Written by: Izzy B.Updated on: 4/29/25Est. time to read: 8 mins.

Still Rocking After Leveling?
How to Stabilize Your RV for Good

You’ve done everything right—leveled the trailer, dropped the stabilizers, and settled in for a weekend of peace and quiet. But if you’re still noticing a bit of movement inside—the kind that rattles cabinets, rocks the trailer when someone turns in bed, or makes the whole rig shift with every step—you’re not doing anything wrong.In fact, you’re already ahead of the game. You’ve taken the first steps to get your RV leveled and secure. Now it’s just about dialing in the final piece: true, reliable stabilization.If you’ve been searching for a way to eliminate that last bit of sway and give your setup a more solid, “locked-in” feel, you’re in the right place.

Why My RV Still Rock After I Level it?

Traditional leveling blocks and factory scissor jacks are designed to keep your RV from tilting side to side or front to back, but they’re mostly about getting the rig even, not locked in place. And that’s a key distinction. Leveling makes your trailer flat—stabilizing keeps it from moving.Even with your RV perfectly level, subtle shifts and movement can still happen, especially when you're parked on uneven ground or softer surfaces, like dirt or gravel. A lot of that movement comes from things like the frame flexing, or a lack of support along the sides of your camper, or even poor weight distribution inside the rig. On top of all that, the longer and heavier your trailer is, the more amplified those little movements will become. The end result? A setup that looks secure, but still feels unsettled.

Where Does the Movement Come From?

(And What Can I Do About It?)Movement in your camper usually comes from a few specific places. Knowing where and why the motion is happening is the first step toward stabilizing it for good.Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Side-to-Side SwayThis is the most noticeable kind of movement—the trailer shifts left and right when someone walks around inside, or when the wind picks up. It's often caused by a lack of lateral support (especially on longer rigs), or by the use of stabilizers that aren’t wide or firm enough to add much stability.
• Front-to-Back RockingThis feels like a gentle seesaw motion when weight in the rig shifts around—like if someone walks from the back of the trailer up to the front. It can also happen if your tongue jack isn’t fully stabilized, if your wheels aren’t chocked, or if the weight inside your rig isn’t balanced properly.
• Chassis FlexEven though your RV looks solid, its frame can flex or twist slightly under pressure—especially on uneven terrain. This slight twisting reduces your trailer’s overall frame stability—the ability of your RV's structure to remain rigid and fully supported. When frame stability is compromised, you'll notice subtle bouncing or shifting movements inside your rig. Like all types of camper movement, chassis flex is particularly noticeable on larger trailers and fifth wheels.

Luckily, each of these issues has a fix, and the right combination of stabilizing gear can make a night-and-day difference in how your RV feels once you’re set up.

For All-Around Stability: The Weigh Safe Flap Jack

If you’ve been chasing a more stable setup with scissor jacks or stackers, you know the drill: lots of cranking, uneven contact with the ground, and that lingering feeling that your trailer still has a little give. And depending on the surface you’re parked on, plastic stackers can crack, shift, or sink—especially in early-season mud or loose gravel.That’s exactly the kind of frustration the Weigh Safe Flap Jack was built to solve. Instead of relying on small points of contact or flimsy materials (like other stabilizing gear), the Flap Jack uses a broad, bowtie-shaped base designed to evenly distribute weight across a larger area, which creates more grip on uneven ground, and minimizes sinking on softer surfaces. This stability, coupled with the Flap Jack’s impressive 7,500 lb capacity, means it’s incredibly effective at preventing side-to-side sway.Used in pairs or sets, these stabilizers are also great for reducing front-to-back rocking, smoothing out the motion when someone walks from one end of your camper to the other. And by spreading support along your trailer’s frame, they even help minimize chassis flex, giving your rig a firmer, more grounded, feel. And when you’re ready to hit the road again? The Flap Jack stows easily, cleans up fast, and fits neatly in your gear bin without taking up half your storage.

5 Star Reviews

Stephen says: "We are amazed how compact and light this item is - especially when compared with our previous tongue block. It appears to be very well-constructed and sturdy, although we have not yet had the opportunity to test it with our travel trailer."

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For A Better Grip on the Ground: SnapPad RV Jack Pads

If soft ground or uneven surfaces are making your RV shift, sway, or sink, SnapPad RV Jack Pads might be exactly what your setup needs.These durable pads snap permanently onto your camper’s existing jack feet, instantly increasing their footprint. That wider base means less sinking into gravel, dirt, or mud, which helps significantly reduce side-to-side sway and front-to-back rocking. Plus, their thick, recycled rubber construction dampens vibrations, cutting down on those subtle movements you might feel when walking around inside.Installation couldn’t be simpler—just lower your jack onto the SnapPad until it snaps securely into place. After that, you’re all set; no removing, storing, or fussing required. And because they're built to last, you'll get a more stable campsite feel, trip after trip.

5 Star Reviews

Bernard says: "...Shipping to Canada was excellent arrived in excellent condition and on time. My wife Irma and I installed them using a wee bit of Dawn soap on the pads and installed them on our Coachman Pursuit (27 ft) a bit of juggling, a screwdriver was all that was needed. After a full season (14 outing ) the pad really, really, worked in many conditions, sand, wet grass, pavement. Highly recommend these pads. Thank You."

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For Reducing Wheel Movement: Stromberg Carlson Chock Wheel Stabilizers

Even after leveling and dropping your jacks, your rig can still shift slightly—especially if you have a tandem-axle trailer. That’s because your wheels themselves can wiggle just enough to make your camper feel like it's wobbling around.That’s where Stromberg Carlson Chock Wheel Stabilizers come in.These stabilizers lock between your trailer’s tires, applying pressure to hold them firmly in place and eliminate that subtle but constant wheel movement. They’re especially helpful for reducing front-to-back rocking, and they’re a smart complement to any stabilizer blocks or jacks you’re already using.Installation is simple—just place them between the tires and tighten the built-in wrench mechanism (that means no crawling under your trailer, you’re welcome).

5 Star Reviews

Brian says: "Sturdy and adds an extra layer of stability. Reduces the front to back 'jiggle' to nearly zero after combing with tire chocks. I also feel like this reduces some of the stress on my stabilizer jacks - which should be good for them as well."

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For Frame Stability: Valterra Folding Manual Stabilizer

Most RV stabilization focuses heavily on corners and wheels—but what about the middle of your trailer? That’s where frame stability really comes into play. As we touched on earlier, even strong RV frames can flex and shift under pressure—especially on longer rigs or uneven ground—leading to that subtle bounce or wobble you feel with every step. Without solid mid-frame support, a level rig can still feel unsettled.The Valterra Folding Manual Stabilizer is designed to directly improve frame stability by targeting the middle of your RV—the area most prone to flex. It fits trailers with 14" to 28" of ground clearance, and uses a simple screw jack design for fast, no-fuss setup. By adding firm mid-frame support, it strengthens the trailer’s foundation, reducing chassis flex and helping your entire rig feel more solid and secure.

5 Star Reviews

Tony C. says: "I love these stabilizers. I use one on each side of my motorhome and now get no movement at all in the wind or when stepping into the coach. They are light weight and easy to use. I highly suggest them to anyone that is like me and does not have auto levelers."

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Final Tips for Improving RV Stability

The right gear makes a huge difference—but even the best stabilizers can’t do it all alone. To get that rock-solid, at-home feel every time you park, keep these simple best practices in mind:

• Start with a solid base: Stabilizers work best on firm, level ground. If you’re parking on soft soil, gravel, or grass, use wide-footed stabilizers (like the Flap Jack) or add pads underneath to prevent sinking or shifting.
• Distribute weight evenly: Inside your trailer, try to spread out heavy items so no one area is overloaded. Uneven weight can cause flex and amplify movement.
• Add support mid-frame: Most jacks only stabilize the corners, but a little mid-frame support—like from a folding stabilizer—can go a long way toward reducing bounce and chassis flex.
• Chock your wheels (and do it right): Even if you’re on flat ground, properly securing your tires prevents the subtle rolling that leads to front-to-back movement. Tandem-axle rigs especially benefit from wheel stabilizers.
• Inspect and adjust: Before every trip, double-check your stabilizers and jacks for wear, rust, or loosened bolts. A quick glance can save you a lot of frustration once you’re parked.

Dialing in your stabilization setup isn’t about overdoing it—it’s about doing it smarter. Whether you're just parking for the night or setting up for a week, with the right stabilizing gear and a few smart habits, you can start every trip feeling truly settled in.

About Izzy B.

My journey with etrailer has had a number of twists and turns. I first started here in 2019 as a Summer Intern with our Content Department. I ended up enjoying the experience so much, that I came back to work at etrailer during several academic breaks throughout my college years. After some time away, I returned last Spring to work at our main warehouse, first as a Picker, and eventually on our Audit Team. Then, at the start of 2024, I was offered the chance to come aboard etrailer's Marketing Department, as a Writer for the Shopping Guide Team. Now, I help our neighbors by creating informational content to aid their shopping experience, ensuring they find the info, products, and solutions they need to get their own journeys underway!