Cribbing Your Camper: A Guide to Safe and Sturdy RV Leveling

Your RV Safety
Oct 23
5 min read

Leveling your RV is one of those not-so-glamorous chores that can make or break your trip. Uneven floors, sticky doors, and an off-balance fridge? No thanks. But beyond comfort, proper leveling is a safety must — especially when you’re camping on soft ground, gravel, or in cold weather.

That’s where cribbing comes in.

If you’ve ever seen RVers stacking wooden blocks under their tires or stabilizers, that’s cribbing — and when done right, it’s one of the safest, most stable ways to support your rig.

What Is Cribbing?

Cribbing refers to stacking solid blocks — usually wood or heavy-duty composite — in a crisscross or interlocking pattern to create a stable base for supporting weight. Think of it like building a mini log cabin under your RV tires or jacks.

The term “cribbing” comes from the construction and emergency rescue world, where it’s used to stabilize heavy loads. In the RV community, it serves the same purpose: creating a secure, level foundation that prevents shifting, sinking, or stress on your rig.

In RV applications, cribbing is used to:

Level your RV on uneven or sloped ground
Prevent jacks or stabilizers from sinking into soft soil
Distribute weight more evenly across the ground
Add safe height without overstressing your jacks

The key pieces of cribbing include:

Cribbing Blocks: Individual pieces of sturdy wood (like 4x4s or 6x6s) or composite material, cut to uniform lengths and stacked in a “Lincoln Log” style to distribute weight evenly.
Leveling Blocks: Solid pieces placed directly under the tires to raise one side of the RV — the simplest form of cribbing.
Jack Pads: Larger blocks or pads placed under stabilizing jacks or hydraulic leveler feet to prevent them from sinking into soft or wet ground.

When combined, these create a reliable, load-bearing foundation that keeps your RV level, stable, and safe — no matter where you park.

Why Use Cribbing Instead of Just Leveling Blocks?

Leveling blocks are great for quick setups, but they’re often made of lightweight plastic — and that’s not always ideal for heavier RVs or uneven terrain. Cribbing offers:

Greater strength: Wood or composite cribbing can handle heavy loads better.
Custom height: You can build it up as high as needed safely.
More stability: The interlocking pattern resists shifting and tipping.
Better ground contact: Especially useful on dirt, gravel, or sloped sites.

Think of cribbing as the “heavy-duty” version of leveling blocks — it’s what you reach for when the ground isn’t cooperating.

You don’t need fancy tools, just patience and a little know-how. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Chock the Wheels (Crucial Step)
Before doing any leveling, place wheel chocks snugly on the wheels that will stay on the ground. If you have a towable RV, engage the parking brake on the tow vehicle as well. This prevents rolling while you set up your cribbing.
Choose Solid Materials
Use untreated hardwood (like oak or maple) or composite cribbing blocks rated for RV use. Avoid softwood — it can splinter or crush under weight.
Cut to Size
Typical cribbing blocks are 4x4 or 6x6 inches thick and 12–18 inches long. Consistent sizing ensures even stacking and stable support.
Determine the Low Side
Use a bubble or electronic level to check how far off-level your RV is and which side needs to be raised. This helps you decide how many layers of cribbing you’ll need.
Create the Block Stack
Stack your cribbing blocks in a crosshatch or “Lincoln Log” pattern — two blocks side by side, then two more on top, perpendicular to the first layer. Continue building until you reach the desired height. For tire leveling, a ramped approach (each block slightly forward of the last) makes it easier to drive onto the stack.
Drive or Jack Onto the Blocks
Move slowly and carefully as you drive the lower tires onto the cribbing or lower your jacks onto it. Use a spotter if possible. Make sure the load stays straight and evenly distributed as you go.
Check for Level
Once in position, check your level again. Add or remove blocks as needed until your RV is even side-to-side.
Re-Chock and Stabilize
After achieving levelness, double-check that your wheel chocks are tight against the grounded wheels. Then level front-to-back using your tongue jack or landing gear. Place smaller cribbing blocks or jack pads under each stabilizer jack to prevent sinking and improve overall stability.
Double-Check Stability
Step back and give your RV a little “bounce test.” Nothing should shift or wobble. If it does, re-stack or adjust your cribbing until it feels rock solid.

Is Cribbing Safe in the Winter?

Yes — if you do it right. In cold weather, the ground can freeze, thaw, and shift, which can affect stability. A few winter tips:

Wood Cribbing in Wet Conditions: Wood has a tendency to soak up water, which can lead to swelling, rot, or freezing. If using wood, consider sealing it, or use high-quality, specialized plastic/polymer cribbing blocks.
Sinking in Mud/Snow: Soft ground from melting snow or heavy rain can cause cribbing to sink. Always use a large, solid base (like a sheet of plywood or a wide pad) under your cribbing to better distribute weight if the ground is soft.
Ice/Freezing: Ensure the blocks are placed on a dry, stable surface before temperatures drop. Ice formation under or between blocks can cause shifting.
Use composite blocks: wood can absorb moisture and freeze, leading to cracking.
Check frequently: temperature changes can cause your cribbing to loosen or shift.
Avoid icy ground: if possible, clear and level your pad before stacking.
Don’t stack too high: in unstable conditions, keep cribbing heights moderate (no higher than 12 inches if possible).

Done carefully, cribbing is a reliable method year-round, even on frozen or muddy ground.

Pros and Cons of Using Cribbing

Pros

Extremely stable and load-bearing
Works on uneven or soft terrain
Customizable height and width
Long-lasting (especially composite materials)
Great for long-term or seasonal setups

Cons

Heavier and bulkier to store than plastic blocks
Requires time and care to build properly
Wooden cribbing can rot or splinter over time
Overstacking can be dangerous if not level

Safety First: Tips from the Road

Never use cinder blocks. They can shatter under load.
Inspect your cribbing regularly — replace cracked or crushed blocks.
Don’t rely on stabilizers for leveling — they’re for minimizing movement, not bearing full weight.
Use a bubble or digital level — guessing doesn’t cut it when it comes to fridge safety and slide-out alignment.

Cribbing may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most underrated safety tools in your RV setup kit. Whether you’re parked lakeside, on a forest trail, or in a gravel lot, a well-built cribbing base keeps your RV level, stable, and ready for whatever the day brings.

A little extra effort during setup can prevent big headaches (and repair bills) later on.

So, next time you roll into camp and the ground looks uneven, skip the frustration — grab your cribbing and level up the safe way.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with qualified experts about any specific concerns or needs.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue providing helpful content.

Leveling your RV is one of those not-so-glamorous chores that can make or break your trip. Uneven floors, sticky doors, and an off-balance fridge? No thanks. But beyond comfort, proper leveling is a safety must — especially when you’re camping on soft ground, gravel, or in cold weather.

That’s where cribbing comes in.

If you’ve ever seen RVers stacking wooden blocks under their tires or stabilizers, that’s cribbing — and when done right, it’s one of the safest, most stable ways to support your rig.

What Is Cribbing?

Cribbing refers to stacking solid blocks — usually wood or heavy-duty composite — in a crisscross or interlocking pattern to create a stable base for supporting weight. Think of it like building a mini log cabin under your RV tires or jacks.

The term “cribbing” comes from the construction and emergency rescue world, where it’s used to stabilize heavy loads. In the RV community, it serves the same purpose: creating a secure, level foundation that prevents shifting, sinking, or stress on your rig.

In RV applications, cribbing is used to:

Level your RV on uneven or sloped ground

Prevent jacks or stabilizers from sinking into soft soil

Distribute weight more evenly across the ground

Add safe height without overstressing your jacks

The key pieces of cribbing include:

Cribbing Blocks: Individual pieces of sturdy wood (like 4x4s or 6x6s) or composite material, cut to uniform lengths and stacked in a “Lincoln Log” style to distribute weight evenly.

Leveling Blocks: Solid pieces placed directly under the tires to raise one side of the RV — the simplest form of cribbing.

Jack Pads: Larger blocks or pads placed under stabilizing jacks or hydraulic leveler feet to prevent them from sinking into soft or wet ground.

When combined, these create a reliable, load-bearing foundation that keeps your RV level, stable, and safe — no matter where you park.

Why Use Cribbing Instead of Just Leveling Blocks?

Leveling blocks are great for quick setups, but they’re often made of lightweight plastic — and that’s not always ideal for heavier RVs or uneven terrain. Cribbing offers:

Greater strength: Wood or composite cribbing can handle heavy loads better.

Custom height: You can build it up as high as needed safely.

More stability: The interlocking pattern resists shifting and tipping.

Better ground contact: Especially useful on dirt, gravel, or sloped sites.

Think of cribbing as the “heavy-duty” version of leveling blocks — it’s what you reach for when the ground isn’t cooperating.

You don’t need fancy tools, just patience and a little know-how. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Chock the Wheels (Crucial Step)

Before doing any leveling, place wheel chocks snugly on the wheels that will stay on the ground. If you have a towable RV, engage the parking brake on the tow vehicle as well. This prevents rolling while you set up your cribbing.

Choose Solid Materials

Use untreated hardwood (like oak or maple) or composite cribbing blocks rated for RV use. Avoid softwood — it can splinter or crush under weight.

Cut to Size

Typical cribbing blocks are 4x4 or 6x6 inches thick and 12–18 inches long. Consistent sizing ensures even stacking and stable support.

Determine the Low Side

Use a bubble or electronic level to check how far off-level your RV is and which side needs to be raised. This helps you decide how many layers of cribbing you’ll need.

Create the Block Stack

Drive or Jack Onto the Blocks

Move slowly and carefully as you drive the lower tires onto the cribbing or lower your jacks onto it. Use a spotter if possible. Make sure the load stays straight and evenly distributed as you go.

Check for Level

Once in position, check your level again. Add or remove blocks as needed until your RV is even side-to-side.

Re-Chock and Stabilize

After achieving levelness, double-check that your wheel chocks are tight against the grounded wheels. Then level front-to-back using your tongue jack or landing gear. Place smaller cribbing blocks or jack pads under each stabilizer jack to prevent sinking and improve overall stability.

Double-Check Stability

Step back and give your RV a little “bounce test.” Nothing should shift or wobble. If it does, re-stack or adjust your cribbing until it feels rock solid.

Is Cribbing Safe in the Winter?

Yes — if you do it right. In cold weather, the ground can freeze, thaw, and shift, which can affect stability. A few winter tips:

Wood Cribbing in Wet Conditions: Wood has a tendency to soak up water, which can lead to swelling, rot, or freezing. If using wood, consider sealing it, or use high-quality, specialized plastic/polymer cribbing blocks.

Sinking in Mud/Snow: Soft ground from melting snow or heavy rain can cause cribbing to sink. Always use a large, solid base (like a sheet of plywood or a wide pad) under your cribbing to better distribute weight if the ground is soft.

Ice/Freezing: Ensure the blocks are placed on a dry, stable surface before temperatures drop. Ice formation under or between blocks can cause shifting.

Use composite blocks: wood can absorb moisture and freeze, leading to cracking.

Check frequently: temperature changes can cause your cribbing to loosen or shift.

Avoid icy ground: if possible, clear and level your pad before stacking.

Don’t stack too high: in unstable conditions, keep cribbing heights moderate (no higher than 12 inches if possible).

Done carefully, cribbing is a reliable method year-round, even on frozen or muddy ground.

Pros and Cons of Using Cribbing

Pros

Extremely stable and load-bearing

Works on uneven or soft terrain

Customizable height and width

Long-lasting (especially composite materials)

Great for long-term or seasonal setups

Cons

Heavier and bulkier to store than plastic blocks

Requires time and care to build properly

Wooden cribbing can rot or splinter over time

Overstacking can be dangerous if not level

Safety First: Tips from the Road

Never use cinder blocks. They can shatter under load.

Inspect your cribbing regularly — replace cracked or crushed blocks.

Don’t rely on stabilizers for leveling — they’re for minimizing movement, not bearing full weight.

Use a bubble or digital level — guessing doesn’t cut it when it comes to fridge safety and slide-out alignment.

Cribbing may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most underrated safety tools in your RV setup kit. Whether you’re parked lakeside, on a forest trail, or in a gravel lot, a well-built cribbing base keeps your RV level, stable, and ready for whatever the day brings.

A little extra effort during setup can prevent big headaches (and repair bills) later on.

So, next time you roll into camp and the ground looks uneven, skip the frustration — grab your cribbing and level up the safe way.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with qualified experts about any specific concerns or needs.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue providing helpful content.

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