Dear Dave,
Where’s the best spot to place a level in or on an RV for accuracy? Our RV is 32 feet. —Pat, 2022 Leprechaun 319M
Dear Pat,
I felt this was a good question to start a conversation with our readers, as it seems everyone has a different opinion as to where to mount a bubble level.
Level inside refrigerator
There are a few places that I believe need to be level. First is the refrigerator, if you have an absorption-type unit, as the coolant needs to zigzag down the coiling unit coils back to the rich liquid vessel. Both Dometic and Norcold state the unit must be level by at least 3 degrees side-to-side and 6 degrees front-to-back.
I recommend a bubble level inside the freezer to make sure this happens. Placing this on a dinette table or even countertop does not mean the refrigerator is level. I have not found any leveling recommendations regarding 12-volt compressor or residential refrigerators.
Level before extending slide room
If your rig has a slide room, I recommend you stabilize and level the rig before extending the room or rooms. If it is not level, the chassis is twisted, which means the sidewall can be out of square and extending the room will cause resistance and could ruin the room or motor.
The next issue would be comfort, especially when sleeping. Typically that could be done just by how comfortable you feel while laying on the bed. However, I have found some people that have a small level on a nightstand or even mounted to the wall in the bedroom.
More locations of bubble levels
There are several places I have seen RV owners install a bubble level. Most of the travel trailers have one either on the tongue or the front of the unit for a quick “eyeball” when setting up camp.
I have also found them on the front sidewall, inside the entrance door, and almost every room inside.
Many types of bubble levels
Just as there are many places to mount a bubble level, there are just as many types available. They all do basically the same thing, i.e., float a bubble to the center when the device is level. However, there are side-to-side and front-to-back levels. You could use two different levels in a cross pattern. However, I found this level on Amazon that will do both.
It really boils down to personal preference and comfort—and to make sure your ice cubes don’t freeze uneven in the tray! Plus, you don’t want your beverage of choice to slide off the dinette.
I recommend one in the freezer and then one close to where your leveling jacks control panel is located.
As I mentioned earlier, travel trailers and even 5th wheels have one located up front on the tongue or sidewall. That helps to get the unit close to level when extending the tongue jack or front jacks of a 5th wheel.
Bubble level on Class C motorhome
Since your rig is a Class C motorhome, I believe your leveling jack control module is located either on the dash or inside the cab. Therefore, I would find a location close to that for the initial leveling procedure. That way you don’t have to run back and forth from that location to where the bubble level is.
If your rig does not have leveling jacks and you are using wheel blocks, I would put the level outside on the sidewall next to the entrance door for a quick reference.
Let’s see what our readers feel is the best level and best place to put it.
You might also enjoy this from Dave
No leveling jacks on RV, so can I just use a block on the outside dual wheel?
Dear Dave,
I am going to downsize from a 35-foot Fleetwood Class A to a 26-foot Fleetwood Class A that does not have jacks. Do you think it is safe to use a leveling block under just the outside rear dual tire? The other option would be to use some type of wooden plank laid perpendicular to the tires. Thank you. I am a faithful reader. —Vincent, 2002 Fleetwood Southwind
DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!
RVDT2789
If you are going to put a level on the outside, first use a level in the refrigerator and match the outside level to it.
That way you know the fridge is level.
I like to put the level on the stove so when cooking food stays level in the pan
When I started RV’ing I understood that one should level their RV then extend the slides. We upgraded to a Monaco motorhome in which the owners manual states that the slides are extended prior to leveling. I know that many may disagree with this but the folks at the Monaco service center in Coburg, OR confirmed that the slides should be extended first.
You can find a level app for your smartphone. I use one.
It also shows how far out of level you are. The fridge needs to be under 3º side to side and 6º front to rear.
Suggest revising your “Level before extending slide room” paragraph to follow the manufacture’s suggestion on leveling. Several manufactures say run slides out while still on air before leveling.
What I have done is to level my RV putting a level in a large pot on the stove. Once it is completely level I check this by also putting a level in the fridge or freezer. And then on the floor in the middle of the rig. If they all match, then I know that I don’t need to check all the locations every time just the easiest one. Since I have a Trailer, I have 2 levels attached to the frame of the trailer near the hitch. These were installed when the trailer was completely level side to side and front to back by qualifying using these numerous locations.
Used a round bubble level in our Dometic absorption refer from 2000 to 2023. Keeping the bubble inside the circle worked well, the level in the center of the bottom of the freezer. Zero issues in 23 years. Now have a 12v compressor refer and still level the RV to prevent slide out issues.