Leveling Blocks

Leveling blocks are stackable plastic or wooden blocks placed under RV leveling jacks or tires to level the RV on uneven ground.

When you need them

Leveling blocks become necessary when:

1. Campsite is significantly uneven (more than 6 inches of variation)
2. Ground is soft and jacks would sink without support
3. Jacks alone can’t reach the leveling needed
4. Auto-leveling system needs additional support

Types of leveling blocks

Hard plastic blocks (most common)

• Camco’s interlocking plastic blocks (yellow, modular)
• Lynx Levelers (orange, modular)
• Capacity: 5,000-10,000 lb per block
• Cost: $30-$60 for set of 10-20
• Best for: most situations

Wooden boards

• 2x10 or 2x12 boards cut to size
• Capacity: depends on wood
• Cost: $5-$20 to make
• Best for: budget option, large rigs
• Downside: heavier, bulkier

Specialized blocks for jacks

• Designed specifically to support hydraulic jacks
• Larger surface area (12” x 12” typical)
• Cost: $40-$80
• Best for: heavy Class A motorhomes

Using leveling blocks safely

Standard procedure:

1. Park on most level ground available
2. Check side-to-side level using bubble level inside RV
3. Identify side that’s lower
4. Position blocks under tires OR under jacks on lower side
5. Drive forward or back onto blocks carefully
6. Recheck level
7. Engage leveling system or jacks

Common configurations

Drive-on (under tires)

For motorhomes:

• Stack 2-3 blocks high
• Position so driver’s side wheels or passenger’s side wheels need to be raised
• Drive forward, then back into position
• Block movement during use

Under jacks

For trailers and motorhomes with auto-leveling:

• Place block on ground where jack will land
• Position before deploying jack
• Provides foundation for hydraulic jack on soft ground

Capacity considerations

Always verify block capacity vs. your loaded weight:

• Class B/Small Class C: 4,000-6,000 lb per tire — most blocks sufficient
• Class C 25-30 ft: 4,000-6,000 lb per tire
• Class A 30-35 ft: 5,000-8,000 lb per tire
• Class A 35+ ft (heavy): may need heavy-duty blocks

Common mistakes

• Insufficient blocks: trying to make do with 2 when you need 4
• Soft ground without blocks under jacks: jack sinks, RV can’t level
• Wrong size blocks: too small for the weight
• Driving onto blocks on slippery ground: blocks slide
• Wood without bracing: wood splits under pressure

Storage in RV

Leveling blocks take significant storage space. Common storage:

• Pass-through storage compartment in front
• Cargo bay in larger rigs
• Roof storage box (smaller blocks)
• Engine compartment for compact ones

Most rentals include 4-6 plastic leveling blocks. Verify at pickup.

When you don’t need them

Many campground sites are pre-level:

• Asphalt sites at private RV parks: often pre-level
• Concrete sites: pre-level
• Recently graded gravel: usually level enough
• NPS campgrounds: typically level

Save leveling blocks for the irregular sites.

Brand comparison

For renters thinking of buying their own:

• Camco: Most popular, interlocking, durable
• Lynx Levelers: Similar to Camco, slightly heavier
• Andersen: Premium pads designed for jacks specifically
• Cheaper Amazon options: Variable quality

Spending $30-$50 on a 10-block set covers most situations.

In rental walkthroughs

Ask at pickup:

• Are leveling blocks included?
• How many?
• Where are they stored?
• Demonstrate use

Most rentals include the basics; verify what’s there.