How to Level and Stabilize a Tent Trailer

Camping, ,

THERE IS A RIGHT WAY, AND A WRONG WAY

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One thing I really enjoy about a tent trailer is the open feeling when all the curtains are pulled backed and the windows are opened. You have a 360 degree view, with netting to keep insects out. Even in hot weather, the shaded interior is much cooler than outside, there is plenty of ventilation.

Tent trailers are a little different to set up than a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or a motor home.

It is surprising how many people do not know how to properly set up their tent trailer, in spite of the fact the Owner’s Manual provides comprehensive instructions.

So this is how we do it. Two items I highly recommend for setting up a tent trailer are a BAL Light Trailer Leveler and a BAL Single Axle Tire Locking Chock.

BAL Leveler BAL chock

We use both to assist in the set up sequence:

  1. Back into camping spot.
  2. Walk around the trailer and undo the roof latches.
  3. Lay out the Patty O Mat.
  4. Secure the high side wheel with the BAL Single Axle Tire Locking Chock.
  5. Place a 6” level on the rear bumper to ensure side-to-side level.
  6. Put the BAL Light Trailer Leveler under the low tire, and raise the leveler with an 18 volt portable electric drill until the camper is level from side to side.
  7. Raise the trailer tongue high enough to disconnect the tow vehicle.
  8. Pull the tow vehicle away from the camper.
  9. Level the trailer front-to-back with the electric tongue jack. There is a permanent level on the tongue.
  10. If the awning will be deployed (this is used on almost every trip), extend the awning and secure the poles and rafters.
  11. Raise the roof with an 18 volt portable electric drill.
  12. Adjust awning.
  13. Lower the entrance step.
  14. Pull out bunks and dinette slide out.
  15. Open travel door and secure the screen door into the frame.
  16. Remove the outdoor chairs, tables, stove, and Baby Q.
  17. Lower the stabilizers with an 18 volt portable electric drill. You just want to snug them down, not lift the frame.

If you do not do it in this sequence, you risk tweaking the camper frame.

Note for those not using a BAL Leveler: The first few stops of the sequence is a little different.

  1. Back into camping spot.
  2. Walk around the trailer and undo the roof latches.
  3. Place your leveling solution (wood blocks, Lynx Levelers, ramps, etc.) in front of the low tire.
  4. Pull the camper forward on the leveling solution. It is much easier to pull the trailer onto the leveling device, rather than pushing by going backwards. Also, you can see the tire and leveling solution in your rear view mirrors.
  5. Chock the high side wheel.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF A LEVEL TENT TRAILER

Most tent trailers, if they have a refrigerator, use an absorption LPG unit. The trailer must be level or you risk damage to your fridge.

Other Set-up Tasks

While I am walking around the camper to lower the stabilizers I

While I am outside doing these tasks, Joyce is in the camper and will

  • Set-up the shower
  • Open the dinette table
  • Place the Sterlite drawer assembly on the counter
  • Place the pillows on the bed
  • Open the curtains and windows
  • Let Corky (our dog) out of the SUV

Usually it takes less than 30 minutes to get it all done. I have done it in under 10 minutes without putting up the awning.

Everything we need to set up the camper is stored in this compartment with outside access.
Everything we need to set up the camper is stored in this compartment with outside access.
If you use a patio mat, I suggest you place it down first. Makes it easier to keep things clean, the mat can be laid next to the wheel, and the BAL Leveler or Chock, and the stabilizer all can rest on the mat, keeping it more secure.
If you use a patio mat, I suggest you place it down first. Makes it easier to keep things clean, the mat can be laid next to the wheel, and the BAL Leveler or Chock, and the stabilizer all can rest on the mat, keeping it more secure.
BAL Single Wheel Leveler shown.
BAL Single Wheel Leveler shown.
BAL Single Wheel Chock
BAL Single Wheel Chock
A power tongue jack makes it easier and quicker to level front-to-back. The jack has a manual override feature in case you have battery problems.
A power tongue jack makes it easier and quicker to level front-to-back. The jack has a manual override feature in case you have battery problems.
This inexpensive level makes it easy to level. I only use it for front to back adjustments. For side to side I like to put a 6" level on the bumper.
This inexpensive level makes it easy to level. I only use it for front to back adjustments. For side to side I like to put a 6″ level on the bumper.
Once the roof is raised, the step is lowered and the door opened for access to the interior.
Once the roof is raised, the step is lowered and the door opened for access to the interior.
A portable 18 volt drill is handy for raising the BAL Leveler, the roof, and lowering the stabilizers.
A portable 18 volt drill is handy for raising the BAL Leveler, the roof, and lowering the stabilizers.

To use a drill, you can purchase a Socket Jenie for most tent trailers.

Most stabilizers can be lowered with a standard sized socket, unless your camper has "drop down" stabilizers.
Most stabilizers can be lowered with a standard sized socket, unless your camper has “drop down” stabilizers.
We have been very happy with this set of four 36" stabilizers we bought on eBay.
We have been very happy with this set of four 36″ stabilizers we bought on eBay.
It is much easier to set-up the PopUp Gizmo cords before the bunk end shepherd poles are inserted.
It is much easier to set-up the PopUp Gizmo cords before the bunk end shepherd poles are inserted.
It is best to follow the same procedures every time you set up your tent trailer, so you become efficient and don't do things out of sequence or forget a step. I place a piece of PCV pipe to depress the Pilot knob on the water heater control and then switch on the igniter. As I lower the stabilizers, walking around the trailer, I end up back at the water heater, whose pilot light is now on. I then remove the PCV pipe and turn the knob to the "On" position.
It is best to follow the same procedures every time you set up your tent trailer, so you become efficient and don’t do things out of sequence or forget a step. I place a piece of PCV pipe to depress the Pilot knob on the water heater control and then switch on the igniter. As I lower the stabilizers, walking around the trailer, I end up back at the water heater, whose pilot light is now on. I then remove the PCV pipe and turn the knob to the “On” position.
While Joyce is completing the interior set-up, I connect our gray water collection system. Note the single wheel chock and stabilizer down.
While Joyce is completing the interior set-up, I connect our gray water collection system. Note the single wheel chock and stabilizer down.
Baby Q and outside stove are set up and I am just about done.
Baby Q and outside stove are set up and I am just about done.
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Now it is time to relax and enjoy our camping trip, whether we are outside or inside the camper.

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