Shop All Floorplans
Top Brands
What are you looking for?
Setting up your RV starts with checking the campsite, parking with enough clearance and following the leveling procedure for your equipment. For trailers without automatic leveling, that generally means leveling side to side while hitched, chocking the wheels, unhitching and leveling front to rear before deploying stabilizers. Leveling establishes the RV’s position; stabilizing reduces movement while you’re inside. Follow your owner’s manual and component instructions for the setup sequence that applies to your RV.
Keep your setup equipment accessible so you can reach it before extending slide-outs or unloading storage compartments.
Depending on your RV, you may need:
Use powered tools to operate stabilizers only when the jack manufacturer permits them. Some manual scissor jacks prohibit drills and impact wrenches because they can damage the mechanism.
Walk the site before positioning your RV. Look for firm ground, a manageable slope and enough room to maneuver without crossing into neighboring sites.
Locate the electrical pedestal, water connection and sewer inlet. Position the RV so your cords and hoses can reach without interfering with steps, storage doors or walking paths.
Check clearance for:
Check overhead clearance as well as the space beside the RV. A site can have enough room at ground level while branches interfere with the roof or an awning.
If the site is too steep or the ground will not support your RV and equipment, ask the campground about another location.
Pull-through sites can simplify positioning, but they still require a clearance check.
When backing into a site, approach from the driver’s side when practical. This generally provides better visibility than backing from the passenger side.
Agree on signals with your spotter before moving. Keep the spotter visible in your mirrors, and stop immediately if you lose sight of them. Keep everyone clear of the RV’s path and the space between the trailer and fixed objects.
If you are parking alone, stop and get out to check your surroundings as often as necessary. Make small corrections rather than rushing to finish in one attempt.
For a trailer without automatic leveling, check side-to-side level while it is still connected to the tow vehicle. Use the reference location recommended in your owner’s manual.
If one side needs raising:
Support the tires across their full tread width. Follow the leveling block manufacturer’s limits and stacking instructions; do not build an unstable stack to compensate for an unsuitable site.
Keep stabilizer jacks retracted while moving the RV. They are not a substitute for leveling blocks or a dedicated leveling system.
Once the RV is positioned and level side to side, install wheel chocks according to their instructions before releasing the hitch.
Make sure the chocks are secure against the tires and compatible with the surface and any leveling equipment in use. Do not rely on the tow vehicle, tongue jack or stabilizers alone to prevent trailer movement.
Keep the chocks in place throughout your stay.
Place suitable blocking or pads beneath the tongue jack or fifth-wheel landing legs as needed and permitted by the equipment manufacturer. The support surface should be firm and stable.
Follow your hitch instructions to transfer support from the tow vehicle and disconnect safely. Check that electrical connections, the breakaway cable and other applicable connections are clear before moving the truck away.
For manual leveling:
Recheck both directions after unhitching.
If your RV has automatic leveling, follow that system’s specific instructions for site selection, chocking, unhitching, pad placement and operation. Its procedure may differ from the manual sequence above.
Deploy stabilizers at the point specified in your RV’s setup instructions. Place approved pads or blocking beneath the feet where needed, then lower them until they engage as directed.
Stabilizer jacks reduce movement. They are not designed to lift or level the RV, change a tire or support the RV during service.
Avoid adding excessive pressure to one corner. If the RV needs further leveling, retract the stabilizers as instructed and correct the level using the appropriate equipment.
Before settling in, confirm that:
Follow your RV’s specified sequence for extending slide-outs. Recheck the setup if the ground settles or the RV’s position changes.
Equipment and procedures vary by model. Follow your RV and component manufacturers’ current instructions.
For help with your RV’s setup procedure, contact your dealer or Keystone RV Customer Service.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.