{"id":10330,"date":"2023-09-01T14:50:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T21:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog2.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=10330"},"modified":"2024-10-31T09:14:57","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T16:14:57","slug":"parking-trailer-on-sloped-driveway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/parking-trailer-on-sloped-driveway\/","title":{"rendered":"Parking Trailer on Sloped Driveway Safely: The How-to Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s your turn to pull the trailer, and you’re trying to park it for the first time, but the trailer hardly reacts to your maneuver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how do you park a trailer on a sloped driveway? <\/strong>Does it matter if it’s a single or dual axle? What kind of blocks do you need? Do you have to buy blocks? Is leveling a camper hard? Does the hitch matter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re new to RVing, how to park a trailer on a sloped driveway is a skill you need to cultivate.<\/strong> Not only is it a matter of safety for you and those around you, learning this skill also saves you the time and stress of parking a trailer on a sloped driveway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And you’ll be happy to know that it’s less about skill than about using the right tools and techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So let’s save you time and frustration with a simple process for how to park a trailer or RV on a sloped driveway.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phase 1:  Gather the Essential Equipment for Safely Parking a Trailer on a Sloped Driveway<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before getting into the backing-up part, you need to make sure you’re using the right tools to safely park a trailer on a sloped driveway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1: The Proper Tow Vehicle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You need a tow vehicle that’s rated to tow your trailer’s weight. That means you need to weigh your trailer when it’s loaded and ready to go on a road trip. Then double-check that number with your vehicle’s towing capacity and that your transmission can handle it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro Tip: <\/em><\/strong>Some hybrid engines don’t run in reverse. It’s strictly electric in reverse. So while your towing capacity is capable, it may not have the “umph” you need to get it up a steep slope safely. So have a plan B. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2: The Right Wheel Chocks or X Chocks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A wheel chock is a wedge-shaped device that stops your vehicle from unintentionally rolling or moving<\/strong>. On a sloped driveway, wheel chocks are a vital safety to keep your trailer stationary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some trailers have tandem axles<\/strong>, where the wheels are next to each other. For these axles, use X chocks to position between the two wheels<\/strong>. X chocks keep wheels from rolling forward or backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find good plastic or rubber chocks for your wheels at Harbor Freight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3: Leveling Blocks for your RV<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve parked your RV on a sloped driveway, you need to level it to prevent undue stress. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leveling blocks assist in leveling the trailer and offer extra stability. When selecting between plastic blocks and wood leveling blocks, consider the size and mass of your vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now they do make special leveling blocks that you can use to level your RV. But you can always build up your own blocks with pavers or wood, adding to the stack as needed. Just make sure your blocks are stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4: Functional Tongue Jack and Stabilizers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These keep your RV stable on an incline. Stabilizers and a tongue jack usually come with your RV. But you need to make sure they’re functioning well before you park your trailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A tongue jack<\/strong>, mounted at the front of a trailer, is used to raise and lower the front of the trailer, <\/strong>so you can align it with your vehicle. It pivots up into the tongue while you’re traveling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stabilizer jacks ensure a level position for an RV or travel trailer.<\/strong> They are back and front stabilizers on your travel trailer or RV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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