ramps for a tandem-axle trailer?
The answer depends on tire spacing and the exact ramp system. Check the manufacturer’s tandem-axle method and required clearance.
How level does an RV refrigerator need to be?
Follow the appliance manufacturer’s operating instructions. Requirements vary by refrigerator design; comfort is not the only consideration.
What is the simplest affordable setup?
Rated leveling blocks, correctly sized wheel chocks, a level and suitable jack pads cover the needs of many weekend travelers.
Read these related RV guides
Sources and editorial approach
This guide uses publicly documented manufacturer information, with important qualifications noted next to affected claims. Product configurations change; check actual manufacturer instructions and current listings before purchase. We do not imply personal testing, verified merchant availability, or guaranteed pricing.
- https://camcooutdoors.com/
- https://andersenhitches.com/
- https://www.lippert.com/lippert-ground-control-automatic-5th-wheel-rv-leveling-system-grnd-ctrl-3
Affiliate disclosure: RVGear may earn a commission from qualifying marketplace purchases. Affiliate relationships do not establish product performance or fit.