Setting Stabilizer Jacks

Our Rockwood has 4 stabilizer jacks, one at each corner of the trailer. Their purpose is to stabilize, not to level. Many beginning RVers often attempt to level their rigs using these jacks; although they can be used to "fine tune" the level, their true purpose is to stabilize the rig. Because we have tandem wheels, our rig still rocks a bit whenever we move through the trailer, even with the stabilizer jacks in place. To prevent this, I would need to purchase stabilizer chocks, such as those shown below. I simply have not done that yet.

Once the trailer is level -- both front-to-back and side-to-side -- I then put the stabilizer jacks in place. Like many RVers, I use a portable electric drill to raise and lower these jacks; this saves quite a bit of time and energy.

As a rule, I first put down 1 or more leveling blocks. I find the jacks do better if they aren't extended very far, and the leveling blocks help accomplish this. I also like to place a block of 2"x4" wood on top of the leveling blocks. This gives the jack a solid flat surface to make contact with.

In the picture above, you can clearly see the 3 orange leveling blocks on the right-front of the trailer. Atop the blocks is a single 2"x4" block of wood. The other 3 jacks would, no doubt, be set up similarly. If you look closely, you can also make out the leveling board the right side of the trailer is resting on. Look just between the front tire of the trailer and the steps to the front door. This is a pretty level site, and appears to have required only a single board.