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By Thomas Sullivan•Last Updated May 22, 2025

Travel Trailer Leveling Guide: Jacking and Stabilizing Dual Axle Trailers

Understand the importance of decent jacking and leveling your travel trailer

A level travel trailer isn’t exactly about comfort â€” it’s about functionality and safety. When your dual axle travel trailer sits decent will level, appliances work right, doors fold decent, and you’ll sleep comfortably. Before dive into the specifics of jack up and level your trailer, it’s important to understand why this process matter hence often.

Refrigerators in most travel trailers rely on gravity for proper operation. When your trailer isn’t level, cool efficiency decrease importantly, potentially cause permanent damage to the cool unit. Plumbing systems to depend on proper leveling for drainage, while uneven weight distribution can strain your trailer’s frame and suspension components over time.

Essential equipment for jacking and leveling your dual axle travel trailer

Before attempt to jack up or level your travel trailer, gather these necessary tools and equipment:

For jacking up your trailer

Heavy duty hydraulic jack (bottle jack or scissor jack rate for your trailer’s weight )
Jack stands rate for your trailer’s weight
Wheel chocks
Wooden blocks or jack pads
Gloves and safety glasses

For leveling your trailer

Bubble level (2 foot level work considerably )
Level blocks or ramps
Stabilize jacks
Leveling system (optional but recommend )
Tire pressure gauge

Invest in quality equipment is crucial for safety. Ne’er use automotive jacks that aren’t rate for your trailer’s weight, and invariably ensure your jack stand can support the load.

Prepare your trailer for jacking and leveling

Proper preparation is essential for safely jack up and level your dual axle travel trailer:

Site selection and preparation

Choose a firm, level surface whenever possible
Clear the area of debris and obstacles
Check for overhead clearance if raise stabilize jacks
Position your trailer where you want it before begin the leveling process

Pre jacking safety measures

Disconnect from your tow vehicle
Engage the trailer’s parking brake
Place wheel chocks hard against the wheels you’re not jack
Remove any items that might shift during the jacking process
Ensure all windows and doors are close to prevent bind

Ne’er attempt to jack up your trailer on soft ground, as the jack may sink or tip. If you must work on softer surfaces, use large plywood sheets under your jacks to distribute weight.

How to jack up a dual axle travel trailer safely

Jack up a dual axle travel trailer require careful attention to detail and proper technique:

Step 1: identify the proper jacking points

Dual axle trailers have specific jacking points design to support the weight safely. These are typically reinforced areas of the frame near each axle. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact locations. Ne’er place a jack flat under the axle itself unless specifically instruct by the manufacturer.

Step 2: prepare the jacking area

Place a solid piece of wood or a commercial jack pad on the ground beneath your jacking point. This distributes the weight and prevent the jack from sink into softer surfaces. The wood should be at least 2 inches thick and 12 inches square for adequate support.

Step 3: position and operate the jack

Place your hydraulic jack on the wood pad and position it flat under the designate jacking point. Ensure the jack is dead vertical, not angle. Begin pump the jack easy, watch cautiously as the trailer begin to rise. Stop occasionally to check that everything is stable, and the jack isn’t lean.

Step 4: use jack stand for safety

Once the trailer is raise to the desire height, place fittingly rate jack stand under secondary support points on the frame â€” ne’er rely exclusively on the hydraulic jack to hold your trailer up. Position the stand on solid wood blocks for stability, so cautiously lower the trailer onto the stands until their support the weight.

Step 5: test stability before working

Before perform any work under the raise trailer, test its stability by apply gentle pressure in different directions. If there be any movement or wobbling, lower the trailer instantly and reposition your jacks and stands.

For dual axle trailers specifically, you may need to jack up both sides simultaneously in some cases to avoid twist the frame. This typically require two jacks and an assistant.

The complete process for leveling a travel trailer

Level your travel trailer involve both side to side and front to back adjustments:

Side to side leveling (first priority )

Invariably level your trailer from side to side offset, as this require adjust the position of the wheels:

Assess the current level:

Place your bubble level across the floor inside the trailer or on the tongue to determine which side is low.
Position level blocks:

For the low side, place level blocks or ramps in front of the wheels. With dual axle trailers, both sets of wheels on the low side will need blocks.
Drive onto blocks:

With help from a spotter, easy drive the low side wheels onto the leveling blocks. For dual axles, ensure both axles climb the blocks simultaneously to avoid suspension binding.
Verify level:

Check your bubble level again and adjust as need by add or remove blocks.
Chock the wheels:

Erstwhile level, place wheel chocks securely against both sides of the wheels to prevent movement.

Front to back leveling (second priority )

After achieve side to side level, adjust front to back leveling:

Check current position:

Place your level on the floor run from front to rearward.
Adjust tongue jack:

Raise or lower the tongue use the trailer’s tongue jack until the bubble show level.
Lock in position:

Erstwhile level, lock the tongue jack in place.

Fine-tuning with stabilizing jacks

After achieve basic leveling, deploy your stabilize jacks:

Lower corner stabilizers:

Extend all four corner stabilize jacks until they make firm contact with the ground.
Use jack pads:

Place wood blocks or commercial jack pads under each stabilizer to prevent sinking.
Tighten gradually:

Tighten each jack a little at a time, move in a cross pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left )to avoid twist the frame.
Avoid lifting:

Stabilize jacks should not lift the trailer â€” they should sole stabilize it. If you see the trailer rise or the suspension compress, you’re applied excessively much pressure.

Advanced leveling techniques for dual axle trailers

Dual axle trailers present unique challenges and opportunities for leveling:

Use the axle separation to your advantage

The space between your dual axles can be used for more precise leveling. By place a single layer of level blocks between the axles on the low side, you can achieve smaller increments of adjustment than when place blocks in front of both axles.

X pattern leveling for stability

For maximum stability in a dual axle trailer, consider use an x pattern approach with your leveling blocks:

Place level blocks in front of the front axle on the low side
Place additional blocks behind the rear axle on the opposite side
This creates a more stable three point contact with the ground

Leveling systems for frequent travelers

If you oftentimes move your trailer, consider invest in one of these systems:

Hydraulic leveling systems:

These automate systems can level your trailer with the push of a button but require professional installation.
Leveling apps:

Several smartphone apps can help measure the exact degree of tilt and tell you exactly how many blocks you need.
Permanent level indicators:

Mount bubble levels can be installed on the exterior of your trailer for quick reference.

Common mistakes to avoid when jacking and leveling

Level experience rivers make these common mistakes when jack up or level their trailers:

Jacking errors

Use automotive jacks:

Standard carjacks aren’t design for the weight of travel trailers.
Jack on soft surfaces:

Ever use solid wood blocks under jacks on any surface that isn’t concrete.
Jack at the wrong points:

Exclusively jack at manufacturer designate jack points to avoid frame damage.
Rely exclusively on hydraulic jacks:

Invariably use jack stand as backup support.
Jack raggedly:

With dual axle trailers, uneven jacking can twist the frame.

Leveling mistakes

Level front to back low:

Invariably level side to side outset, so front to back.
Ended extend stabilizing jacks:

These are for stabilize, not level or lifting.
Forget to chock wheels:

Constantly chock wheels before unhitch or jack.
Use overly few leveling blocks:

Stack blocks excessively high create instability; spread them out alternatively.
Ignore slight slopes:

Level minor slopes can affect appliance function and comfort.

Maintenance tips for jacking and leveling equipment

Proper maintenance of your jack and level equipment ensure safety and longevity:

Hydraulic jack maintenance

Check hydraulic fluid levels regularly
Inspect for leaks before each use
Keep move parts lubricate
Store with the ram amply retract
Test operation before place under load

Stabilizer jack maintenance

Clean and lubricate threads or move parts regularly
Check for rust or damage before each trip
Tighten any loose bolts or mount hardware
Operate through full range of motion sporadically
Cover expose mechanisms during travel

Leveling block care

Inspect for cracks or damage before each use
Clean off mud and debris after use
Store in a dry location outside from direct sunlight
Replace any blocks show signs of wear or damage

Seasonal considerations for trailer leveling

Different seasons present unique challenges for keep your trailer level:

Winter leveling challenges

In winter, frozen ground can shift as it thaw, potentially destabilize your trailer. If camp in cold conditions:

Check your level more often throughout your stay
Use wider baseplates under jacks and stabilizers
Consider insulate the area under your trailer to prevent ground freezing / thaw cycles
Be specially cautious when jack on frozen ground, as it may be more slippery

Summer heat considerations

Hot weather bring its own challenges:

Asphalt can soften in extreme heat, allow jacks and blocks to sink
Plastic leveling blocks may become more flexible in high temperatures
Check level more often during temperature extremes
Use heat-resistant jack pads on asphalt surfaces

Rainy season precautions

During rainy periods:

Monitor for ground settle after heavy rain
Use larger surface area support under all jacks and stabilizers
Consider temporary drainage trenches around your site if water accumulation is a concern
Check and adjust level more oftentimes during extended rainy periods

Troubleshoot common leveling problems

Level with careful planning, level issues can arise. Here’s how to address them:

When your trailer won’t get level

Problem:

You’ve used all your blocks but inactive aren’t level.

Solution:

Try reposition the trailer on the site or request a different campsite.
Problem:

The trailer become unlevel nightlong.

Solution:

Check for soft ground cause settle and add additional support under jacks and stabilizers.
Problem:

The trailer feel unstable level when level.

Solution:

Ensure all stabilize jacks are make firm, yet contact and check that wheel chocks are secure.

When jacking issues occur

Problem:

The jack is sink into the ground.

Solution:

Use a larger piece of plywood or a commercial jack pad to distribute weight.
Problem:

The hydraulic jack won’t hold pressure.

Solution:

Low instantly, replace the jack, and ne’er rely exclusively on hydraulic pressure without jack stands.
Problem:

The frame seem to be flex when jacked

Solution:

You may be jacked at an incorrect point. Consult your manual and reposition.

Final safety checks after leveling and stabilizing

Once you believe your trailer is right level and stabilize, perform these final safety checks:

Recheck all levels:

Verify both side to side and front to back levels east more.
Test stability:

Push hard against different points of the trailer to ensure there be minimal movement.
Check door operation:

Doors should open and closing right when the trailer is level.
Verify appliance operation:

Confirm that refrigerator, stove, and plumb all function right.
Inspect wheel chocks:

Ensure they remain securely in place against the tires.
Check stabilizer jack contact:

All stabilizers should have firm, regular contact with the ground.
Look for unusual settling:

After a few hours, recheck to ensure nothing has shift.

Take the time to decently jack up and level your dual axle travel trailer not exclusively ensure your comfort but to protect your investment. With practice, this process become fasting and easier, allow you to spend less time set up , andmore time enjoy your travels. Remember that safety should invariably be your primary concern â€” ne’er rush the process or take shortcuts with equipment ratings or procedures.