Getting your caravan level is one of the first jobs when you arrive at a campsite, but it can also be one of the most frustrating. Uneven pitches, soft ground and awkward slopes can turn what should be a simple setup into a repeated process of moving forwards, reversing and adjusting your levelling equipment.

Traditional caravan levelling ramps have been used for years, but there is now another option: inflatable caravan levelling systems.

So, are inflatable caravan levellers better than ramps?

For caravanners looking for greater control, easier adjustment and less repeated manoeuvring, an inflatable caravan leveller can offer significant advantages over traditional ramps. Instead of trying to drive to exactly the right point on a ramp, an inflatable system allows you to position the caravan first and then gradually raise the wheel until the caravan is level.

The LocknLevel caravan levelling system has been designed specifically to make this process quicker, easier and more precise.

Why Does a Caravan Need to Be Level?

Correct caravan levelling is about much more than making sure your cup of tea stays in the mug.

An uneven caravan can make sleeping uncomfortable, affect how water drains from sinks and showers and cause doors or cupboards to swing open or closed. Correct positioning can also be important for the operation of certain caravan equipment and appliances.

There is also the simple matter of comfort. Even a relatively small slope can become noticeable when you are spending several days inside the caravan.

This makes having a reliable caravan levelling system an important part of your touring equipment.

How Do Traditional Caravan Levelling Ramps Work?

Caravan levelling ramps are positioned in front of or behind the wheel on the lower side of the caravan. The caravan is then driven or moved onto the ramp until the required height is reached.

Although the principle is simple, getting the position exactly right can sometimes be more difficult.

Move too little and the caravan remains uneven. Move too far and you may need to reverse and start again. On particularly uneven pitches, achieving exactly the right height can take several attempts.

Ramps can also take up valuable storage space and may move or become more difficult to position on certain surfaces.

They remain a familiar levelling solution, but caravanners looking for a more controlled method may prefer an inflatable alternative.

What Is an Inflatable Caravan Leveller?

An inflatable caravan leveller takes a different approach.

Rather than moving the wheel higher and higher along a solid ramp, the caravan wheel is positioned on the levelling system while it is deflated. Air is then added gradually to raise the wheel and bring the caravan to the required level.

LocknLevel inflatable caravan levelling systems use a standard car tyre valve, meaning they can be inflated using a suitable tyre pump.

Because the amount of lift can be controlled by adding air, you can make gradual adjustments while monitoring your caravan’s level.

It removes much of the guesswork associated with trying to stop at exactly the right point on a conventional ramp.

Are Inflatable Caravan Levellers Easier to Use Than Ramps?

For many caravanners, this is one of their biggest advantages.

With a ramp, you generally need to determine which side needs raising, position the ramp and then move the caravan onto it. If the resulting height is incorrect, another adjustment may be required.

With LocknLevel, you drive or manoeuvre onto the system while it is flat. You can then inflate it to achieve the required height.

The system can raise a caravan by up to approximately 6 inches or 15cm, depending on the weight of the caravan, providing plenty of adjustment for many uneven campsite pitches.

If you regularly find yourself moving backwards and forwards trying to find the correct position on ramps, an inflatable caravan levelling system can make pitching considerably simpler.

Inflatable Caravan Levellers vs Ramps

Both systems ultimately have the same objective: raising the lower side of your caravan until the vehicle is level.

The difference is how they achieve it.

Caravan levelling ramps require the caravan wheel to move up a solid incline. The final height is determined by where the wheel stops on that ramp.

Inflatable caravan levellers allow the wheel to remain in position while the levelling device itself increases in height.

This gives you much finer control over the adjustment.

Rather than thinking, “Have I gone far enough up the ramp?”, you can simply monitor your level and gradually add air until you reach the correct position.

For caravanners who tour regularly or frequently encounter uneven pitches, that extra control can make campsite setup much less frustrating.

What Is the Best Levelling System for a Single Axle Caravan?

Single axle caravan owners can use the dedicated Single Axle LocknLevel.

The system is lightweight and folds into its supplied storage bag, making it easy to carry with your normal touring equipment.

Once positioned, it can be inflated using a standard tyre pump to gradually raise the caravan.

Another important benefit is compatibility with motor movers. LocknLevel is designed so that its operation is unaffected by the installation of a caravan motor mover.

For caravanners who also use through-the-wheel security locks, the system can help make both levelling and fitting the wheel lock considerably easier.

What About Twin Axle Caravans?

Levelling a twin axle caravan can present an additional challenge because two wheels need to be considered on each side of the caravan.

LocknLevel offers a dedicated Twin Axle Caravan levelling system designed specifically for this setup.

Instead of trying to accurately position two wheels on conventional ramps, the inflatable system allows the caravan to be positioned before the height is adjusted.

For twin axle owners using AL-KO through-the-wheel locks, LocknLevel can also help with wheel alignment when fitting the security locks.

There is also a Twin Axle Caravan Combo Pack available within the LocknLevel range for caravanners requiring the appropriate combination of levelling and wheel-lock positioning.

Are Inflatable Caravan Levellers Suitable for Uneven Pitches?

Uneven campsite pitches are precisely where having greater control over levelling can become particularly useful.

LocknLevel can be used on grass, gravel and hard standing, although a suitable protective mat is recommended to protect the system from sharp objects.

Because you can add as much or as little air as required, smaller differences in pitch height can be corrected without repeatedly repositioning the caravan.

This can be particularly useful when touring across different campsites, where the quality and gradient of pitches can vary considerably.

Do Inflatable Caravan Levellers Take Up Less Space?

Storage is another consideration for touring caravanners.

Traditional ramps, blocks, pieces of timber and additional jacking equipment can quickly take up space in a caravan or towing vehicle.

LocknLevel is designed to be lightweight and foldable. The Single Axle LocknLevel, for example, weighs approximately 3.3kg and packs into a storage bag measuring approximately 33cm x 25cm x 6cm.

For people trying to reduce the amount of bulky equipment they carry, replacing several traditional levelling accessories with one compact system can be particularly appealing.

Is LocknLevel Worth It?

If you only use your caravan occasionally and generally stay on perfectly level pitches, conventional ramps may be enough.

However, regular caravanners will know that perfectly flat pitches cannot always be guaranteed.

If you want to avoid repeatedly driving backwards and forwards onto ramps, achieve more precise adjustments and make setting up your caravan easier, LocknLevel provides a practical alternative.

The system is designed and manufactured in the UK, is unaffected by motor movers and comes with a two-year warranty.

Most importantly, it changes the way the caravan is levelled.

Instead of moving your caravan to match the height of a ramp, you position the caravan and adjust the leveller to the height you need.

Make Caravan Levelling Easier with LocknLevel

Caravan levelling does not need to involve a collection of bulky ramps, wooden blocks and repeated attempts to find exactly the right position.

Inflatable levelling provides a more controlled alternative, allowing you to gradually raise the lower side of your caravan until you achieve the level you need.

Whether you own a single axle or twin axle caravan, LocknLevel offers a purpose-built solution designed to make getting pitched up quicker and easier.

Ready to leave the traditional ramps behind?

Shop LocknLevel caravan levelling systems and find the right levelling solution for your caravan.