Published October 28, 2023 | Last updated May 3, 2026
Most Class A motorhomes and some Class C RVs have RV auto levelers. Susan and I have auto levelers on our Class A motorhome, and I’ll be honest — they work great. But in our travels, we’ve also noticed a lot of auto-leveled RVs sitting at campsites with their tires completely off the ground.
That always gets my attention because it raises a good question: should your RV tires be off the ground when auto-leveling?
Leveling your RV when you get to a campsite is important for comfort, but it also helps protect your RV from unnecessary stress and possible damage. And while leveling manually can be a bit of a pain, auto levelers make the whole process much easier.
With our Class A, I can press a button and let the system do most of the work. But that does not mean I ignore what the RV is doing. If the ground is very uneven, we sometimes use leveling blocks along with the auto levelers so our wheels stay on the ground.
That’s the part I think a lot of RVers miss. Auto levelers are convenient, but they are not magic. You still need to pay attention to how your RV is sitting once the system finishes.
Today, I’ll walk through how RV auto levelers work, whether your tires should come off the ground, when to use leveling blocks, and what I do to double-check our setup.
What Are RV Auto Levelers?
For many years, RVs had to be leveled manually. That meant using leveling blocks, ramps, Andersen levelers, stabilizing jacks, bubble levels, and a fair amount of trial and error.
I’ve done plenty of manual leveling, and while it is not complicated, it can get old fast. You pull forward, check the level, back up, add another block, pull forward again, and hope you got it right. If you’re tired from a long travel day, that process can feel like one more chore between you and relaxing at camp.
RV auto levelers make the job much easier. Instead of guessing and adjusting everything by hand, the system uses jacks and sensors to bring the RV level at the push of a button.
On our Class A, the auto levelers work very well. Most of the time, I can let the system do its thing and then do a quick check afterward. It saves time, saves effort, and makes setup much easier.
But I still don’t treat the system like something I can blindly trust every single time. Campsites are not always level, sensors can get out of calibration, and sometimes the RV needs a little help from leveling blocks before I hit the auto-level button.
Do All RVs Have Auto Levelers?
No, not all RVs have auto levelers.
Auto levelers are common on many Class A motorhomes, larger Class C motorhomes, and fifth wheels, especially higher-end models. But plenty of RVs still come without them.
In many cases, auto levelers are an optional upgrade. So even if an RV does not include them as standard equipment, the manufacturer or dealer may offer them as an add-on.
Smaller travel trailers and entry-level RVs are much less likely to have auto levelers. Many owners of those RVs still level manually with blocks, ramps, and stabilizers.
Larger motorhomes and fifth wheels are where auto levelers make the most sense. These rigs are heavier, longer, and more expensive. Getting them level quickly and safely is a big convenience, especially if you camp often or move from campground to campground.
Should RV Tires Be Off The Ground When Auto Leveling?
This is one of the most common questions I hear about RV auto levelers.
In my opinion, your RV tires should not be off the ground when auto-leveling.
The jacks may be strong enough to lift the RV, but that does not mean it is a good idea to leave your tires hanging in the air. Your tires help support and stabilize the RV. When the tires are off the ground, more stress is placed on the leveling system and the RV itself.
When Susan and I are on a very unlevel campsite, I do not just let the auto levelers lift the RV higher and higher until the tires come off the ground. If I see that happening, I use leveling blocks under the tires to get the RV closer to level first. Then I use the auto levelers to finish the job.
That is the safer and smarter way to do it.
If your auto levelers are lifting your tires off the ground on a reasonably level campsite, that may also be a sign the system needs to be recalibrated. On many systems, this is called setting the “zero point.”
I keep a four-foot level on board our Class A motorhome so I can double-check the system if something seems off. Auto levelers are great, but I still like having a simple old-school level with me. It gives me a way to confirm whether the RV is actually level and helps if I ever need to recalibrate the system.
The exact calibration process depends on the brand and model of your leveling system, so your owner’s manual is the place to start. In general, you manually adjust the RV until it is level, then reset the system’s zero point so it knows what level really means.
If recalibration does not fix the issue, you may have a bad sensor, damaged jack, wiring problem, or another issue with the leveling system. At that point, it may be time to have the system inspected or repaired.
The only time I would expect tires to come close to lifting is when the campsite is very sloped. But even then, I do not like leaving wheels hanging. I would rather use blocks under the tires and give the RV more support.
How Do RV Auto Levelers Work?
RV auto levelers are usually controlled from a panel inside or outside the RV. In many motorhomes, the control panel is near the driver’s seat. On towables and fifth wheels, it may be mounted on the driver’s side exterior wall or inside a storage compartment.
Some newer RVs also allow you to control the leveling system from a smartphone app.
The control panel usually has buttons for auto level, manual jack control, retract, and sometimes calibration. There are also lights or indicators that show which jacks are operating and what the system is doing.
When you press the auto-level button, the system extends the leveling jacks and uses sensors to determine how far each jack needs to move. The goal is to bring the RV level from front to back and side to side.
In a perfect situation, the system does this quickly and smoothly. That is what we usually experience with our Class A.
But the campsite matters. If the site is badly sloped, the system may need to extend the jacks a lot farther than normal. That is when you need to pay attention. If the wheels start coming off the ground, I would stop and use leveling blocks to raise the low side or low corner of the RV before continuing.
Auto levelers are a tool. They work best when the RV is already reasonably close to level before the system takes over.
Can You Add Auto Levelers To Your RV?
Yes, you can add auto levelers to many RVs, but it is not always simple or cheap.
If your RV did not come with auto levelers, you may be able to install an aftermarket system. But the system needs to match your type of RV. A system designed for a fifth wheel is not the same as one designed for a motorhome or travel trailer.
You also need to know your RV’s weight ratings, including front axle weight, rear axle weight, and overall weight. Auto leveling systems are lifting and supporting a lot of weight, so this is not something to guess on.
There are also different types of leveling systems. Electric systems are usually less expensive and often easier to maintain, but they may be slower. Hydraulic systems tend to be faster, smoother, and more powerful, but they are usually more expensive and more complex to repair.
You also need to consider how many points the system has. A 4-point system uses four jacks, while a 6-point system uses six. More points usually means more stability, but it also means more weight, more parts, and more cost.
For larger RVs, especially big fifth wheels and motorhomes, a 6-point leveling system can make sense. For smaller RVs, it may be overkill.
For much more information on this topic check out the article on RVBlogger.com called Can You Add Auto Leveling Jacks to an RV or Trailer?
For much more information on this topic check out the article on RVBlogger.com called Can You Add Auto Leveling Jacks to an RV or Trailer?
Is It Worth Adding Auto Levelers To Your RV?
Whether auto levelers are worth adding depends on how you camp, how often you camp, and how much you are willing to spend for convenience.
Auto levelers are not cheap. The system alone can cost thousands of dollars. Depending on the RV and the system, you could easily spend anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 just for the equipment. Professional installation can add another $500 to $1,000 or more.
That is a lot of money, especially if you only use your RV a few times a year.
You can save some money by installing the system yourself, but I would not recommend that for most RVers. Installing auto levelers is not like adding a new sewer hose or swapping out a cabinet latch. You are dealing with heavy components, mounting points, wiring, and equipment that supports the weight of your RV.
If you are very handy and comfortable working on RV systems, maybe it is a doable project. But for most people, professional installation is the safer choice.
The bigger question is how much you will actually use them.
If you camp once or twice a year, I would have a hard time justifying the cost. Leveling manually with blocks may be annoying, but it is probably not annoying enough to spend several thousand dollars.
But if you travel often, move frequently, or own a larger RV, auto levelers can be worth every penny. Susan and I really like having them on our Class A. They make setup faster and easier, especially after a long travel day.
That said, I still carry leveling blocks. Auto levelers are great, but they do not eliminate the need for common sense. If the campsite is very unlevel, I use blocks so the wheels stay on the ground and the leveling system does not have to work so hard.
Mike and Susan from RVBlogger use auto levelers on their Class A motorhome, and they work great. Mike also keeps a four-foot level on board to check the system and help with calibration if needed. And when the campsite is very unlevel, they use leveling blocks along with the auto levelers so the tires stay safely on the ground.
Mike and Susan, the owners of RVBlogger and MotorhomeFaqs.com, share how they level up as part of their setup process when they arrive at a campground.
What Happens If Your RV Isn’t Level?
If your RV is not level, it can cause more problems than just feeling uncomfortable inside.
The most obvious issue is comfort. If the RV is leaning, you feel it. Doors swing open or closed, things roll off counters, and walking around just feels awkward. It can also be annoying when you are trying to sleep and your head or feet are slightly downhill.
But the bigger concern is the stress it can put on the RV.
An unlevel RV can place uneven pressure on the frame, walls, cabinets, slides, plumbing, and appliances. Over time, that stress can lead to problems. Cabinets may shift, trim may crack, doors may not close correctly, and slides may not operate as smoothly as they should.
Your plumbing can also be affected. Water may not drain properly, tanks may not empty as well, and your holding tank readings may be less accurate.
Your refrigerator is another concern, especially if you have an absorption-style RV fridge. Those fridges need to be close to level to work properly. If they are operated too far out of level, they may not cool correctly, and in some cases, they can be damaged.
That is why I take leveling seriously. It is not just about comfort. It is about protecting the RV and keeping everything working the way it should.
Whether you level manually or use auto levelers, the goal is the same: get the RV stable, supported, and level before you settle in.
Should You Level Your RV Side To Side Or Front To Back First?
If you have auto levelers, you usually do not need to think much about whether to level side to side or front to back first. The system handles the process for you.
But I still pay attention to the campsite before I push the button.
If the site is obviously sloped, I look at which side or corner is low. If I think the auto levelers are going to lift the wheels off the ground, I use leveling blocks first. Then I let the auto levelers finish the job.
If you are leveling manually, the process depends on what type of RV you have.
With a motorhome, I like to get the RV positioned as well as possible first, then use blocks where needed before leveling. If you are using blocks, you may be correcting side-to-side and front-to-back at the same time depending on how the campsite slopes.
With a travel trailer, many RVers level side to side first while the trailer is still hooked to the tow vehicle. Then they unhitch and level front to back with the tongue jack.
With our Class A and auto levelers, the system usually handles the process well. But again, if the site is very unlevel, I would rather use blocks first than let the jacks lift the tires off the ground.
5 FAQs About RV Auto Levelers
RV auto levelers are simple once you get used to them, but they still create a lot of questions for RV owners. Here are five of the most common questions I hear.
1. Do All RVs have Auto Levelers?
No, all RVs do not have auto levelers.
They are common on Class A motorhomes, larger Class C motorhomes, and fifth wheels, especially higher-end models. But many travel trailers, smaller motorhomes, and entry-level RVs still require manual leveling.
Sometimes auto levelers are standard equipment, and sometimes they are an optional upgrade. If you are shopping for an RV and auto leveling matters to you, make sure you check the actual build sheet. Do not just assume the RV has them because it is large or expensive.
2. Do RV Auto Levelers Work Well?
Yes, RV auto levelers can work very well when they are properly calibrated and maintained.
Susan and I have auto levelers on our Class A motorhome, and they work great. They save time and make campsite setup much easier.
But I still keep a four-foot level on board. If something feels off, I like being able to check the RV myself. A basic level is simple, cheap, and dependable.
If the auto levelers are not getting the RV level, the system may need to be recalibrated. If that does not solve the issue, there could be a sensor problem, jack problem, or another issue that needs service.
3. Can You Add Auto Levelers To Your RV?
Yes, you can add auto levelers to many RVs.
But it is not a small upgrade. The system needs to be matched to your RV type and weight. You also need to decide between electric and hydraulic systems and determine whether a 4-point or 6-point system makes the most sense.
The cost can be significant. You may spend several thousand dollars for the system, plus installation if you do not do the work yourself.
For frequent campers with larger RVs, auto levelers can be a great upgrade. For occasional campers, leveling blocks may be a better use of money.
4. Should Your Tires Be On The Ground When Auto Leveling?
Yes, your tires should stay on the ground when auto-leveling.
I do not like seeing RV tires hanging in the air after leveling. Even if the jacks can hold the weight, the RV is more stable and better supported when the tires remain on the ground.
If the campsite is very unlevel, I use leveling blocks under the tires before or during the leveling process. That way, the auto levelers do not have to lift the RV so far, and the wheels stay supported.
If your tires are coming off the ground on a normal campsite, your auto levelers may need calibration or repair.
5. How Important Is It To Get Your RV Level?
Getting your RV level is very important.
A level RV is more comfortable, but it also protects the RV. When your RV is not level, weight and stress may not be distributed properly. That can affect the frame, cabinets, slides, plumbing, tanks, and appliances.
Your fridge may also need the RV to be level, especially if it is an absorption refrigerator. If the fridge is too far out of level, it may not cool properly and could potentially be damaged.
So yes, leveling matters. I do it every time we set up camp, even if we are only staying for a short time.
Final Thoughts: Should RV Tires Be Off The Ground When Auto Leveling?
RV auto levelers are one of those features that can really spoil you. Once you get used to pushing a button and letting the RV level itself, it is hard to go back.
Susan and I really like the auto levelers on our Class A motorhome. They work great, and they make setup much easier. But I still pay attention to what the RV is doing.
Your RV tires should not be off the ground when auto-leveling. The tires help support and stabilize the RV, and I do not want all that extra stress placed on the jacks if I can avoid it.
If we are on a very unlevel campsite, I use leveling blocks so the tires stay on the ground while the auto levelers finish the job. I also keep a four-foot level on board so I can double-check the RV and recalibrate the system if needed.
Auto levelers are a great feature, but they are not a substitute for paying attention. Use them, enjoy them, but do not ignore your tires, your blocks, or your common sense.
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About the Author:
Hi, I’m Mike Scarpignato, co-founder of TravelTrailerPro.com, RVBlogger.com, and MotorhomeFAQs.com and the RVBlogger YouTube Channel. My wife Susan and I are full-time RV content creators who travel the country exploring RV shows, dealerships, and campgrounds. Together, we review RVs, test gear, and share real-world advice to help you enjoy the RV lifestyle to the fullest.
Beyond our websites, we run one of the largest RV communities online, including our private Facebook group called RV Camping for Newbies with more than 250,000 members, and we send out four weekly newsletters packed with RV tips, reviews, and inspiration. Susan is the steady hand behind the camera on our YouTube channel, and she also keeps us organized as we juggle travel, filming, and publishing.
When we’re not creating content, you’ll find us camping in our motorhome, trying out new RV gear, and connecting with fellow RVers on the road. Our mission is simple: to make RVing easier, safer, and more fun for everyone.
