Can You Add Auto Leveling Jacks to an RV or Trailer?

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Updated April 16, 2024

When you arrive at a campsite, you’ll need to level your RV. But manually leveling with blocks can be a bit of a hassle. The much easier solution is to use auto RV leveling jacks.

An auto-leveling system takes all the work out of leveling. All you need to do is press a button and it does the rest. This level of convenience is hard to beat, and probably has you wondering: can you add auto RV leveling jacks to your motorhome or trailer?

How Important Is It That Your RV Is Level?

Your sleeping comfort is not the only reason that you want your RV to be level. In fact, it is the least of your worries if you do not properly level your rig. Many of your RV’s systems depend on gravity for proper operations, so even a slight amount of tilt to your RV, and things will not work correctly.

Some of the more critical reasons to have your RV properly leveled include:

Slide-out Operation: if your RV is not correctly leveled, your slide-outs may not operate properly, creating stress on the mechanism. You may also notice your slide-outs leak if your RV is not sitting level.

Appliance Function: Your refrigerator and air conditioning particularly need to be level to work correctly. However, being unlevel can also impact things like your stove and hot water heater. Operating your appliances when your rig is not level can lead to damage and eventually costly repairs or replacements.

Wastewater Drainage: You want the water from your toilet, sinks, and shower to drain properly to the waste tanks. If you do not level your RV, you may find that sinks and showers do not drain properly or are prone to backups.

Rig Stability: Your leveling jacks also provide some support to your rig. Properly leveled RVs keep items in your RV from rolling or shifting. This stability also means that your RV is stable with the slide-out extended, and you should not notice your RV moving or shifting while you are inside.

Comfortable Living: This covers your sleeping comfort. However, you may also find that if your RV is not level other furniture pieces may not sit correctly. Your unlevel RV may also not keep a consistent temperature, and food may spoil in the fridge if it is not able to function properly.

Can You Add Auto RV Leveling Jacks to a Motorhome or Trailer?

Many RVs will come with leveling jacks pre-installed, but if you don’t already have them, auto RV leveling jacks can definitely be installed aftermarket. Whether you have a motorhome or a trailer, there are RV leveling jacks available for your rig.

Auto RV leveling systems will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 for the system itself. If you want to have it professionally installed, you’ll typically be looking at installation fees of $500 to $1,000+, depending on the system, your RV, and where you have it done. 

2 Types of Auto RV Leveling Systems

1. Electric RV Leveling Systems

Electric systems are slower and tend to be less expensive. The biggest advantage to electric RV leveling jacks is the ease of maintenance. If your system breaks down and you need to fix it, you’ll have a much easier time fixing an electric system yourself than a hydraulic one. 

2. Hydraulic RV Leveling Systems

Hydraulic RV leveling jacks provide faster, smoother leveling than electric ones. But these are more expensive systems. If anything breaks down, you’ll have a much harder time fixing a complicated hydraulic system. 

Are There Different Types of Auto-Leveling Systems for Motorhomes and Trailers?

Yes, there are different types of auto-leveling systems for different kinds of RVs. A travel trailer will need a system for the stabilizers and tongue jack. Fifth wheels may have four or six jacks that use either a hydraulic or electric motor.

Motorhome stabilizer jacks can vary due to the Class. Typically, Class B and Class C RVs don’t have installed jacks. Adding the wiring for the controller can complicate the installation.

There are also weight and balance issues to consider. For example, RV leveling jacks for fifth wheels will need a higher weight capacity than leveling jacks for a travel trailer.

How Do Auto RV Leveling Jacks Work?

Auto RV leveling jacks are typically operated with a control panel inside the RV. They can sometimes be operated with an app on your phone as well!

To get your RV perfectly level every time, you’ll need to calibrate your new automatic RV leveling system when you first install it. 

Calibration requires you to manually adjust each jack with the control panel until the RV is level, then save these settings to the system. To do this, you’ll have to use the old-fashioned method of checking if you’re level with a bubble level on the floor of your RV or installing one on the outside of your camper.

After you’ve calibrated the auto-leveling system, the next time you arrive at your campsite, all you have to do to activate your auto RV leveling jacks by pressing a button. Using an electric motor or a hydraulic system, the jacks will extend from the RV and self-level.

The RV auto-leveling system uses a sensor and the previously inputted calibration data to recognize when your RV is level. The control pad will also let you make manual adjustments, in case your RV still isn’t quite level for any reason. 

Can RV Auto Level Jacks Drop?

Auto leveling jacks, like other mechanical systems, can fail. Just as your manual leveling jacks can have problems, there is always the potential for automatic systems to fail.

Most auto-leveling jacks on RVs have redundant systems or safeguards to prevent unexpected collapse or dropping. However, if these systems are not properly maintained or are not used as intended, your risk of failure increases.

Warning signs that there is something wrong with your auto-leveling system include unusual noises, error messages, or inconsistent operation. If you notice these signs, it is important to have your system looked at, as soon as possible.

To protect your auto-leveling system from failure, make sure that you always follow the operating manual, inspect your system regularly, maintain the system according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, park on stable surfaces, and never overload your rig.

Should You DIY or Have it Done Professionally?

Auto RV leveling jacks can be installed DIY, but it’s no small undertaking. There are a variety of different parts to install, plus electrical components you’ll need to wire. But if you’re up to the task, it’s definitely possible – plus most kits will include all the hardware you need. 

For most people, it’s recommended to have a professional installation done (especially if you purchase a hydraulic system). Auto leveling jacks are complicated, with multiple moving parts. Having a professional handle the installation will ensure everything is installed properly and will likely save you a few headaches. 

Benefits of Auto RV Leveling Jack Systems

The biggest benefit of automatic leveling jack systems is convenience. Simply press a button and the system does the rest. It simply couldn’t be easier. 

RV leveling jacks also save you time and effort. They do their work in minutes, saving your back and time in the sun (or rain) while you manually level your rig. This is also helpful if you have to level your RV on a slope, or in any other inconvenient situations. 

Cons of an Auto RV Leveling System

Auto RV leveling jacks are super convenient, but they do have a few downsides including:

• Cost
• An extra system that needs maintenance
• Extra weight

The biggest downside is probably the cost. If your RV doesn’t come with an auto-leveling system installed, adding one aftermarket could cost you $5,000 or more. 

Adding an auto-leveling system also means a new component that could fail in your RV. If you have an electric system, you may be able to repair it yourself. But if your system is hydraulic, you’ll likely need professional help should any issues arise.

Auto-leveling jacks also add extra weight to your rig. The Lippert Ground Control 3.0 leveling system for fifth wheels weighs just under 190 pounds. Extra weight reduces fuel economy and puts you closer to your weight limit, so you’ll need to be conscious of it. 

While 190 pounds might not seem like a lot, when your rig is loaded down for your next adventure and full of water, the additional weight adds up quickly.

Finally, auto RV leveling jacks will still require you to put blocks down in some situations. Namely in hot weather, as the small feet of some leveling jacks can sink into the loose dirt. In this case, you’ll need to put a block or something else under the feet to prevent this. 

Are RV Auto-Level Jacks Worth It?

Leveling jacks are a very important part of travel trailer equipment. Not only do they function to keep your rig level, but for larger travel trailers and RVs your leveling jacks may also provide stability. Many rigs come with hand crank leveling jacks, which can be tedious, so adding auto-leveling jacks can be a lifesaver for many RV owners.

However, they are not ideal for every RVer or rig. Here are some reasons why auto-leveling jacks are worth the expense:

Accuracy: This is the most important reason why auto-leveling jacks are worth the money. They will get your rig perfectly level every time. Many of your RV systems need the rig to be level for proper operation. Auto leveling jacks protect many of your RV systems from damage.

Stability: When your RV or travel trailer is properly leveled it is going to be more stable. Auto leveling jacks will reduce the shifting of your RV. If you have slide-outs, proper leveling will keep your RV from tipping.

Time-Saving: If you move your rig a lot, it can be a pain to manually level your RV. Auto leveling jacks function with the push of a button, and in just a few minutes have your RV leveled and set up. 

Easy Operation: Whether you are a new RVer or have learned with experienced the challenges of manually leveling your RV, auto-leveling systems are easy to use and convenient.

Cost: These systems are not cheap to install as an after-market feature. However, if you have an older RV or travel trailer and are tired of rolling around on the ground to place blocks and crank your leveling jacks, there may be immense value in addition to auto-leveling jacks. 

Wrapping Up – Is it Time to Level Up?

Auto RV leveling jacks make leveling your RV faster and easier. These systems provide an incredible convenience. If you want to level jacks on a rig that didn’t come with them, there are kits available to add them to your RV, which can be installed professionally or DIY.

Once your automatic leveling jacks are installed and calibrated, one press of a button inside your RV is all it takes to get level. That means less time leveling your RV, and more time enjoying your campsite. 

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Related Reading:

– RV and Travel Trailer Bubble Level Installation Guide
– How To Level a Travel Trailer on a Slope
– Do RVs Really Need Slide Out Stabilizers?
– Do I Need Wheel Chocks for an RV or Travel Trailer?

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