When you arrive at a campsite with your touring caravan, you’ll often find the ground isn’t perfectly flat. Uneven pitches are common, especially on grass or rural sites. That’s why knowing how to level a caravan properly is important.
A level caravan helps improve comfort, safety, and functionality. It means doors close as they should, water drains correctly, and your appliances can work as intended. Plus, it gives you a more stable and enjoyable base to relax in during your stay.
Why you need to level a caravan
Levelling your caravan is more than just a matter of convenience—it’s essential for a safe and comfortable stay.
An uneven caravan can lead to several issues. Doors and windows may not close or latch properly, which can affect security and insulation. Inside, beds and seating areas may feel off-balance, making it harder to relax or sleep comfortably.
Appliances like fridges are designed to work best on a level surface. Water systems also rely on proper drainage, which can be disrupted if the caravan is tilted. Most importantly, an unlevel caravan can be less stable, increasing the risk of movement or tipping in certain conditions.
How to check if your caravan needs levelling
Before setting up, it’s important to check whether your caravan is level, both side-to-side and front-to-back.
The most reliable way to do this is by using a spirit level. Place it on a flat surface above the axle to check lateral level. Then, place it inside the caravan on the floor to assess the front-to-back pitch. Some people also use levelling apps, but a traditional spirit level is usually more accurate.
Avoid using doors, cupboards, or tables to check if your caravan is level. If they’ve not been installed perfectly level themselves, it can give you a false reading.
Tools needed to level a caravan
To level your caravan properly, you’ll need key equipment. Some are essential caravan tools, but others are simply useful extras to make the job easier.
- Spirit level: An essential item. Use it to check if your caravan is level side-to-side and front-to-back. Although you can use apps, a physical spirit level is more reliable.
- Levelling ramps: Also essential. These are wedge-shaped ramps placed under your wheels to raise one side of the caravan until it’s level.
- Wheel chocks: Essential for safety. Once your caravan is in position, chocks stop it from rolling off the ramps.
- Block: Useful for extra height or when the ground is particularly uneven. Can also be placed under the jockey wheel or steadies.
- Motor mover: A nice to have. This powered device helps manoeuvre your caravan into position without towing, which is helpful when using levelling ramps on tight pitches.
How to level a caravan step by step
Always take care when moving a caravan and never attempt to level it alone. Use appropriate equipment and make sure the vehicle is secure at each step.
Follow these steps to level your caravan safely and accurately:
- Assess the pitch: Choose the flattest part of the pitch before positioning your caravan. Avoid slopes or uneven ground where possible.
- Position the caravan: Tow or move the caravan into place, then check how level it is using a spirit level. Do it side-to-side first, then front-to-back.
- Use levelling ramps: If the caravan is uneven side-to-side, drive or move one wheel onto a levelling ramp. Use a motor mover or towing vehicle to help. Once level, place wheel chocks firmly behind the wheels.
- Use an inflatable levelling system (optional): An inflatable bag system can be used instead of ramps. Inflate gradually while checking with a spirit level until level laterally.
- Adjust front-to-back: Use the jockey wheel to raise or lower the front of the caravan until the spirit level shows it’s level end-to-end.
- Lower the corner steadies: Once level, wind down all four corner steadies to secure the caravan. These stabilise the caravan, but they don’t level it.
Levelling a twin-axel caravan
Levelling a twin-axle caravan can be more challenging due to the extra wheel on each side, but it’s manageable with the right approach.
You’ll usually need a two-ramp method, positioning a ramp under each wheel on the side that needs raising. Both wheels must be lifted evenly to avoid strain on the chassis.
Curved levelling ramps are especially useful here. Their gradual incline makes it easier to guide both wheels up at the same time. A motor mover can also help with precision, since towing onto ramps with a vehicle can be much harder with twin axles.
As with single-axle caravans, always use chocks to secure the wheels and check your level carefully before lowering the steadies.
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Whether you're touring the UK or storing your caravan between trips, having insurance can help give you added peace of mind that you’re protected against risks. At Lifesure, our touring caravan insurance can help protect you against unexpected costs from theft, damage, or accidents while on the road. You can also add RAC caravan breakdown insurance for extra reassurance when you’re travelling.
Fill in our online form to get an instant quote or call us on 01480 402 460 and one of our team will be happy to help.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Lifesure accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
