Trailer on incline

[AnneM]

Total newbie here, so sorry if the question is super dumb and thanks in advance for your patience!

What happens with a TT if you have to park it on an incline? I take it proper campgrounds are level but what if you're just overnighting in someone's driveway or street (with permission, of course) and it's not level? Is that an issue? How can you overcome that? Also, what about the risk of the trailer getting on the move?

My scenario is that of getting invited to spend a night at friends, unhitching so we can drive around with the truck and leaving the trailer in their driveway. Dangerous? Bad for the trailer? Could we spend the night in it like that? (we might be invited to stay in their home though).

[AnneM]

You know, the one thing I miss in the forum is the ability to "like" the replies. So instead, I'll say a big thank you to all the replies. I just read through them and will be doing so again, probably more than once.

To answer the questions - I am in the research phase right now. We don't even have a TT, just really want to get there (yesterday, as far as I'm concerned but in a couple of years time as far as DH is concerned 😉 ). I do have a plan of what our trip will look like and I know we'll be visiting friends (and making new ones!) across the US. I realize it's not ok to park your RV in just any neighborhood or street but as far as I can tell, it's certainly ok in some places. So I suspect we'll be doing that sometimes when visiting friends. Just made me think about the incline option when you're not in an established campground with leveled sites.

This is immensely helpful - again, thank you!

[Old-Biscuit]

Jayco-noslide wrote:
If it's off level more than would be comfortable to live in, then you risk damaging the refrigerator. I don't completely understand the mechanical reason but it's a well know fact in the RV world. And I don't think it matters if it's running on electricity or gas. Something about the circulation of the cooling fluid.

An Absorption Fridge uses Natural Circulation (Heat rises/cold descends) and gravity flow
Remove lower access vent and look at the 'absorber tubes' (large slanted tubing that goes to large tank at bottom)
Those tubes are slanted downward to use gravity so coolant goes to absorber tank that feeds the boiler section.

Off level operation disrupts that gravity flow and can cause overheating of the coolant (low flow) and/or the perk tube (boiler section)
Overheating causes damage that is accumulative and Permanent.
Crystals form from overheating that plate out and obstruct coolant flow causing more crystals/more plating repeat until BLOCKAGE and DEATH to cooling unit

[Lwiddis]

“I take it proper campgrounds are level“

No, they are not. Be ready to level at any campsite. The more you do it, the easier it become.

[Jayco-noslide]

If it's off level more than would be comfortable to live in, then you risk damaging the refrigerator. I don't completely understand the mechanical reason but it's a well know fact in the RV world. And I don't think it matters if it's running on electricity or gas. Something about the circulation of the cooling fluid.

[afidel]

APT wrote:
This is my procedure which very much limits problems of the site being unlevel.

Level side to side by placing Lynx leveling blocks under low side wheels (optional as necessary by site)
Chock wheels (mandatory every before unhitching the TT fronm TV
Disconnect WDH
Level front to back with tongue jack
lower stabilizer jacks

I have this procedure down to a science before any family member gets out of the TV. Takes <5 min usually which is beneficial as some campsites I have to block the campground loop road traffic until unhitched. When leaving, TV hookup is last. Patio mat put away, awning in, hitch up, grab chocks and blocks, leave. Last steps with minimal road blocking time.

Since I have perfected this procedure with my current equipment, I have little excuse not to do this all the time, even under circumstances of quick overnight stops along the travel route.

The only thing I'll add is that you may need blocks or lumber for the tongue jack, I carry a pair of 4x4 blocks about 2' long, if a site is more than 8" plus what the tongue jack can do it's probably not safe even with wheel chocks IMHO.

[APT]

This is my procedure which very much limits problems of the site being unlevel.

Level side to side by placing Lynx leveling blocks under low side wheels (optional as necessary by site)
Chock wheels (mandatory every before unhitching the TT fronm TV
Disconnect WDH
Level front to back with tongue jack
lower stabilizer jacks

I have this procedure down to a science before any family member gets out of the TV. Takes <5 min usually which is beneficial as some campsites I have to block the campground loop road traffic until unhitched. When leaving, TV hookup is last. Patio mat put away, awning in, hitch up, grab chocks and blocks, leave. Last steps with minimal road blocking time.

Since I have perfected this procedure with my current equipment, I have little excuse not to do this all the time, even under circumstances of quick overnight stops along the travel route.

[naturist]

Won't hurt the trailer, but not good for an absorption fridge, which they all are unless it has been replaced with a household fridge.

What's wrong with using the leveling blocks in the driveway? You do have leveling blocks, don't you?

[Yosemite_Sam1]

romore wrote:
It won't hurt the trailer but sure would be uncomfortable to sleep in. Also chock the wheels so you don't wake up in the yard across the street.

Best answer but I'll add that you might have to use your friend's bathroom to shower.

[Oasisbob]

Trailer should be level, or close to it, for the sake of your comfort and the fridge. Lock and block the wheels. Depending on the slope this can be a chore.

[TurnThePage]

I level mine all the time, but that's because I leave my fridge on all the time (except during winter storage). It's easy to get it level and chock the wheels for safety. I have rubber and plastic chocks and lots of boards to put under tires and tongue jack. Makes life much easier.

[wildtoad]

Totally depends on how much of an incline. TT’s can be leveled front to back, side to side. You may need to get some leveling blocks, boards, or add levelers to the TT. You also need some wheel chocks to keep the TT from rolling, and it’s a good idea to use them even on level ground. Don’t know about where you are but many localities have rules about parking RV’s on the street much less setting them up for temporary occupancy.

If you can get the TT “close” to level you should be fine for use. The fridge (standard RV fridge) is probably the most sensitive in operation in that if not fairly level, you can damage it by running it.

[romore]

It won't hurt the trailer but sure would be uncomfortable to sleep in. Also chock the wheels so you don't wake up in the yard across the street.