When I’m unhitching my travel trailer from my tow vehicle, I want to make sure my travel trailer is level and secure. So, below is my list of Basic Equipment to Level and Secure a Travel Trailer. Please refer to your RV dealership and your trailer’s manual for required equipment and steps to properly level and secure your travel trailer.

Please keep in mind that links in my posts are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Earning commissions enables me to write, manage and maintain this free blog for readers like you.

Why do I level my trailer?

I believe leveling my trailer helps me get a better night’s sleep, may help my appliances to operate properly, may help slides (if you have slides) to function properly and may help me obtain more accurate tank (water, gray and black tanks) readings.

Level Diagnostic Tool

I use a contractor’s level to confirm my trailer is level from side to side and front to back. See links below to some inexpensive levels. You can also buy at Home Depot or Lowes.

Kapro 227-08 Toolbox Level, 9-Inch – https://amzn.to/37rmen3

IRWIN Tools 50 Magnetic Torpedo Level, 9-Inch (1794159) – https://amzn.to/3hrhqm9

I typically place the level on travel trailer bumper to confirm the trailer is level from side to side. Then, I place the level on my steps into the trailer to confirm trailer is level from front to back.

Leveling Blocks

I chose the leveling blocks below to help me level my travel trailer from side to side. There are many types of leveling equipment. When I was doing research on leveling blocks, the stackable (Lego like) blocks seemed to be the most used and reliable. So, I purchased the leveling blocks and have used them for over a year to level my trailer. I’ve also used them for my stabilizing jacks and tongue jack, see pictures above (stabilizing jacks) and below (tongue jack). They’ve worked out great and I have not had any issues with them.

Tip, I use the leveling blocks for the tongue jack (see picture above) so I don’t have to worry about the jack lifting the tongue over the trailer ball. Sometimes the tongue jack stand sinks into the dirt and/or the tow vehicle suspension automatically raises the back end of the tow vehicle, which may cause the trailer ball to be higher than the trailer tongue. If these scenarios happened, I would not be able to hook up the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Below are the leveling blocks I’ve owned and used for over a year and have not had any issues with.

Camco FasTen 2×2 RV Leveling Block For Single Tires – https://amzn.to/2MYGBhM

Wheel Chocks

After I’ve leveled my trailer from side to side, then I place the wheel chocks in front and back of one wheel on each side if possible. If one side has leveling blocks under the wheel, then I place a set of chocks at both wheels like depicted in the picture below. I do this before I detach the trailer from the tow vehicle and level from front to back so the trailer is less likely to move.

The wheel chock is suppose to keep the trailer tires from rolling. I did research and I found that some people had issues with the cheaper hollow wheel chocks because the trailer crushed them. So, I found what I feel are very hefty and substantial wheel chocks, see link below. I’ve been using them for over a year on different surfaces, like sand, rocks, gravel, grass and dirt. I have not had any issues with these chocks.

Valup Wheel Chocks – https://amzn.to/2ApIDoL

X-Chock Wheel Stabilizers

I go one step further and install the X-Chock Wheel Stabilizers to further secure the wheels so my trailer does not move forward or back. X-Chocks only work if the distance between the wheels is not too great. Some trailers have wide stance axles, so the X-Chocks may not work for this setup. See my X-Chock pictures below.

X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer – https://amzn.to/3fopz9e

Cordless Power Drill & Socket Drill Adapter

I use a cordless power drill and socket drill adapter to speed up the opening of the stabilizing jacks on the four corners of the trailer and the X-Chocks for the wheels. Below are the cordless power drill and adapter I purchased and they’ve worked great. They really shorten the time and lessen the fatigue of setting up your trailer at the campsite. It’s nice that Meterk provides two rechargeable batteries.

Meterk 20V Cordless Electric Drill Driver – https://amzn.to/2UICuuv

Camco RV Leveling Scissor Jack Socket Drill Adapter – https://amzn.to/2Y15rUC

Coupler Lock

There are many types and corresponding cost levels of coupler locks. Some locks cover the entire coupler and some look like a padlock. I have used the padlock style coupler lock (see picture above) and haven’t had any issues. But, I’ve provided you with links to both options below so you can make our own decision.

Either coupler lock helps reduce the chance that someone will try to haul away your travel trailer (or at least it may slow someone down or may make it more difficult to do so). Also, I believe the pad lock helps keep the tongue/latch secure and in place during your journey.

Reese Towpower 7005300 Brass Coupler Lock – https://amzn.to/2zuVHbM

Master Lock 389DAT 2 Pack Universal Trailer Coupler Lock, Red – https://amzn.to/3cZwT9D

Important – Lubricant for Trailer

Another thing I recommend you buy is a silicone lube for your electric tongue jack. The service staff at the RV dealership recommended the silicone lube below and it works great to keep my tongue jack running smoothly and quietly. I also use the lube on my leveling scissor jacks and my entry steps. And, the lube really helps my trailer door, storage compartment doors and the outdoor shower door locks operate smoothly. I also use it on my windows that slide open sideways for smoothness. Be sure to check with your RV dealership and your travel trailer manual regarding recommended lubrications and instructions.

3-IN-ONE RVcare Slide-Out Silicone Lube with SMART STRAW SPRAYS 2 WAYS, 11 OZ – https://amzn.to/31JMkRe

If you’re thinking about buying a RV or you purchased one and would like tips regarding RV ownership, then check out my other blog: https://www.rvcampingtipsforbeginners.com/.

These are Basic Equipment to Level and Secure a Travel Trailer that I use, I hope you found this information helpful. Happy camping!

Related Articles

What to consider when purchasing a travel trailer: 5 tips

Motorized Vs Towable Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

Cheap activities for family camping trips: 10 tips