Perfectly Level Motorhome

 

A Guide to Achieving a Perfectly Level Motorhome

Mastering the art of leveling your motorhome is essential for a comfortable and stress-free touring experience. While many modern campsites offer impeccably flat hardstanding pitches, you will inevitably encounter uneven ground, particularly if you arrive at a busy site late in the day or prefer the spontaneity of off-grid wild camping.

Why Precision Leveling Matters

Ensuring your vehicle is horizontal is about more than just personal comfort; it is a mechanical and functional necessity.

• Appliance Performance: Most traditional absorption refrigerators (3-way fridges) rely on gravity-fed chemicals to cool efficiently. Operating them on a significant tilt can impair their performance or, over time, cause permanent damage.

• Drainage: Shower trays and sinks are designed to drain toward specific outlets. On a slope, water may pool at the wrong end of the tray, leading to overflows or unpleasant odors.

• Sleep and Comfort: Even a slight incline can lead to restless nights or the annoyance of kitchenware and personal items sliding off tables and countertops.

Choosing Your Equipment

Before you can level up, you need the right tools. Most owners opt for high-visibility leveling ramps, which generally fall into two categories:

1. Stepped Blocks: These feature distinct "pockets" or levels. They provide a secure "lock" for the tire, giving you peace of mind that the vehicle won't gradually roll back down.

1. Smooth Wedges: These offer a continuous incline, allowing for much more granular control over the height. You can stop at the exact millimeter required for a perfect level.

For those seeking ultimate convenience, integrated hydraulic self-leveling systems can be installed, which automatically stabilize the van at the touch of a button, though these are a significantly higher investment.

The Leveling Process

The most effective way to level a motorhome is to reverse onto your ramps. This is because many campsites have regulations regarding the direction your vehicle faces, and reversing onto the drive axle typically offers better control.

• Placement: Position a ramp directly behind each wheel that needs to be raised. If the pitch slopes sideways, you may only need a ramp on one side.

• The Ascent: Gently reverse onto the blocks. Having a partner act as a spotter is invaluable here to ensure you don't drive off the back of the ramp.

• Monitoring: Use a spirit level placed on a flat surface inside the van such as a table or the floor to check your progress. Some owners find it helpful to mount a small bubble level on the dashboard for a quick reference while driving.

• Securing: Once level, engage the handbrake firmly. For added security, especially on stepped blocks, leaving the vehicle in gear (or 'Park' for automatics) provides an extra layer of safety.

Beyond Stability: Added Traction

Leveling ramps are surprisingly versatile. If you find yourself parked on soft, wet grass, the textured surface of a ramp can act as a traction aid. Placing them under the drive wheels can provide the necessary grip to prevent the tires from spinning and becoming bogged down when it is time to depart.

In the morning, the exit is simple: start the engine, release the brake, and slowly drive forward off the ramps. Ensure you stow them away clean and check that you haven't caused any significant divots in the pitch surface.

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to head over to the Johnny Burr YouTube channel for more visual guides or catch my latest segments on Caravan Radio. For a deeper dive and to share your own touring tips, join our community under the Motorhome Touring umbrella on Discord or in our Facebook groups Motorhome touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK and Europe. You can also find me on Instagram @johnnyburr3 for more updates from the road. Safe travels, and I look forward to seeing you at the next stop!

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