If you’ve ever walked to the trailer park or campground and found your site uneven, you know how important it is to be parked on level ground. RVs come with built-in features that you can use, like RV stabilizers to handle uneven pitches or parking spots. You can also use supplemental systems, but for now, we’ll explain what VR stabilizers are, how to use them, and when to use them when traveling.
What are RV stabilizers?
RV stabilizers are a series of jacks or stands that help prevent lateral and vertical movement of your RV. Stabilizers are most commonly used on towable recreational vehicles, such as travel trailers and fifth wheels. Sometimes it looks like they are used in motorhomes, but the four points of contact that the wheels create in a motorhome generally create enough stability without the use of stabilizers.
VR stabilizers are often built into the chassis under the body of your RV and can be activated from inside the equipment. These stabilizing jacks can be motorized or manual. There are several different types of RV stabilizers, from simple universal connectors to scissor connectors and sliders.
The type of stabilizer jack you need will depend on the type of RV you drive. When buying an RV, if the one you are looking at does not include stabilizers, they will often be an upsell but are well worth the investment. Be sure to invest in the right RV stabilizers for your type of motorhome or trailer. It may seem like an added cost that you can skip, but parking on an uneven platform can do more harm than good to your RV during a stay.
How to use VR stabilizers
Stabilizing jacks are often used in conjunction with wheel chocks and other leveling devices to make the RV as stable and level as possible. With stabilizing jacks, you won’t feel a rocking motion back and forth every time you walk across the floor space of your RV and you don’t have to worry about moving items every time you feel heavy on the RV couch. .
While chocks and other systems can level you out, using outriggers is the best way to stay level on uneven terrain due to where they are installed at the bottom of your RV.
The type of stabilizer you use will depend on your RV. There are universal stabilizers, but I suggest you do your research first to find the most suitable stabilizer for your ride. Depending on the length, width, number of slides you have, your tires, and more, you may need specific types of RV stabilizers to ensure you stay level no matter where you go.
Use the VR forums or call your manufacturer for ideas on what types of outriggers or leveling / stabilizing combinations are best suited for your equipment. Your RV dealer may also recommend stabilization options when you are visiting a lot.
When to use VR stabilizers
RV stabilizers should be used every time you park on uneven surfaces such as dirt, gravel, and grass. Depending on where you park your deck, you may find even concrete, and the asphalt pads are uneven due to wear and tear. Stabilizers are also a good idea in these cases. Once you park your rig, walking in the RV will tell you right away if you need to activate your outriggers.
You may also need stabilizers for types of RVs. Towables such as fifth wheels, travel trailers and motorhomes will only have a few points of contact with the surface you are parking on and stabilization to prevent shifting when parked. Fifth wheels are the most likely candidate for using outriggers because of how weight is placed on the fifth wheel body, but many trailers can use them as well.
The lighter your RV is, the more likely it will need stabilizers as well. A heavy RV or trailer will use its weight to stabilize on the ground, while lighter RVs do not have that advantage, meaning they are more likely to move due to movement inside. Some lighter coaches such as class B or C motorhomes are candidates for using stabilizers.
More about VR stabilizers
One last note, it is important to have a level and stable RV if you have an absorption refrigerator. These refrigerators must remain level, or you risk causing irreparable damage, and no one likes to shell out for new appliances. Make sure you know what type of RV refrigerator you have before purchasing so that you know what precautions to take when parking and leveling.
If you’re tired of worrying about your RV rocking back and forth or up and down, it may be time to consider getting some stabilizers if you don’t already have them or using them more if you have them.
