Key Takeaways
● Making your RV leveling blocks is a great way to save money and ensure your vehicle is properly levelled.
● You will need wood, screws and glue to create the blocks.
● To make the blocks, you will need to measure out pieces of wood, cut them to size and screw or glue them together.
If you’re an RV owner, then you know the importance of being able to level your rig. Uneven ground can cause problems, from damage to your RV to an uncomfortable camping experience.
Using leveling blocks is an easy and affordable way to ensure your RV is level. And it’s surprisingly simple to make your leveling blocks. You only need a few supplies from your local hardware store, and you can have your leveling blocks in no time.
This guide will walk you through making your homemade RV leveling blocks with a few easy steps, so keep reading!
Table of Contents
- 1 Understanding The Basics Of RV Leveling Blocks
- 2 Importance Of Using Leveling Blocks
- 3 Benefits Of Making Homemade RV Leveling Blocks
- 4 Materials Needed To Make RV Leveling Blocks
- 5 Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make Your Own RV Leveling Blocks
- 6 Testing Your RV Leveling Blocks For Quality Assurance
- 7 Tips On Storing And Using Your DIY Leveling Blocks
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 Conclusion
Understanding The Basics Of RV Leveling Blocks
Before you build your leveling blocks, it’s essential to understand the basics of RV leveling. Your RV needs to be elevated off the ground to level it.
The HIGHER you elevate your RV, the more LEVEL it will be [1]. That’s why leveling blocks come in various sizes – you can choose the right size block for your specific needs.
Leveling blocks support an uneven area by providing a flat, even surface for your RV, allowing it to be STABLE on the ground beneath it.
Leveling is essential for various reasons, from ensuring all your appliances are working properly to getting a good night’s sleep. If your RV isn’t level, you’ll likely experience DISCOMFORT and even possible damage caused by unleveled weight distribution.
Importance Of Using Leveling Blocks
The use of leveling blocks is essential for anyone wanting to enjoy a comfortable and safe RV experience. Leveling blocks help create a stable base to ensure your vehicle remains level, no matter the terrain.
Here are some of the advantages of using leveling blocks:
Prevents Uncomfortable Slopes
Leveling blocks are designed to keep your RV level, preventing uncomfortable slopes that can cause DISCOMFORT while camping.
Uneven ground can lead to an UNPLEASANT sleeping experience due to the slant of the bed and other furniture in your RV. Leveling blocks will help ensure that all surfaces inside your vehicle remain even when parked on uneven terrain.
This makes for a much better night’s rest and helps prevent potential DAMAGE from appliances or furniture being placed on an uneven surface. With leveling blocks, you can be sure that everything stays in place no matter where you camp.
Reduces Stress On Tires And Suspension Systems
Leveling blocks also reduce stress on your RV’s tires and suspension system. You can prevent unnecessary STRAIN on those systems by using leveling blocks to create a flat, even surface for your vehicle.
Uneven ground can cause a lot of extra wear and tear on the RV’s tires and suspension, which can be costly to repair or replace in the future [2].
By using leveling blocks, you can help EXTEND the life of these components by ensuring that they are properly supported without any added pressure or strain from uneven terrain.
This will also make for SAFER travelling conditions by providing better stability for your RV while driving over bumps or rocky roads.
Distributes Weight Evenly
Furthermore, leveling blocks help to DISTRIBUTE the weight of your RV evenly across the ground. This ensures that your vehicle is not being supported by a single area of ground, which can cause it to sink or become unstable over time.
Using leveling blocks helps to SPREAD out the weight of your RV more evenly so that it’s always properly supported and stable.
Improves Vehicle Performance
Leveling blocks can also help IMPROVE your vehicle’s performance. When your RV is levelled correctly, it can help ensure all its systems run smoothly and efficiently.
For example, having the correct amount of water in the plumbing system REQUIRES a level surface to function properly. Leveling blocks will ensure that everything is balanced and can help prevent any potential issues due to unleveled surfaces.
Pro Tip: For any RV trip, always bring extra leveling blocks if you need to adjust your vehicle on different terrain.
Benefits Of Making Homemade RV Leveling Blocks
Making your leveling blocks can be a great way to save money while ensuring that your RV is level and stable when camping. Homemade RV leveling blocks are EASY to make with just a few materials and provide the same support and stability as store-bought versions.
Here are some of the benefits of making your leveling blocks:
Cost-Effective
Making your leveling blocks is much more cost-effective than buying them. With just a few materials, you can make several blocks that will be as EFFECTIVE and durable as commercially made ones.
Time-Saving
Creating your leveling blocks also saves time since you won’t have to go out and find the right size or style for your RV. Plus, once you know how to make them, it’s very QUICK and easy to whip up another set when needed.
Customizable
You can also customize the size of your homemade leveling blocks, so they fit PERFECTLY under your RV, no matter where you’re camping. This ensures you get the best possible support for your vehicle and helps prevent any slippage or sinking into the ground.
Pro Tip: Make sure to measure the area underneath your RV before making your leveling blocks so that you know exactly how large to make them.
Materials Needed To Make RV Leveling Blocks
To create your DIY RV leveling blocks, you will need a few basic materials, including wood or plastic boards, screws, and concrete or pavers.
The size of the boards you use will DEPEND on how large your leveling blocks need to be. Make sure to measure the area underneath your vehicle before building the blocks to fit perfectly for optimal support.
You may also want to use WEATHERPROOFING material such as paint or sealant to protect the blocks from moisture damage over time. You will also need screws and heavy-duty glue to attach the boards securely so they won’t shift or move when placed beneath your RV.
Finally, you will need either CONCRETE or pavers to place on top of each block for even more stability and support.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make Your Own RV Leveling Blocks
Making your RV leveling blocks is relatively straightforward, requiring just a few materials and basic DIY skills. Here are the steps you should take to make your leveling blocks:
Gather Materials
To start, gather all the materials you’ll need to make your leveling blocks – boards, screws, weatherproofing material, heavy-duty glue and either concrete or pavers.
Measure Your RV
Next; you’ll need to measure the area underneath your RV to determine the SIZE of the boards and leveling blocks. Take measurements all around the underside of your vehicle so you can get an accurate idea of how large each block needs to be.
To do this, use a measuring tape or ruler and get the LENGTH and WIDTH of the area you’ll be working with. This will help you determine the size of the boards and blocks you must create.
Cut The Boards
Once you have the measurements, it’s time to cut the boards to size. Using a saw, carefully cut the boards to match the MEASUREMENTS you took of your RV. Ensure that each board is cut in a straight line and is even on both sides for optimal stability when placed beneath the vehicle.
Once all the boards have been cut, use sandpaper to SMOOTH down any rough edges or splinters. This will help prevent potential issues when you’re using your leveling blocks.
Assemble Blocks
Once you have all the boards cut to size, it’s time to assemble them into leveling blocks. Using screws and heavy-duty glue, attach two or more of the boards at the CORNERS so that they form a box shape with an open top.
This will create one solid block that can be placed beneath your RV for optimal support. Repeat this process until you have created as many blocks as you need to LEVEL your vehicle correctly.
Pro Tip: Simply use three leveling blocks if your RV is slightly off balance or up to six blocks if you need more support.
Add Weatherproofing Material
Once the blocks have been assembled, it’s important to add weatherproofing material such as paint or sealant to PROTECT the wood from moisture damage over time.
Apply a THIN layer of the material around each block and allow it to dry completely before using them beneath your RV.
Place Concrete Or Pavers On Blocks
Finally, you can place concrete or pavers on the blocks for even more stability and support. Put one or two pavers on each block, ensuring they are LEVEL and not rocking back and forth.
This will help prevent any SLIPPAGE or sinking into the ground when used beneath your RV. Use enough concrete or pavers to distribute weight and ensure your vehicle is properly levelled evenly.
Pro Tip: Use a leveller or a carpenter’s level to determine if the blocks and your RV are properly levelled.
Testing Your RV Leveling Blocks For Quality Assurance
Once you’ve finished making your RV leveling blocks, testing them for quality assurance is essential.
Follow these steps to make sure your blocks will be up to the task of properly supporting and leveling your vehicle:
Place Blocks In Desired Position
The first step in testing your RV leveling blocks is to place them in the desired position underneath the vehicle.
Make sure the blocks are EVENLY spaced and level so your RV will be properly supported. Take care to place each block in an area with adequate drainage and never on top of rocks or other debris.
Apply Weight To Blocks
Once the blocks are in the desired position, it’s time to apply weight. Start by placing a few jacks on each block and SLOWLY increasing the pressure until you feel comfortable that the blocks can support your RV.
Be sure not to OVERLOAD the blocks, as this can cause damage or breakage. After all the jacks are in place, check for stability by gently rocking the RV from side to side.
Inspect Blocks For Damage
Look for cracks, splinters, or warping that may have occurred when making the blocks or while they were being used. If any damage is found, REPLACE the affected block with a new one before trying again.
Check The Level of RV
Once everything looks and feels secure, check the level of your RV with a LEVELLER or carpenter’s level. This will help ensure that your blocks are doing their job correctly and that your vehicle is properly supported.
Pro Tip: Always inspect your RV leveling blocks after each use to ensure they are in good condition and can still do their job correctly.
Tips On Storing And Using Your DIY Leveling Blocks
When storing and using your DIY leveling blocks, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. First, it is essential to ensure the blocks are CLEAN and dry before use. Any dirt or debris on the blocks can cause them to slip or sink when placed underneath your RV.
Additionally, store them in an area where they will be PROTECTED from the elements, such as a garage or shed. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that the surface beneath your RV blocks is firm and level before using them.
Lastly, always INSPECT the blocks for damage after each use to ensure they are still in good condition and can support your vehicle correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Weight Can RV Leveling Blocks Hold?
The amount of weight that RV leveling blocks can hold will depend on the materials and construction of your particular blocks. Generally, each block should support up to 3,000 pounds or more when properly constructed.
Can I Make Homemade RV Leveling Ramps?
Yes, you can make a homemade RV Leveling Ramp. You will need to use materials like 4x4s and plywood to create a ramp that is the same height as your leveling blocks. Be sure to secure the ramps with screws or nails for extra stability.
How Long Do Rv Leveling Blocks Last?
The lifespan of RV leveling blocks will depend on the materials and construction. Generally, they should last for several years with proper care and maintenance.
What is Automatic RV Leveling?
Automatic RV leveling is a process that uses electronic jacks (hydraulic leveling system) and controls to automatically level the RV while camping. This is often done with an automated system or through push-button commands on the RV’s control panel.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick and easy guide to making your RV leveling blocks. Be sure to test them before you hit the road so you can be confident they’ll work when you need them most.
Additionally, inspect the blocks for damage after each use and store them in a safe, dry place when not in use.
With this knowledge and care, your DIY stackable leveling blocks can last for years and provide a comfortable camping experience wherever you go.
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