RVers do their best to be on the level

Leveling your rig when you move to a new campground is one of the common chores of RVing. Being level is important for older model RV refrigerators and the newer models appreciate being level as well. When I’m able to choose my own campsite I look for one that appears level. I use the word “appears” because in my experience looks are deceiving when it comes to the concept of “flat.” I always seem to spend longer than I anticipated getting my coach into a fairly level position.

My eyeballs are not calibrated for flatness so I rely on an old fashioned bubble level even though my RV is equipped with a computerized self leveling system. Seems my leveling computer is just as confused as I am when it comes to “flat.” I don’t feel so bad though, because for most of human history our ancestors thought the world was “flat.” Apparently they didn’t have a big enough level.

Because of my ancestral genetic defect of being judgment impaired when it comes to “flat” I carry extra lumber for leveling. You should only have to elevate two wheels either on the port (driver side) or starboard (passenger side) or forward and aft. When camping at a lake or seashore you will be on a natural slope and you will need to level your wheels depending on how you are oriented to the water. For heavier RVs I recommend using hard wood for leveling. The plastic leveling blocks that look like ginormous Lego blocks really only work on very light RVs. When you think you have your RV level you can preform the following tests. If you crack an egg into the skillet and it oozes down to one corner you’re not level. Assuming your plumbing system is working and you find yourself standing in three inches of water while showering you’re not level. If you turn on the water to brush your teeth and the stream slants two inches to one side you’re not level. If every time you open the refrigerator stuff slides out you either have too much stuff in there or you’re not level. When you shut the pocket door and is creeps back out you’re not level. If you drop the toilet paper and it rolls all the way to the front of the RV you're not level. The most telling sign you're not level is when you walk through your coach like you’re in the “Mystery House.”

Honestly, I probably haven’t ever achieved absolute “level” in any RV I’ve owned over the years. I feel better now that I’ve leveled with you. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing