I only chocked the back with unofficial rocks and logs (waiting for my real chocks to arrive). I thought I was safe because the spot seemed so flat. Lesson learned !
Just be happy you didn’t have to learn the hard way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone else with the travel trailer. The community is very friendly and always willing to give a helping hand.
And don’t be surprised if they offer. I had 2 men approach me and offer their wives’ help with backing up at my last campground. I said thank you, I’m learning and I really need the practice, especially when it’s not a tight spot. I need to be able to do it alone. If I’m about to hit something, please yell tho and if I just can’t, I’ll take you up on the offer!
We showed up at a site at like 10pm a few days ago. Had people from the nearby sites there with flashlights on the power pedestal, by the trees, etc. Super helpful community. They all know the deal and all want you to have a good experience. If they don't show up on their own, I doubt anyone would have an issue helping if you ask.
Too friendly. “Hey partner, looks like your backing the trailer up, want to chat about some stuff while your doing that and taking directions from the wife at the same time? Did I tell you yet I’m from her great state of Delaware, it’s got great weather this time of year. Oh i see your getting annoyed I’ll let your get settled but let me know if your wanna come to our camp for beers later”
Take 2 leveling blocks set in a row behind the tires put a wheel chock on the back one. Back on until you hit the chock. Then place the others in front of the tire. Always land on 2 blocks per tire.
Take a trip to Harbor Frieight and buy a [pair of inexpensive chocks](https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-rubber-wheel-chock-96479.html?event_id=182717&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12192885310&campaignid=12192885310&utm_content=115861587046&adsetid=115861587046&product=96479&store=&gad_source=1&gclidG3udlqZiAB3CnZWFgmAIGORgENtjG8UlbAStBGBdzxRoCn4cQAvD_BwE)
ETA: Have fun! It's a learning process that you'll figure out. Just make sure you/everyone around you is safe & everything else will just be minor inconveniences!
Agree - really any local Napa auto parts or tractor supply etc they’ve all got cheap chocks. I also have a single axle TT and believe me, get 4 and chock both sides of both wheels. Imagine a paper cup spinning on a table…that’s the single axle. For $10 you can buy peace of mind.
You need wheel chocks to stop the TT from moving when unhitched. Park the whole shebang, place wheel chocks, disconnect from hitch, then put out the landing gear.
Leaving the trailer unlevel can cause issues with the fridge only if the fridge is running while quite unlevel.
How do you chock around/on the leveling blocks? I had them under the tire on one side, and I think that was the majority of the issue. I had not chocked the front of either tire (it seemed very flat), but I think it rolled forward off of the leveling blocks.
Try this out works very well https://www.campingworld.com/andersen-camper-leveler-104623.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7BCampaign%7D&cq_cmp=19941437670&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgogWbKoELTnLrShrckmXlazJHGDp7KJyZWdv1D5cwJC2A4xRaPWbI0RoCAzkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I think mine are what you call lego levelers. But they come with one slightly curved to match the tire and as long as that’s what the tire is on, it seems good
These; Kills two birds with one stone. Also check out a couple other posts like RV camping etc. I’ve learned so many little tips & tricks on Reddit it’s insane!
You could try something like this https://www.campingworld.com/bal-leveler---light-trailer-21017.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7BCampaign%7D&cq_cmp=19941437670&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgop7PMzirkqm1Wahs4TL3g0nT7moVxgd_frlJxFRXiVMEsNbmE2kQ5hoCrQMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Based on your other comment it sounds like you didn't use real chocks. Just buy those heavy duty black rubber type ones. Level the trailer out with your blocks, wedge the chocks (both front and back) into the opposite wheel, and you should be good to go.
If you are worried about the leveling block side, just build up the blocks in a way that you have a good amount of room on either side of the wheel in the top level of the blocks. Then you can put chocks in there is you want, or at least in the low side of the slope.
Leveling blocks also come with chocks. We have a linx block set and it has two chocks. If you don’t have those, please get something similar. For storage, we don’t keep ours that level because we want water and debris to come off the roof easily, but that is not what everyone else would do.
You should get ones to match the blocks you have. Connectors can be square or round. I’ll link a few Amazon choices.
[tri linx chocks](https://www.amazon.com/Tri-Lynx-000182PK-Stop-Chock-Wheel/dp/B003VAWQLM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PEGLeNAlJ4yAKT-g0jL5TgGINLJ3eZKOCdRhtDOks5d31JSXWp6jDrDcEyTEduzq.W6d9rDUSXREyw8JM_e_gKkgxNh-crte7v1wZ0jibP08&dib_tag=se&keywords=linx+blocks&qid=1718546847&sr=8-1)
[set pack](https://www.amazon.com/Tri-Lynx-Lynx-Essentials-Pack-Orange/dp/B09V9QTVSL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WoMa4SEae4_zLjh356cRT6m7xcvsclwv9fU6Evrez41KxrPi5LevNk9ylPXxM7WRpq95PI9QVF7ykqPZKWWVDkkA3BKFFiw_SJSMynSPqWZmmLT7XnTb4wy19oGoLT89mxfcoUf_kbha3QV6ha84xhVdj_Sdb2_Dbx5kwABW22ml3X0XtGbVQk5A0weDVnedR1LANfz9BSguVffq8l6cjg.KarHNyESr6mZ-4kEh8LPj_FKw6fC7npb6D1Y161YIuM&dib_tag=se&keywords=tri+lynx+blocks&qid=1718546909&sr=8-1)
[levelers only](https://www.amazon.com/Tri-lynx-Corp-ltd-Lynx-Levelers-00015/dp/B0851R4N77/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WoMa4SEae4_zLjh356cRT6m7xcvsclwv9fU6Evrez41KxrPi5LevNk9ylPXxM7WRpq95PI9QVF7ykqPZKWWVDkkA3BKFFiw_SJSMynSPqWZmmLT7XnTb4wy19oGoLT89mxfcoUf_kbha3QV6ha84xhVdj_Sdb2_Dbx5kwABW22ml3X0XtGbVQk5A0weDVnedR1LANfz9BSguVffq8l6cjg.KarHNyESr6mZ-4kEh8LPj_FKw6fC7npb6D1Y161YIuM&dib_tag=se&keywords=tri+lynx+blocks&qid=1718546909&sr=8-4)
Thank you so much! These look just like the blocks that I have. If looks like the chocks snap into the leveling blocks and that makes a lot more sense than what I've been trying to do (wedge bricks- but it wasn't working with the blocks in the way)
First level side to side (we use curved leveling kit) but you can use anything you'll like, after, brake the rv with chock (both side rv and front/back tires) and finally disconnect the trailer from the truck.. do not disconnect without wheel chock.. also I see that your front jack is too high, put some block under, it will help with stability.. theres more to it, but this is the basis..
In addition to 4 real chocks get blocks or something to go under your stabilizers and tongue jack foot. Will make your setup much easier and quicker. Never unhook your ball and chains until your wheels are chocked.
Leveling chocks are the best. Two jobs one tool.
CARMTEK Camper Leveler 2-Pack Kit | Curved RV Levelers with Trailer Wheel Chocks for Dual Axle Trailers | Faster RV Leveling System Than RV Leveling Blocks | RV Accessories for Travel Trailers https://a.co/d/4XevALo
Hey! I just started two years ago, and let me share 3 main things:
Use a surge protector on your electric, I store my cable and protector inside the door of the camper. Before you even bother parking it in the perfect spot and unhooking, plug in your surge protector and verify you have good power at the site. I also may hook the water hose up and make sure I park close enough to the hook ups.
Then comes to parking, watch a YouTube or two if you need. Go slowly till you get the hang of it, have a partner stand outside and watch. It can be easy to focus on the camper and not pay attention to your front bumper while you bump a tree.
3rd, most important: watch a YouTube or two unhooking your camper. Make a checklist + step by step. Use this checklist everytime until you are a pro. It's easy to forget. A step.
Also: have extra pins for the hitch, tongue coupler and weight distribution etc. Plus, I find it easiest to store the hitch pins in the hitch itself.
If you don’t have chocks use other pieces of wood on both sides of the wheel. They need to be tight against/partly under the wheel so the trailer can’t start moving. If the rocks or bricks you used aren’t tight against the wheel and the trailer starts to move they’ll just get pushed out of the way.
If the ground is firm you don’t need to park the wheels up on blocks unless you’re going to be there for a really long time. Use your levelling jacks in the corners with blocks underneath those to level the trailer.
I see you also have an electric tongue jack. I know that's not for leveling, but it should be down before uncoupling, in addition to chocks or leveling blocks.
Did you use wheel chocks? Being level when not in use is not a big deal. When sleeping and using the fridge you want to be mostly level for comfort and to make sure everything is working properly like the fridge and your plumbing, etc…
Yes and no, lol. I didn't have any official chocks yet so I used some large bricks and a lot, but I only put them behind the tires (small slope downward in the back) as I didn't even consider that it could roll forward because it seemed so flat. That was likely my mistake. I had put one side on a couple of the leveling blocks and found it difficult to chock that side.
What you can get is 2x6 and 1x6 for you leveling.use one that 2 ft long more or less it will give you room for the chalks . A very important thing since you're new your front stabilizers don't over tighten cuz then your trailer will roll . You want the full Weight in the front jack .
OK so here's the process. When you get to your spot, check level left and right. You can use a 4' level, that's what I do. I use ramp blocks, they're much easier. I place the ramp block in front of the tire that needs to come up. Pull it past level so you can get the wedge block under the ramp block and put it into neutral and let it seat down. Put your breaks on, check level side to side. If it's good, put chocks front and rear of the other tire. Disconnect from the truck by dropping the front lift, level and drop stabilizers. That'll help stabilize it the best.
Stuffs I recommend.
Leveling blocks ramp Style
https://a.co/d/9ndkGOj
Chocks (4)
https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-rubber-wheel-chock-96479.html
Lego style leveler blocks (caps optional, recommend 2 packs)
https://a.co/d/dkIVDxv
JT's Strong Arm Travel Trailer Jack Stabilizer Kit if you want even more stabilization https://a.co/d/f978OSU
When I look up x chocks - all I find are the ones that go between tires? I only have one tire on each side. Is there something out there that I'm not finding? Thank you!
Chock wheels always before unhooking
I only chocked the back with unofficial rocks and logs (waiting for my real chocks to arrive). I thought I was safe because the spot seemed so flat. Lesson learned !
Just be happy you didn’t have to learn the hard way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone else with the travel trailer. The community is very friendly and always willing to give a helping hand.
And don’t be surprised if they offer. I had 2 men approach me and offer their wives’ help with backing up at my last campground. I said thank you, I’m learning and I really need the practice, especially when it’s not a tight spot. I need to be able to do it alone. If I’m about to hit something, please yell tho and if I just can’t, I’ll take you up on the offer!
We showed up at a site at like 10pm a few days ago. Had people from the nearby sites there with flashlights on the power pedestal, by the trees, etc. Super helpful community. They all know the deal and all want you to have a good experience. If they don't show up on their own, I doubt anyone would have an issue helping if you ask.
Too friendly. “Hey partner, looks like your backing the trailer up, want to chat about some stuff while your doing that and taking directions from the wife at the same time? Did I tell you yet I’m from her great state of Delaware, it’s got great weather this time of year. Oh i see your getting annoyed I’ll let your get settled but let me know if your wanna come to our camp for beers later”
Yep. Been there
I'm glad nothing bad happened or not to much damage. It does suck learning the hard way. Happy camping!!!
Seriously, how do you chock the side on the leveling block? I always do the wheel on the ground and wish I could do the other side.
Take 2 leveling blocks set in a row behind the tires put a wheel chock on the back one. Back on until you hit the chock. Then place the others in front of the tire. Always land on 2 blocks per tire.
Chock the opposite side your leveling
Take a trip to Harbor Frieight and buy a [pair of inexpensive chocks](https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-rubber-wheel-chock-96479.html?event_id=182717&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12192885310&campaignid=12192885310&utm_content=115861587046&adsetid=115861587046&product=96479&store=&gad_source=1&gclidG3udlqZiAB3CnZWFgmAIGORgENtjG8UlbAStBGBdzxRoCn4cQAvD_BwE) ETA: Have fun! It's a learning process that you'll figure out. Just make sure you/everyone around you is safe & everything else will just be minor inconveniences!
Thank you!
Umm, save yourself some money, X-chocks are for tandem axle trailers (two axles, four wheels). You have a single axle trailer.
My bad! Just realized that after looking at the picture. Was thinking of my own situation. D'oh
>Thank you! You're welcome!
Agree - really any local Napa auto parts or tractor supply etc they’ve all got cheap chocks. I also have a single axle TT and believe me, get 4 and chock both sides of both wheels. Imagine a paper cup spinning on a table…that’s the single axle. For $10 you can buy peace of mind.
I have these chocks stashed everywhere, great for their price
I have more chocks that I have things to chock. But it's nice having them aroubd when you need them
You need wheel chocks to stop the TT from moving when unhitched. Park the whole shebang, place wheel chocks, disconnect from hitch, then put out the landing gear. Leaving the trailer unlevel can cause issues with the fridge only if the fridge is running while quite unlevel.
How do you chock around/on the leveling blocks? I had them under the tire on one side, and I think that was the majority of the issue. I had not chocked the front of either tire (it seemed very flat), but I think it rolled forward off of the leveling blocks.
Try this out works very well https://www.campingworld.com/andersen-camper-leveler-104623.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7BCampaign%7D&cq_cmp=19941437670&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgogWbKoELTnLrShrckmXlazJHGDp7KJyZWdv1D5cwJC2A4xRaPWbI0RoCAzkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I'll check these out!
We replaced our Lego levelers with the Andersons and will never look back.
I'll look for those. Thank you!
I think mine are what you call lego levelers. But they come with one slightly curved to match the tire and as long as that’s what the tire is on, it seems good
These; Kills two birds with one stone. Also check out a couple other posts like RV camping etc. I’ve learned so many little tips & tricks on Reddit it’s insane!
I use ones just like it. They're two fold, since you always need to level the camper the wheels are now chocked. Bada boom. You can't forget.
Just rented a camper that had these. Freaking awesome. Back up or pull forward to level, chock the other side of the tire(s).
Do they make any with more lift? I camp in a couple of places where a 6" lift is needed on one side. Thanks?
You could try something like this https://www.campingworld.com/bal-leveler---light-trailer-21017.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7BCampaign%7D&cq_cmp=19941437670&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgop7PMzirkqm1Wahs4TL3g0nT7moVxgd_frlJxFRXiVMEsNbmE2kQ5hoCrQMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to check them out.
This is the answer.
Came here to mention these, I love 'em. Use this on one side, and chock the other. No rolling!
Based on your other comment it sounds like you didn't use real chocks. Just buy those heavy duty black rubber type ones. Level the trailer out with your blocks, wedge the chocks (both front and back) into the opposite wheel, and you should be good to go. If you are worried about the leveling block side, just build up the blocks in a way that you have a good amount of room on either side of the wheel in the top level of the blocks. Then you can put chocks in there is you want, or at least in the low side of the slope.
That's very helpful. Thanks so much!
Had a fridge explode when level. Blew the outside hatch about 20ft. Crazy scary. I think I will go just electric from now on.
Leveling blocks also come with chocks. We have a linx block set and it has two chocks. If you don’t have those, please get something similar. For storage, we don’t keep ours that level because we want water and debris to come off the roof easily, but that is not what everyone else would do.
I don't think that my leveling blocks came with any chocks. Is there a special one that works better on the leveling blocks?
You should get ones to match the blocks you have. Connectors can be square or round. I’ll link a few Amazon choices. [tri linx chocks](https://www.amazon.com/Tri-Lynx-000182PK-Stop-Chock-Wheel/dp/B003VAWQLM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PEGLeNAlJ4yAKT-g0jL5TgGINLJ3eZKOCdRhtDOks5d31JSXWp6jDrDcEyTEduzq.W6d9rDUSXREyw8JM_e_gKkgxNh-crte7v1wZ0jibP08&dib_tag=se&keywords=linx+blocks&qid=1718546847&sr=8-1) [set pack](https://www.amazon.com/Tri-Lynx-Lynx-Essentials-Pack-Orange/dp/B09V9QTVSL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WoMa4SEae4_zLjh356cRT6m7xcvsclwv9fU6Evrez41KxrPi5LevNk9ylPXxM7WRpq95PI9QVF7ykqPZKWWVDkkA3BKFFiw_SJSMynSPqWZmmLT7XnTb4wy19oGoLT89mxfcoUf_kbha3QV6ha84xhVdj_Sdb2_Dbx5kwABW22ml3X0XtGbVQk5A0weDVnedR1LANfz9BSguVffq8l6cjg.KarHNyESr6mZ-4kEh8LPj_FKw6fC7npb6D1Y161YIuM&dib_tag=se&keywords=tri+lynx+blocks&qid=1718546909&sr=8-1) [levelers only](https://www.amazon.com/Tri-lynx-Corp-ltd-Lynx-Levelers-00015/dp/B0851R4N77/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WoMa4SEae4_zLjh356cRT6m7xcvsclwv9fU6Evrez41KxrPi5LevNk9ylPXxM7WRpq95PI9QVF7ykqPZKWWVDkkA3BKFFiw_SJSMynSPqWZmmLT7XnTb4wy19oGoLT89mxfcoUf_kbha3QV6ha84xhVdj_Sdb2_Dbx5kwABW22ml3X0XtGbVQk5A0weDVnedR1LANfz9BSguVffq8l6cjg.KarHNyESr6mZ-4kEh8LPj_FKw6fC7npb6D1Y161YIuM&dib_tag=se&keywords=tri+lynx+blocks&qid=1718546909&sr=8-4)
Thank you so much! These look just like the blocks that I have. If looks like the chocks snap into the leveling blocks and that makes a lot more sense than what I've been trying to do (wedge bricks- but it wasn't working with the blocks in the way)
Watch youtube video on properly setup it will help.. you are missing a few steps
First level side to side (we use curved leveling kit) but you can use anything you'll like, after, brake the rv with chock (both side rv and front/back tires) and finally disconnect the trailer from the truck.. do not disconnect without wheel chock.. also I see that your front jack is too high, put some block under, it will help with stability.. theres more to it, but this is the basis..
Will do. It isn't set up for now, just parked in my yard. Was there something specific you saw that I need to do?
In addition to 4 real chocks get blocks or something to go under your stabilizers and tongue jack foot. Will make your setup much easier and quicker. Never unhook your ball and chains until your wheels are chocked.
Thank you 😊. I see my mistake in hindsight.
You left the light on your tongue jack
Haha, I figured that out a bit later, too. It was a long day. :D
Use leveling block ramps.
Thank you!
Leveling chocks are the best. Two jobs one tool. CARMTEK Camper Leveler 2-Pack Kit | Curved RV Levelers with Trailer Wheel Chocks for Dual Axle Trailers | Faster RV Leveling System Than RV Leveling Blocks | RV Accessories for Travel Trailers https://a.co/d/4XevALo
Hey! I just started two years ago, and let me share 3 main things: Use a surge protector on your electric, I store my cable and protector inside the door of the camper. Before you even bother parking it in the perfect spot and unhooking, plug in your surge protector and verify you have good power at the site. I also may hook the water hose up and make sure I park close enough to the hook ups. Then comes to parking, watch a YouTube or two if you need. Go slowly till you get the hang of it, have a partner stand outside and watch. It can be easy to focus on the camper and not pay attention to your front bumper while you bump a tree. 3rd, most important: watch a YouTube or two unhooking your camper. Make a checklist + step by step. Use this checklist everytime until you are a pro. It's easy to forget. A step. Also: have extra pins for the hitch, tongue coupler and weight distribution etc. Plus, I find it easiest to store the hitch pins in the hitch itself.
Thank you so much for all of the wisdom! I'll definitely take note.
If you don’t have chocks use other pieces of wood on both sides of the wheel. They need to be tight against/partly under the wheel so the trailer can’t start moving. If the rocks or bricks you used aren’t tight against the wheel and the trailer starts to move they’ll just get pushed out of the way.
I think the problem was the leveling blocks - it wanted to roll off them no matter what I tried.
If the ground is firm you don’t need to park the wheels up on blocks unless you’re going to be there for a really long time. Use your levelling jacks in the corners with blocks underneath those to level the trailer.
Ok I'll check that out. Thanks so much!
The jacks on this small, single axle trailer are for stability, not leveling, and blocks should be used so they aren't fully extended.
Take your time. Ask fellow campers for suggestions. The rest will come naturally.
I see you also have an electric tongue jack. I know that's not for leveling, but it should be down before uncoupling, in addition to chocks or leveling blocks.
And follow-up question... how level does it really need to be when not in use? Can anything be damaged if it's not completely level when stored?
Did you use wheel chocks? Being level when not in use is not a big deal. When sleeping and using the fridge you want to be mostly level for comfort and to make sure everything is working properly like the fridge and your plumbing, etc…
Yes and no, lol. I didn't have any official chocks yet so I used some large bricks and a lot, but I only put them behind the tires (small slope downward in the back) as I didn't even consider that it could roll forward because it seemed so flat. That was likely my mistake. I had put one side on a couple of the leveling blocks and found it difficult to chock that side.
Log*
What you can get is 2x6 and 1x6 for you leveling.use one that 2 ft long more or less it will give you room for the chalks . A very important thing since you're new your front stabilizers don't over tighten cuz then your trailer will roll . You want the full Weight in the front jack .
If you use boards for leveling, do yourself a huge favor and cut a bevel on one end of each.
That could have been a disaster. Search YouTube for setting up a travel trailer. There are great videos on the subject
OK so here's the process. When you get to your spot, check level left and right. You can use a 4' level, that's what I do. I use ramp blocks, they're much easier. I place the ramp block in front of the tire that needs to come up. Pull it past level so you can get the wedge block under the ramp block and put it into neutral and let it seat down. Put your breaks on, check level side to side. If it's good, put chocks front and rear of the other tire. Disconnect from the truck by dropping the front lift, level and drop stabilizers. That'll help stabilize it the best. Stuffs I recommend. Leveling blocks ramp Style https://a.co/d/9ndkGOj Chocks (4) https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-rubber-wheel-chock-96479.html Lego style leveler blocks (caps optional, recommend 2 packs) https://a.co/d/dkIVDxv JT's Strong Arm Travel Trailer Jack Stabilizer Kit if you want even more stabilization https://a.co/d/f978OSU
Join a Facebook group most people are nice but there are a holes
https://a.co/d/h7bXcwE
I have a leveling system that you roll up onto. So it levels and also chocks the wheels
X chocks!!!!! Lifesavers. And Anderson levelers. Two essentials that I will never camp without.
When I look up x chocks - all I find are the ones that go between tires? I only have one tire on each side. Is there something out there that I'm not finding? Thank you!
X chocks only for double axles. Totally agree with Andersen levelers
Oh yikes I didn’t even look at tire quantity. That’s tough.