Ask anyone who’s leveled an RV with blocks and a bubble level at 10 p.m. on a sloped site: an automatic leveling system is one of the best quality-of-life upgrades there is. The next question is usually “hydraulic or electric?” The honest answer is that it depends on the RV more than on the owner’s preference. Here’s how we think about it.

First: leveling isn’t the same as stabilizing

This is the most common mix-up we see. Leveling jacks change the RV’s position so the floor sits level. Stabilizers reduce the rocking and bouncing once you’re already level. Many RVs come with stabilizer jacks, and they look similar, but they aren’t built to lift the coach. Using a stabilizer as a lifting jack is a good way to bend it or damage the frame it’s mounted to.

How hydraulic systems work

Hydraulic leveling uses a pump to push fluid into cylinders that extend the jacks. These systems are strong, and they’re common on motorhomes and larger, heavier RVs where lifting force matters. They need room underneath for the pump, reservoir and hydraulic lines, and like any hydraulic system they benefit from periodic checks of fluid and fittings.

How electric systems work

Electric leveling uses motor-driven jacks, with no fluid or pump. These systems are common on fifth wheels and trailers. They’re typically simpler to route and maintain, though each jack has its own motor and wiring that need a good power supply.

Both types can be automatic: you press a button, the controller reads the RV’s position and adjusts each jack until it’s level.

What actually decides the right system

The decision comes from the RV rather than from a brochure:

• Frame and mounting points: where jacks can be attached safely.
• Weight: how much the system has to lift.
• Ground clearance: so the jacks don’t hang too low when retracted.
• Space underneath: tanks, slide-out mechanisms and other components that are in the way.
• Power supply: what the system needs while it operates.
• Manufacturer fitment: whether the system is approved for your specific RV.

That’s why we don’t recommend buying a leveling kit before someone has confirmed it fits. Leveling systems aren’t universal, and a kit that’s wrong for your frame is an expensive paperweight.

Brands we install

We install Lippert and EQ leveling systems, both hydraulic and electric, and match the specific system to the RV. We supply the parts for our installations, so we don’t install customer-supplied kits. To start, all we need is your RV’s details and what you want to improve about setting up camp.

Using it well

Even the best system has a routine: choose reasonable ground, follow the manufacturer’s operating sequence, and check that the jacks are fully retracted before you drive. A system that’s installed and calibrated properly, and used the way it was designed, makes setup the easiest part of arriving.

Learn more

Our leveling visual guide explains the options in six short slides. For installation and repair details, see our leveling systems page.

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