Am I doing something wrong? Leveling an RV

Welcome to Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the National RV Training Academy, the largest hands-on RV training academy in America. As we head into winter, many RVers have questions about cold-weather solar system maintenance and the safe leveling of motorhomes. Today, we’ll dive into these topics to keep your RV safe, functional, and ready for adventure—even in freezing temperatures.

Winter Solar System Maintenance: Keeping Your Power FlowingWinter poses unique challenges for RV solar systems. From snow-covered panels to cold-sensitive lithium batteries, here’s what you need to know to keep your solar system operating efficiently during the colder months.

1. Clear Snow from Your Panels

• Snow buildup on solar panels blocks sunlight, preventing your system from generating power.
• Regularly inspect your panels and remove snow as needed to maximize charging efficiency.

2. Protect Lithium Batteries in Cold Weather

• Lithium batteries do not accept a charge in freezing temperatures. Charging cold lithium batteries can damage their internal cells, compromising their structural integrity.

3. Solutions for Charging Lithium Batteries

• Use Heated Batteries: Invest in battery heating solutions to maintain an optimal temperature for your lithium batteries.
• Lower the Charge Limit: If your batteries are cold and unheated, set the charge limit to 5 amps. While not ideal, this slow charge prevents damage to the batteries until they warm up.

Winter solar management requires diligence, but with proper care, you can keep your power system running smoothly even in harsh conditions.

Leveling Motorhomes: Safety First

An increasing trend among motorhome users is leaving their wheels off the ground after leveling—particularly with larger Class A rigs. This practice, while technically possible, poses significant safety risks. Let’s break it down.

Is It Safe to Leave Wheels Off the Ground?

• The System Can Do It, But It’s Not Safe: Hydraulic leveling systems are powerful enough to lift the RV off the ground, but relying solely on hydraulic pressure introduces risks.
• Risk of Hydraulic Failure: If the hydraulic system develops a slow leak, the RV can unexpectedly lower itself, creating a dangerous situation—especially if you or someone else is inside or nearby.

Best Practices for Safe Leveling

1. Use Cribbing for Support
   • What is Cribbing? Cribbing involves placing sturdy supports, such as 2×12 boards cut to 12-18 inches, under your tires.
   • How to Use It:
     • Lift the RV slightly higher than the desired level.
     • Place the cribbing under the tires.
     • Lower the RV onto the cribbing to ensure the tires rest securely.
   • This setup provides a safety net if the hydraulic system fails.
2. Avoid Over-Reliance on Jacks Alone
   • While hydraulic systems are reliable, they’re not infallible. Always have a backup plan, like cribbing, to prevent accidents.
3. Digging for Leveling (For Fifth Wheels)
   • On uneven ground, you can dig a hole on the higher side to bring the RV to level.
   • Caution: This method is impractical for motorhomes (Class A rigs) since digging and maneuvering in and out of holes can be challenging.

Winter Preparation Checklist for RVers

• ✅ Solar Maintenance:
  • Clear snow from panels.
  • Use heated batteries or reduce charge limits for lithium systems.
• ✅ Safe Leveling Practices:
  • Always use cribbing to support wheels off the ground.
  • Avoid leaving Class A rigs completely suspended on hydraulic jacks.
• ✅ General Winter RV Prep:
  • Inspect and maintain all systems (furnace, water lines, etc.).
  • Ensure you have enough propane for extended cold-weather stays.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re relying on solar power in freezing conditions or leveling your RV on uneven terrain, safety and preparation are paramount. Follow these tips to protect your RV systems and enjoy a secure and comfortable experience throughout the winter season.

For more RV tips and tricks, subscribe to our channel and join us next week for another Tech Tip Tuesday. Safe travels, and stay warm out there!