Make every stop feel like home, minus the hassle.
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your campsite only to discover your caravan is tilting like a funhouse. A poorly levelled van doesn’t just make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep—it can affect your fridge, shower drainage, and general safety.
The good news? Levelling your caravan doesn’t have to be frustrating or time-consuming. With a bit of know-how and a practical approach, you’ll be set up smoothly and stress-free.
The more familiar you become with your van and levelling process, the quicker and easier it gets. In fact, experienced travellers can often set up in under 10 minutes with the right gear and a solid routine.
Why Levelling Matters
When your caravan isn’t level, it impacts more than comfort. Absorption-style fridges, common in caravans, rely on being upright to function properly. A sloped van can also cause water to pool in your shower or sink, make cupboard doors swing open, and lead to unstable furniture or bedding.
Levelling is essential for safety too. Uneven weight distribution increases the risk of instability, particularly when walking inside the van or using appliances. A correctly balanced setup means your van is secure, systems function as intended, and you can relax once you’re parked.
It also reduces strain on frame joints and suspension components, especially during longer stays. Over time, a consistently uneven setup can cause unnecessary wear on your van’s structure.
What You’ll Need to Level Your Caravan
Levelling your caravan starts with a flat area—but since campsites rarely offer perfection, you’ll need a few tools to help:
-
A reliable spirit level or digital leveller to check both side-to-side and front-to-back balance.
-
Levelling ramps or chocks to lift wheels on one side if necessary.
-
A jockey wheel and corner steadies to fine-tune positioning and stabilise the van.
These are standard items for most caravan owners and can be found at most caravan accessory suppliers.
Steps to a Level Caravan
First, check your side-to-side level using a spirit level placed across the floor inside the van or on a central benchtop. If one side is low, drive the lower wheel onto a levelling ramp until it’s even. It’s worth doing this before unhitching from the tow vehicle, as it makes adjustments easier.
Next, unhitch and use the jockey wheel to adjust the front-to-back level. Raise or lower it until the van sits evenly. Once you’re satisfied, drop the corner steadies to stabilise the caravan. Remember, these aren’t designed to lift the van—just to keep it stable.
Take your time during this process. A well-levelled caravan sets the tone for a smooth, relaxing trip. If you’re constantly fixing things or feeling off-kilter, it affects the whole experience.
Make Life Easier on the Road
Some seasoned travellers mark their levelling gear for quicker setups. Others upgrade to electronic levelling systems for added convenience. However, even the simplest manual tools are effective if you know how to use them.
Consider investing in a small toolkit dedicated to your levelling setup. Include gloves, a head torch, and spare chocks—these little extras make a big difference, especially when setting up in poor light or on unfamiliar terrain.
If you’re unsure whether your van is set up correctly or want to upgrade your levelling equipment, it’s worth seeking expert advice. A few adjustments now can save a lot of frustration later—especially if you’re touring for extended periods or staying off-grid.
Need Help With Caravan Setups or Repairs?
Whether you’re preparing for a trip, upgrading your gear, or troubleshooting caravan issues, AllBrand Caravan Services is here to help.
📞 Call us: 07 3869 2969
📍 Visit us: 101 Connaught Street, Sandgate QLD 4017
📧 Email: info@allbrandcs.com.au
Let us help you get level—on the road and off it.
Useful Resources:
