How to Level Your Caravan on a Campsite Pitch (2026 Beginner Guide)
- IDS Camping & Leisure
- Oct 25, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 31
In this guide:
• Why levelling your caravan is important
• Tools needed to level a caravan
• Step-by-step levelling guide
• Levelling twin axle caravans
• Common mistakes
• FAQs
Levelling your caravan is one of the most important steps when setting up on a campsite pitch. A caravan that is not level can cause several problems, including doors not closing properly, water draining incorrectly, and fridges not working efficiently.
The good news is that levelling a caravan is a straightforward process once you understand the correct order of steps.
In this guide we explain how to level your caravan safely and correctly using levelling ramps and a jockey wheel, whether you are touring for the weekend or setting up on a longer stay pitch.
Planning your campsite setup?
For a complete step-by-step walkthrough, from positioning your caravan on the pitch to levelling, loading and departure routines, read our Ultimate Caravan Campsite Setup Guide (2026 UK Step-by-Step). It brings everything together in one place to help you set up safely, efficiently and with confidence every time.
Why Levelling Your Caravan Is Important
A caravan should always be level when parked on a campsite pitch. If the caravan is not level, you may experience several issues.
Common problems caused by an uneven caravan include:
Caravan fridge not cooling properly
Doors swinging open or not closing correctly
Water draining slowly in sinks and showers
Uncomfortable sleeping positions
Increased strain on caravan components
Taking a few minutes to level the caravan properly will make your campsite stay much more comfortable.
Tools Needed to Level a Caravan
Before you begin levelling your caravan, make sure you have the right equipment.
Most caravanners use:
Caravan levelling ramps
A spirit level
Wheel chocks
The caravan jockey wheel
A caravan mover (optional)
Levelling ramps are usually placed under the lower wheel to raise one side of the caravan.
Step-by-Step Guide to Levelling Your Caravan
Levelling a caravan should always be done in two stages.
First level the caravan side-to-side, then adjust it front-to-back.
Step 1 – Check the Pitch
Before positioning your caravan, take a moment to assess the campsite pitch.
Look for:
the flattest area of the pitch
uneven ground or slopes
enough space for levelling ramps
Positioning the caravan on the flattest area will make levelling easier.
Step 2 – Level the Caravan Side-to-Side
Side-to-side levelling is done using levelling ramps.
Place the levelling ramp in front of the lower wheel
Slowly drive the caravan onto the ramp
Check the spirit level inside the caravan
Adjust the position until the caravan is level
If you are travelling with a partner, they can help guide the driver onto the ramp.
Step 3 – Secure the Wheels
Once the caravan is level side-to-side, place wheel chocks behind the wheels.
This prevents the caravan from moving while you continue setting up.
Step 4 – Level the Caravan Front-to-Back
After levelling side-to-side, use the jockey wheel to level the caravan front-to-back.
Simply raise or lower the front of the caravan until the spirit level shows the caravan is balanced.
Step 5 – Lower the Corner Steadies
Once the caravan is fully level, lower the corner steadies.
Important:
Corner steadies are designed to stabilise the caravan, not level it.
Only lower them until they touch the ground firmly.
Levelling a Twin-Axle Caravan
Twin-axle caravans require slightly different levelling ramps.
Many caravanners use curved levelling ramps designed for twin-axle caravans.
These ramps allow both wheels to move smoothly onto the ramp without damaging tyres.
Alternatively, if your caravan has a motor mover, you can gently move the caravan into position on the ramp.
Levelling a Twin-Axle Caravan (Double Wheels)
Twin-axle caravans require a slightly different approach when levelling because both wheels on the same side of the caravan need to move smoothly onto the levelling ramp.
The process is similar to levelling a single-axle caravan, but it is important to use the correct ramps and move the caravan slowly to avoid tyre strain.
Use Twin-Axle Levelling Ramps
Standard levelling ramps can sometimes be difficult to use with twin-axle caravans because the second wheel may catch on the ramp.
Many caravanners prefer curved or stepped levelling ramps designed specifically for twin-axle caravans. These allow both wheels to roll onto the ramp gradually.
These ramps help:
distribute the weight evenly
reduce stress on tyres
make levelling smoother
Move the Caravan Slowly
When driving onto the ramp with a twin-axle caravan:
Place the ramp in front of the front wheel
Slowly move the caravan forward
Allow both wheels to climb the ramp gradually
Stop once the caravan is level
Always reverse off the ramp slowly if you need to adjust the height.
Using a Caravan Mover with Twin Axles
If your caravan has a motor mover, levelling twin-axle caravans becomes much easier.
A mover allows you to:
gently climb the levelling ramp
make small adjustments
position the caravan more precisely
Many caravanners prefer using a mover for twin-axle caravans because the additional weight makes manual positioning more difficult.
Important Tip
Never try to force a twin-axle caravan onto a ramp quickly. Moving slowly prevents unnecessary stress on tyres and suspension.
Levelling a Caravan Without a Motor Mover
Many caravanners level their caravan without using a motor mover.
If you are not using a mover:
carefully drive the caravan onto the levelling ramp
ask someone to guide the driver
stop once the caravan is level
On most campsite pitches, this process is simple and quick.
Common Caravan Levelling Mistakes
Many beginners make small mistakes when levelling their caravan.
Using Corner Steadies to Level the Caravan
Corner steadies should only be used to stabilise the caravan, not lift it.
Levelling Front-to-Back First
Always level the caravan side-to-side first, then front-to-back.
Forgetting Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks help prevent the caravan from rolling while you finish setting up.
Parking on Very Uneven Ground
If the pitch is extremely uneven, reposition the caravan before attempting to level it.
What to Do After Levelling Your Caravan
Once your caravan is level you can continue with the campsite setup process.
Typical next steps include:
connecting the electric hook-up
setting up the awning
connecting water and waste containers
arranging your outdoor seating area
You can see the full process in our guide:
Quick Summary for Caravan Levelling
1. Position caravan on pitch
2. Level side-to-side using ramps
3. Secure wheels with chocks
4. Level front-to-back with jockey wheel
5. Lower corner steadies
Related Guides
You may also find these guides helpful:
These guides are part of our Anyone Can Rough It beginner caravanning series.
FAQs
Do you level a caravan side-to-side or front-to-back first?
Always level the caravan side-to-side first using ramps, then adjust the front-to-back using the jockey wheel.
Can you level a caravan using the corner steadies?
No. Corner steadies are designed to stabilise the caravan and should not be used to lift or level it.
Do you need levelling ramps for a caravan?
Most caravanners use levelling ramps to raise one side of the caravan when the pitch is uneven.
Can motorhomes also need levelling?
Yes. Motorhomes sometimes require levelling blocks depending on the slope of the campsite pitch.
How long does it take to level a caravan?
Once you are familiar with the process, levelling a caravan usually takes only a few minutes.
Watch this handy YouTube clip for some good advice for single axel
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