A sloping site can make doors swing, sleep uncomfortable and some appliances operate outside their instructions. Levelling should be a controlled parking task using equipment designed for the caravan—not an attempt to jack it into place with corner steadies.
The usual sequence is side-to-side first, then front-to-back. Measure the side difference, place purpose-made levelling equipment on firm ground and move the low-side wheel or wheels onto it using the manufacturer’s procedure. The free Caravan Levelling Calculator estimates the lift from wheel spacing and the measured slope.
Why level a caravan?
Comfort is the obvious reason, but doors, drainage and appliances also matter. Appliance requirements vary. Some modern compressor refrigerators tolerate normal site slopes differently from absorption models, so read the manual for the fitted unit rather than relying on campsite folklore.
Thetford’s instructions for one absorption refrigerator specify limits in degrees and warn about operation beyond them; other models differ. The calculator does not decide whether your refrigerator is safe to operate.
Side-to-side before front-to-back
Side-to-side levelling normally involves the caravan wheels, so it is done while the caravan can still move. Once the side is correct, chock and secure the caravan, unhitch according to the manufacturer procedure, then use the jockey wheel or approved front support to adjust front-to-back attitude.
Corner steadies are generally intended to stabilise the parked body after levelling. Do not assume they are lifting jacks. Follow the caravan and steady manufacturer ratings and instructions.
Figures the calculator needs
- Transverse wheel spacing: the horizontal distance between the left and right tyre contact positions used by the calculator.
- Side-to-side angle or height difference: measured consistently on a known reference surface.
- Available block increments: the usable heights of the purpose-made system.
- Tyre arrangement: single or tandem axle and whether every wheel on the low side will be supported as required.
- Equipment capacity: block, ramp, chock and ground limits from their manufacturers.
Measure from a useful reference
A small spirit level or calibrated electronic level can be placed on a repeatable internal surface known to reflect the caravan body. Benchtops and floors are not automatically true, so establish a reference on level ground once and record it.
Measure after the caravan is in its intended site position, with the ground assessed and wheels straight. Recheck after moving onto blocks because soil compression and tyre position can change the result.
How angle becomes lift
For a simplified side-to-side calculation, required lift is approximately wheel spacing × tan(angle). The angle must be in degrees for the calculator’s input, while the trigonometric function uses the corresponding radian value internally.
If the effective wheel spacing is 2,000 mm and the measured slope is 2 degrees:
Lift = 2,000 × tan(2°) ≈ 2,000 × 0.03492 = 69.8 mm.
A practical block choice must respect the available system, tyre support, ground and manufacturer limit. The mathematical result does not authorise a 70 mm improvised stack.
Choose purpose-made support
Use levelling ramps or interlocking blocks intended for the tyre load and configuration. The tyre tread should be properly supported, the approach stable and the system used in its permitted orientation. Tandem wheels may require a product designed to support both tyres without forcing one tyre or suspension component into an unsuitable position.
Never substitute loose rocks, bricks, scrap timber or a precarious tower of mixed objects. Do not work under a caravan supported only by levelling equipment or a jack.
Chock against movement
Before unhitching or working around the coupling, secure the caravan using its parking brake and suitable wheel chocks in accordance with the manufacturer instructions. Place yourself away from crush paths and never rely on the tow vehicle alone to hold a caravan on a slope.
SafeWork NSW’s general vehicle-parking controls include level ground where possible, awareness of limitations on gradients, parking brakes and chocks to prevent uncontrolled movement. Campsite procedures must also account for the caravan’s own instructions.
Front-to-back levelling
After side-to-side levelling and restraint, adjust the front using the jockey wheel or approved system. Keep within its surface, extension and load limits. A support pad may spread load on soft ground if approved and appropriately sized.
Once level, deploy corner steadies to remove body movement—not to twist the chassis or lift wheels. Recheck doors and the level after settling.
When to reject the site
Move or request another site when the required lift exceeds the equipment limit, the ground is unstable, blocks cannot sit fully, a wheel would remain poorly supported, drainage presents a hazard, access requires an unsafe manoeuvre or the caravan cannot be restrained confidently.
A calculator returning a number does not make a site usable. A smaller slope on firm ground is often the better solution.
Understand what the calculator has simplified
The formula treats the caravan as a simple width and assumes the reference angle represents the wheel contact plane. Real tyres compress, suspension moves, ground settles and the body reference may have an offset. Block systems also provide discrete heights rather than a continuously adjustable result.
Use the estimate to choose a likely starting height, then move carefully, secure the caravan and remeasure. Do not attempt to achieve a perfect digital zero by repeatedly adding marginal support. Comfort, appliance instructions and stable support are the practical tests.
Tandem-axle considerations
A tandem caravan shares load across two tyres and suspension components on each side. The levelling product must suit the tyre spacing, diameters, loads and suspension. A ramp that supports one tyre while leaving the other in an unintended position may be inappropriate.
Follow both caravan and levelling-system instructions. If the geometry does not fit, use another approved system or choose another site rather than modifying blocks or allowing a tyre to hang poorly.
Soft ground, rain and settling
A site that appears firm can soften after rain or under a concentrated support load. Inspect for disturbed fill, hidden holes, roots, service covers and runoff. Use only approved load-spreading pads and keep them fully supported.
After setup, recheck the caravan if conditions change or movement appears. Do not crawl under the caravan to inspect supports. If a block shifts, clear people from risk areas, reconnect or restrain the caravan as required by its procedure, and reset safely.
Pack equipment for the real caravan
Before travel, confirm the rated capacity, maximum height, dimensions and condition of blocks, ramps and chocks. Replace cracked, distorted or contaminated equipment. Carry a level that you can read consistently and the correct handle or tool for the fitted steadies.
Store levelling equipment so it cannot become a loose load. Its mass also belongs in the caravan payload plan.
Practise on a simple site first
Learn the equipment on firm ground with a small, manageable slope and plenty of clearance. Agree on stop signals between the driver and spotter, keep every bystander away from the wheels and never place hands or feet near a block while the caravan is moving.
Record which block step produced the desired result and how the caravan reference reads when comfortable. Practice does not expand the equipment’s limits, but it removes avoidable uncertainty when arriving at camp.
Common levelling mistakes
- Trying to lift the caravan with corner steadies.
- Levelling front-to-back before correcting the wheel side.
- Using bricks, stones or unstable timber offcuts.
- Supporting only part of a tyre tread.
- Forgetting the parking brake and chocks.
- Ignoring tandem-axle equipment instructions.
- Assuming every refrigerator has the same tolerance.
- Persisting with a site beyond the equipment’s capacity.
A safe setup checklist
- Walk the site and identify soft ground, holes, services and drainage.
- Confirm approach and departure clearance.
- Measure side-to-side attitude from a known reference.
- Check block capacity and required tyre support.
- Keep people clear while moving onto the system.
- Apply the brake and chocks before unhitching.
- Adjust front-to-back with approved equipment.
- Use corner steadies only as instructed.
- Recheck level and stability after settling.
Ready to estimate the lift?
Measure the caravan carefully and enter the slope and spacing into the free Caravan Levelling Calculator. Compare the result with your purpose-made equipment and all manufacturer limits before moving the caravan.
For broader arrival practice, use the first caravan trip checklist. Explore the free Australian Caravan Calculator Hub for more planning tools.
Frequently asked questions
Can corner steadies level a caravan?
Do not assume so. They are commonly intended to stabilise rather than lift. Follow the specific caravan and component instructions.
Should both tandem tyres be supported?
Use a levelling system and method approved for the tandem arrangement, with appropriate support for the real load.
How level must a caravan refrigerator be?
It depends on refrigerator type and model. Check its current operating manual; do not apply another model’s degree limit.
Can I use timber?
Use purpose-designed, load-rated equipment unless your caravan and equipment manufacturers explicitly approve another method. Avoid improvised or damaged supports.
What if the calculator exceeds my block height?
Choose another position or site. Do not exceed ratings or build an unstable stack.
Sources and safety note
Last checked: 12 August 2026.
- Thetford Australia — absorption refrigerator owner’s manual
- Dometic Australia — caravan refrigerator instructions
- SafeWork NSW — vehicle movement and parking controls
This article provides a geometric planning estimate, not a lifting or support specification. Follow the caravan, appliance and levelling-equipment manufacturers. Reject unstable sites and obtain competent assistance where needed.