Making sure that your motorhome is perfectly leveled whenever it’s parked is crucial to enjoying a more relaxing RV trip. A perfectly leveled RV can help you feel more secure and more comfortable. We’re lucky because many motorhomes already come with a leveling system that utilizes hydraulic jacks integrated into the chassis of the vehicle. And even if your RV doesn’t have one, you can always have a professional install a hydraulic leveling system in your motorhome. Here’s how you can level your motorhome using the hydraulic jacks of your vehicle. If you want to read more about Battery for RV click here.
Step 1. Always Check the Pre-operation Checklist
While the principle for leveling motorhomes is the same for all types of systems, some manufacturers may have very specific guidelines on how you need to prepare your vehicle prior to leveling. For example, there are those that require the front wheels of the motorhome to be perfectly straight.
It goes without saying that you should also familiarize yourself with the user interface of your leveling controller. You will see directional arrows, indicator lights, and control buttons. Make sure that you know the function of each of these elements.
Most RVs also come with a 4-point hydraulic jack system. There are also those that only have 3. Controlling the leveling of these systems may be different from the controls of a 4-point system.
There are also some systems that require motorhome owners to extend their RV slide out before they can start leveling the vehicle. There are also systems that allow the leveling first prior to the extension of the slide out.
Step 2. Turn on the Leveling System
Start this step by putting the motorhome key in the ignition and turning it to ACC. This provides the much-needed power to the electrical components of the vehicle, including the hydraulic leveling system.
You should see the Travel Mode (or some similar indicator light) in the leveler controller turn on right after turning the key to the ACC position. This signifies that the hydraulic jacks are ready. You can then power it up by pressing the HYD button on the controller. Other systems may have other labels for powering the hydraulic jack system.
If you have an automatic leveling system, pressing the HYD button twice will activate the system. Manual systems will require individual inputs into each hydraulic jack.
Step 3. Check which Side of the Vehicle is Low
Look at the indicator lights surrounding the top view vehicle marking on the controller. Check which lights are on. Those lights that are turned on indicate the side of the vehicle that is lower than the other sides.
For example, if the left and top indicator lights are turned on, then the left side and the front of the motorhome are lower than its back and right side. You will then have to adjust these sides accordingly.
Step 4. Dump the Air
If your motorhome comes with an air suspension system, it is important to empty the air from the reservoir. Press the corresponding button on the controller. Dumping the air allows your vehicle to sit squarely on the ground, allowing the motorhome to be more stable when the hydraulic jacks begin to work.
Step 5. Immobilize the Wheels
Place chokes on the tire opposite the side that you are going to raise. This will prevent the tires from moving or rolling. This is especially true if you are on an incline. Your motorhome can roll either way.
Step 6. Place Jack Pads
It is ideal that the ground upon which the motorhome is parked is even or uniform and firm. If not, you will need to use jack pads or leveling blocks in the area where the hydraulic jacks will get in contact with the ground.
The pad serves as an even and stable surface for the jacks to stabilize the vehicle in. The jack pad can also reduce the travel of the hydraulic jack. This results in a more stable leveling procedure.
Step 7. Raise the Lower Side
When you’re ready to level your motorhome, always start by leveling the sides of the vehicle first. The right side of your motorhome should be in level with the left side. Only when this is level can you begin to level the front of the vehicle relative to its rear.
Press the arrow up button on the controller that represents the side of the motorhome that you want to raise. You should see a red indicator light turn on to show that the hydraulic jack on this side is no longer stowed.
Continue pressing the button until the ‘low’ indicator light turns off. When it does, that side of the motorhome is already level with the other side.
Do the same procedure to make the front level with the rear. Always check the indicator light.
Step 8. Make the Necessary Adjustments
Leveling the front of the motorhome to its rear can inadvertently upset the leveling between the right and left side of the vehicle. You need to check the indicator lights again to determine which side needs adjusting.
Step 9. Turn Off the System
Press the power button on the leveling controller to turn the system off. Make sure to turn the key in the ignition from ACC back to the OFF position. Remove the key.
Leveling your motorhome is easy when you’re using the hydraulic jacks built or installed into your vehicle. It is as easy as pressing the button that will adjust the height of one side of your vehicle to make it level with the rest.