Unfortunately, not all camp platforms will be concrete and level for your RV or trailer setup. You will find places full of gravel, sand, potholes or other potholes and bumps. Now you don’t want to fall asleep while falling against the side and you don’t want to damage your RV refrigerator (which must remain level to function). You will need to level your RV or travel trailer yourself.
What do you need so that everything is level? Why RV or travel trailer jacks, of course! Let’s take a look at this handy tool that includes the benefits of RV jacks or travel trailers, and what to look for when buying them. With a little help, you don’t have to worry about eggs falling off the kitchen counter.
RV Trailer Jacks 101
Why Should You Use RV Towing Jacks?
There is a significant benefit to RV cats or travel trailers, and that is maintaining your RV standard. Maintaining your RV level will have many benefits, such as keeping the cab or travel trailer comfortable, keeping items where they are supposed to stay, and of course keeping your absorption refrigerator working properly. Unless you know you will be staying on a level RV deck, having a few cats on board is a good idea.
Types of RV Trailer Jacks on the Market
There are many types of RV jacks and travel trailers and what you buy will depend on the type, size and weight of your RV. There are outrigger jacks, scissor jacks, sliding outriggers, and more. You will most likely use an RV travel trailer jack in conjunction with other leveling items such as tire chocks, locking chocks, and leveling blocks.
What to Look for When Buying RV Trailer Jacks
Buying a jack, stabilizer, or leveling blocks can be a bit tricky depending on your trailer or RV. You must ensure that the cat and its equipment get along. Choosing the wrong jack could cause damage to your RV, you could break the jack, or you could be dozing and feel the cat give in, leaving you trying to reestablish order with a jack that won’t work.
When shopping for a cat, you should bring information about your particular RV, especially the height, weight, and dimensions of your RV. You can work with an associate at your local RV dealer or auto parts store to find the perfect jacks to keep it nice and level.
Pro Tip: When shopping for an RV, one of the best ways to get the right towing jacks for your model is to buy or order them on the spot. This way, not only will you get the right ones for your RV, trailer or camper, but you are likely to save money by combining them with the original purchase rather than spending more down the road.
As is the case with hitches, quality is critical when purchasing an RV or travel trailer jack. Weak or cheap jacks will probably work fine for a while, but will fail long before you want to. I know a lot of RVs are about saving money, but in the case of a leveling jack, you can spend a little more to make sure you get a quality product. Look at customer testimonials and reviews, construction, and different warranties to make sure the product you’re buying will work for you, and for a long time to come.
Using an RV travel trailer jack
It is vital that you know exactly what you are doing when operating a jack, stabilizer or leveling block. Failure to do so could damage your RV, a broken jack, and even lead to physical injury. Take the time with your cat and the VR manual to know exactly where you will place it and that the two of you can work together. Have an expert at your local RV store or dealer demonstrate its use if you want to feel confident.
Read more: Why do you need to take advantage of your RV stabilizers?
It’s a great start to learning about RV travel trailer jacks. Make sure your RV and cat match, choose quality instead of saving money, and make sure you know how to use it before damaging your ride or yourself. Stop, level, and enjoy yourself at the RV park, campground, or resort of your dreams.
