We’ve all been there: you pull into a camping spot only to find out that the terrain is not exactly level. Occasionally, you get lucky, but more often than not, you need to spend some time leveling your RV before enjoying your vacation.
Depending on how much you want to spend, you can choose anything from a simple bubble level to Bluetooth options. So, which is the best RV level? Keep reading for our top five picks.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Level Mate Pro
Budget Option
Camco T-Level
Best No-Mount Option
Camco Easy Level
Best Overall
Level Mate Pro
The Level Mate Pro says it has “fuss-free leveling,” and who wouldn’t want that? Which is why it’s our top pick for the best RV level.
It all connects through Bluetooth, straight to your phone or tablet. And, because the information is stored on the Level Mat Pro itself, you can level your home through any device by logging into the app.
Of course, it does take time to set everything up the first time you use the Level Mate Pro. And there may be a bit of a learning curve, but there are plenty of videos to help you out. After the initial set-up, though, the device is calibrated to your RV. All you have to do is open the app.
All green numbers mean you are good to go. Red numbers will tell you exactly how far off-level you are. No more guessing how many inches you need to adjust your jacks or leveling blocks. It’s all right there, in real-time, on a handy-dandy screen.
As with any technology, there are a few downsides to this RV level. First, the battery life leaves a bit to be desired.
Another downside is that this RV level uses Bluetooth technology, which means it needs to connect to your phone or tablet. A simple fix for this is to start connecting as soon as you check in. That way, you should be ready to go when you get to your site and are ready to level your RV.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Real-time display
- Made in America
Cons
- May have a bit of a learning curve
- Battery life
- Bluetooth technology takes time to connect
Budget Option
Camco T-Level
It doesn’t get much simpler (or as budget-friendly!) than the Camco T-Level, making it our budget option for the best RV level.
To use the Camco RV level, simply attach one level to the tongue – or front of your RV if it doesn’t have a tongue – and one to the rear bumper. As you add leveling blocks, keep an eye on the bubble and adjust accordingly.
The two bubbles on the level will show you front-to-back and side-to-side leveling.
Because this is a budget option, as you can imagine, it’s not going to hold up as well as other options on our list of best RV levels. For instance, the green liquid in the level is more than likely going to fade within just a couple of months. This doesn’t affect how the level works at all, just be prepared.
One other thing to keep in mind is that the housing for the bubble levels is plastic, and the screws aren’t the best quality. Make sure you don’t overtighten the screws, as this will warp the plastic, resulting in a reading that isn’t accurate.
Pros
- Price
- Easy to install
Cons
- Quality
- Harder to use than other leveling options
- Plastic housing can warp when installing
Best No-Mount Option
Camco Easy Level
If you’re looking for an RV level that doesn’t require using screws or adhesive to attach it to your home, look no further than the Camco Easy Level. This best RV level can be stored away anywhere in your home.
To use, simply take it out of the cabinet or basement and place it in the middle of your floor. Make sure the legs are facing front-to-back and side-to-side. Turn it on and watch it light up. When all the lights turn green, you are level and ready to start enjoying your vacation.
As you can imagine, this is easiest to use with a motorhome where you can watch the lights from your rearview mirror while you make adjustments. However, the Camco system can still be used with a towable unit. Simply have your travel partner set up inside your home with the Easy Level and communicate via cell phone.
The Camco Easy Level doesn’t have an on-off switch. It does have an automatic shut-off, which extends the battery life. However, the unit can think it’s time to turn on at times when it isn’t. This doesn’t help the battery life when it turns on while you’re traveling down the road.
To be on the safe side, you might want to remove the batteries when you’re not using it. Whatever you decide to do, it’s always a safe option to keep extra batteries on hand.
If the green lights are too dim for you, simply watch for the red lights to turn off when leveling your RV.
Pros
- Stores away in a cabinet, no drilling holes
- Lights are easier to see than a bubble
Cons
- Green lights are too dim
- Can turn on automatically while you’re traveling
Hopkins RV Smart Level
The Hopkins RV Smart Level is another budget-friendly, easy-to-use option on our list of best RV levels.
This unit mounts to the side of your RV and collapses down flat or can be removed when not in use. When you’re ready to level your RV, simply open the case and flip out the level so you can see it from your side mirror. No jumping in and out of the truck to see if you’re level side-to-side.
Red LED indicator lights on the side will let you know how far you’re out of level and which side needs to go up or down in order to get to level. The green lights in the middle will light up when you’re there.
To level front to back, simply close the flap back in against your RV and use the lights to adjust the height of your hitch.
Because this unit attaches to the side of your RV, and it opens and closes for use, there’s also a chance that it can come open while you’re driving down the road. To prevent this, simply remove the unit from the bracket and store it away until you need it.
Pros
- Easy for one person to use
- LED lights are easy to read
Cons
- Harder to install on ribbed-sided RVs
- Can come open while driving down the road
Hopkins Graduated Level
If you like the idea of a non-cluttered, easy-to-read, basic bubble level, the Hopkins Graduated Level is another option for you to consider.
The main difference between the Hopkins Graduated Level and the Camco T-Level budget option on our list is that the Hopkins level has indicators that show how many inches off-level your RV is. No more guessing if you need to lower the hitch an inch or two.
Pros
- Easy to read
- Simple bubble level
- Price
Cons
- Green liquid fades making it harder to see the bubble
RV Level Buyer’s Guide
When considering which is the best RV level for your vacation home, you may have a few more questions about what to look for. Here are some of the most important features to consider.
Durability
With the exception of the Camco Easy Level, all of the RV levels reviewed mount outside your RV. Having a level that is durable as well as functional is a must.
One way to keep your RV level durable is to ensure that it doesn’t flop around in the wind while you’re driving. You can use screws, or JB Weld, if you don’t want to make holes in your RV.
Accuracy
To ensure that your level is accurate, set up your RV in your driveway like you would a camping spot. Then, grab a carpenter’s level to double-check and tweak your RV level if necessary.
Doing this at home before taking off will make setting up easier at your destination.
Easy to Read
Choosing an RV level that is easy to read is super important! But, placing your level, especially a bubble level, where it is easy to see, is just as important. Keep both these factors in mind when purchasing and placing your RV level.
Best RV Level Frequently Asked Questions
Does my RV have to be perfectly level?
Actually, no, though you do want to get it as close to level as possible. For safety’s sake, you should be no more than 1-2 degrees off level or about half a bubble for a bubble level.
Why is it important to level my RV?
Having an RV that isn’t level can throw off your balance when walking through and damage your appliances.
In addition, an RV that isn’t level can throw off your water and sewage drainage. Nobody wants to deal with that potential catastrophe!
Are there any tips for using an RV level?
The best tip for using an RV level is to set it up while you’re at home first. That way, you can double-check your level and work out any bugs before taking off.
Wrapping up the Best RV Level
As you already know, leveling your RV is an important task before heading off to the lake or your easy chair.
Don’t be “that couple” yelling back and forth while trying to get your home level. Spend the extra money to purchase the Level Mate Pro, our top pick for the best RV level, and start your vacation off in peace! It’s worth it.
Want more great information on RVing, including 18 must-haves for your RV? Check out our RV page at Beyond the Tent.
- About the Author
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Melissa Goins is a lifelong resident of Indiana and currently resides on a 15-acre homestead with her family where she has lived full-time stationary in a 2000 Travel Supreme fifth wheel for the past two years.
She has always loved traveling and in 2000 she and her husband purchased a fully self-contained semi truck and hit the road with their two kids, visiting all 48 contiguous United States and learning about our amazing country along the way.
Melissa has learned a lot about living full-time in an RV over the past two years and loves sharing tips and tricks with others — which is why she loves writing for Beyond the Tent. From staying cool in the summer to preparing for winter, to cooking Thanksgiving dinner for 12 in an RV, there’s so much to learn, enjoy, and share Beyond the Tent.
When she’s not writing or enjoying the great outdoors, Melissa loves to spend time with her family. She is a proud wife, mom, and grandma to three beautiful grandbabies.