Levelling a motorhome on uneven ground is one of those essential skills that every owner quickly learns to appreciate. Whether you’re staying on a rural campsite, a CL, a festival field or a basic stopover, perfectly flat ground isn’t always guaranteed. Taking the time to level your motorhome properly will greatly improve comfort, protect your vehicle and help onboard appliances work as intended.
In this guide, we’ll walk through why levelling matters, traditional methods, and modern alternatives that make the process quicker and easier – particularly relevant for motorhome owners looking for smarter solutions from
LocknLevel.
Why Is Levelling a Motorhome So Important?
A motorhome that isn’t level can cause a surprising number of issues. First and foremost is comfort. Sleeping on a slope can be uncomfortable and disruptive, while cupboards, tables and worktops may feel awkward to use. Over time, poor levelling can also put unnecessary strain on the vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
Many motorhome appliances are designed to work best when level. Absorption fridges, for example, rely on gravity and can struggle or even become damaged if used on a significant incline. Water systems may not drain correctly, leading to standing water or inaccurate tank readings.
Finally, safety plays a role. Entry steps can feel unstable, doors may swing open or shut unexpectedly, and unsecured items inside the motorhome are more likely to shift.
Step One: Assess the Ground
When you arrive at your pitch, take a few minutes to assess the surface. If you have a choice of position, aim for the flattest area available. Even a small adjustment in where you park can reduce how much levelling is needed later.
Use a spirit level on a flat internal surface such as a kitchen worktop or table. Check side-to-side first, then front-to-back. Side-to-side levelling is normally done using the wheels, while front-to-back adjustment can often be managed with the vehicle’s jacks or levelling aids.
Traditional Levelling Methods
Levelling Ramps and Blocks
The most common method is using plastic levelling ramps or stackable blocks. These are placed in front of (or behind) the wheel on the lowest side of the motorhome. You then slowly drive onto them until the vehicle is level.
Advantages
- Widely available and affordable
- No tools or pumps required
- Simple and familiar to most owners
Disadvantages
- Requires careful driving and checking
- Can be awkward when travelling solo
- Bulky to store and relatively heavy
- May sink or slip on soft or wet ground
Once level, wheel chocks should always be used to prevent movement.
Practical Tips for Manual Levelling
- Always level side-to-side first before adjusting front-to-back.
- Carry a small piece of plywood or a solid base if you often stay on grass or muddy pitches.
- Make small adjustments and recheck frequently rather than overshooting.
- Never rely on corner steadies to lift the motorhome – they are designed for stability, not levelling.
Modern Levelling Solutions: Air Levelling Systems
In recent years, many motorhome owners have moved away from traditional ramps in favour of air-based levelling systems. These are particularly relevant to those who want a faster, more precise and less physically demanding solution.
Air levelling systems work by placing a heavy-duty inflatable cushion under the wheel on the low side of the motorhome. The cushion is then inflated using a standard 12-volt tyre inflator or foot pump. As the cushion inflates, it lifts the wheel gradually, allowing you to fine-tune the height with excellent control.
LocknLevel is well known for this type of innovative levelling approach. Their systems are compact, lightweight and designed with touring vehicles in mind, making them especially appealing to motorhome owners who value simplicity and storage space.
Key benefits of air levelling systems include:
- Very precise height control
- No need to drive onto ramps
- Quick to set up and adjust
- Easier for solo travellers
- Compact storage compared to traditional ramps
- Performs well on uneven or soft ground
Many users also appreciate that air levelling systems can reduce stress when arriving late or in poor weather.
A Simple Levelling Routine
- Park the motorhome where you intend to stay.
- Check the level side-to-side using a spirit level.
- Place your chosen levelling aid on the low side.
- Adjust slowly, checking the level as you go.
- Secure the wheels with chocks once level.
- Adjust front-to-back if needed.
- Lower steadies only after levelling is complete.
Final Thoughts
Levelling a motorhome on uneven ground doesn’t need to be difficult or time-consuming, but it is essential for a comfortable and safe stay. Traditional ramps and blocks still work well for many people, but modern air levelling systems offer a more refined and user-friendly alternative.
For motorhome owners who tour regularly and value convenience, solutions available from
LocknLevel are well worth considering.
A level motorhome really does make all the difference, turning any pitch into a stable and comfortable home away from home.
