If you camp in Wisconsin, you know the sites are rarely flat. I have pulled into spots at Harrington Beach and spent 20 minutes trying to get the rig level with whatever blocks I had on hand. It is frustrating. And if you are using the wrong blocks, it takes even longer.
RV leveling blocks are one of those items people underestimate until they need them. The right set makes setup fast. The wrong set either slips out, stacks too high to feel stable, or cracks after one cold season. This guide covers what actually matters when you are choosing between the options on the market.
Why Leveling Your RV Actually Matters
Most people know an unlevel RV is uncomfortable to sleep in. But that is not the main reason to care.
Your refrigerator depends on it. RV absorption refrigerators need to be within a few degrees of level to run properly. Run them off-level for hours and you risk damaging the cooling unit — a repair that can cost $500 to $1,200. The refrigerator argument alone justifies buying a real set of leveling blocks.
Gray water drains better. When your rig sits with the drain end slightly lower than the rest of the tank, water does not pool and sit. Pooled water in gray tanks causes odors and can back up into low-point drains.
Sleep quality. Everyone in the rig feels a two-degree tilt by 3:00 a.m. Leveling properly means nobody wakes up sliding toward a wall.
A good bubble level or phone app gets you close. For most weekend campers, close enough works fine — but the refrigerator wants to be within 3 degrees.
Three Types of RV Leveling Blocks
Not every leveling block works the same way, and the type you need depends on how you camp and what you are towing or driving.
1. Stackable Plastic Blocks (Interlocking Tile Style)
These are the most popular for travel trailers and fifth wheels. They come as a set of individual plastic tiles that stack on top of each other and lock together. You drive your wheel onto the stack you have built. The more tiles, the more lift.
Brands like Lynx and RVMate use this format. The design is intuitive — no guessing, no math. Stack more, get more lift.
They work on gravel, grass, and paved sites. They store flat, which matters in a small tow vehicle or truck bed.
2. Ramp-Style Levelers
Ramp-style blocks are a single wedge shape. You drive up until you hit the height you need, then chock behind the tire. Quick for small corrections under two inches. Good for motorhomes where a very tall tile stack is not practical.
3. Curved or Ramp-and-Level Combo (Anderson Style)
Anderson Levelers use a curved ramp with a flat level spot at the top. You drive up until the RV's level reads correct, then chock. There is no stacking — you just drive and stop.
These are faster than stackable tiles for small corrections. They are not great for large height differences because the curved design has a maximum lift range.
Lynx Levelers — What They Do Well
Lynx Levelers are the most recognized stackable block on the market. They have been around for decades and the design has not changed much — because it works.
recognized stackable block on the market. They have been around for decades and the design has not changed much — because it works.What they do well:
- High weight ratings. Each tile is rated for substantial load. A full stack handles most trailer tongue weights without cracking.
- Interlocking design. The tiles lock together so they do not slide apart when you drive onto them.
- UV-stable plastic. They do not get brittle fast in Wisconsin winters.
- They double as wheel chocks. The same tiles stack to form a chock if needed.
Where they fall short:
- Price. Lynx is more expensive per tile than generic options.
- Yellow color shows every dirt stain. This is purely cosmetic but people notice it.
- The full-size tiles are bulky. A 10-pack takes up real storage space.
For someone who camps frequently and wants a set that lasts years, Lynx is a solid choice. We stock them because we trust them on our own service rigs.
RVMate 12-Pack — When It Makes Sense
RVMate leveling blocks offer a similar interlocking design to Lynx but at a lower price point, and the 12-pack gives you more tiles per dollar.
When RVMate makes sense:
- You are buying your first set and want to try the tile-stack format without spending $40 on Lynx.
- You need extra tiles to supplement a set you already have.
- You camp on mostly flat sites and rarely need more than 2-3 inches of lift.
The RVMate blocks are solid for light to moderate use. They hold their shape and interlock cleanly. The plastic feels slightly less dense than Lynx, but for weekend campers it holds up fine.
If you are a full-timer or camp on rough terrain regularly, the Lynx tiles are worth the price difference over years of use.
The Cheap Unbranded Blocks at the Box Store — When to Skip
You have seen them — the two-pack of angled plastic wedges for $8 at a hardware store. Sometimes they come bundled with a wheel chock in a plastic bag.
We do not recommend these as your only leveling solution. Here is why.
They are thin. Most max out at 1.5 to 2 inches of lift. If you need more than that, you are out of options. They crack in cold weather. Wisconsin winters are not kind to cheap plastic. A block that cracks under load while you are driving onto it is a hazard. They do not interlock. Stack two together and they slide when the tire rolls over them.
Use these as a secondary backup or for very minor corrections on already-flat sites. Do not make them your primary system.
How Many Blocks to Carry
For a travel trailer or fifth wheel, here is our rule of thumb:
- 4 tires — you may need to level each corner independently
- 2-3 tiles per wheel as a baseline for most campsites
- At least 10-12 tiles total for a setup that handles most situations
The Lynx 10-pack or RVMate 12-pack gets you there. We keep 14 tiles in the service truck because we have learned that every campsite is different.
For motorhomes, leveling jacks handle most of the work — you may need fewer blocks, but a 10-pack is still worth having. A carrying bag matters too. Loose tiles rattle and get dirty. Most name-brand sets include one.
5-Step Leveling Walkthrough
Getting level does not have to take 20 minutes. Here is how we do it in under three minutes.
Step 1: Pull into the site and stop. Before unhitching, use a bubble level or phone app (Campanda or RV Levels both work) to see which direction and how much correction you need.
Step 2: Build your stacks before you move. Place the number of tiles you think you need on the ground where the low-side tires will sit. Better to have one extra than one too few.
Step 3: Pull forward slowly onto the stacks. Have your co-pilot watch the level app. Signal you to stop when the bubble centers. Keep your speed to a slow walk.
Step 4: Check your level. Verify front-to-back and side-to-side. If you are close but not quite there, a small ramp-style block for a minor correction is faster than restacking.
Step 5: Chock your wheels. Even with blocks under the tire, always chock the opposite end. Blocks are not wheel chocks — they are lift devices.
For reference on best practices for stabilizing an RV, the Camping World RV leveling guide covers the fundamentals well.
Common Questions
How many RV leveling blocks do I need?
For most travel trailers, 10 to 12 tiles handles the majority of campsite situations. We recommend at least 3 tiles per wheel and a carrying bag to keep them organized. If you camp on uneven terrain frequently, 14 to 16 tiles gives you more flexibility.
Can you stack Lynx Levelers and RVMate blocks together?
The interlocking tabs are similar but not always a perfect fit between brands. Mixing them in the same stack can work in a pinch, but the connection is not as secure as using matched tiles. Keep sets separate when possible.
Do leveling blocks work on grass and gravel?
Yes. Wide-base tiles like Lynx and RVMate distribute the tire load across a larger surface area, which prevents sinking on soft ground. On very soft or wet ground, a piece of plywood under the tiles adds even more stability.
Need help with bigger RV jobs? Pals By Design runs a mobile RV service across SE Wisconsin. Call (262) 302-5844 or visit our service page at palsbydesign.co/pages/free-checklist.
Ready to pick up a set? Browse leveling blocks at Pals By Design — we carry Lynx Levelers and RVMate blocks with free shipping on orders over $75.
We are a small RV shop based in Grafton, Wisconsin. If you have questions about leveling gear or anything else for your rig, reach us at (262) 302-5844 or service@palsbydesign.co.