Stabilizing versus leveling

[ripple963]

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

[routlaw]

Yes have done this for years. Level and stabilize and not to worry. That said I do make every effort to get as level as possible before with blocks etc before setting down the jacks.

Hope this helps

[topgun2]

2 hours ago, ripple963 said:

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

ripple963 - 

First - 

Welcome to the Forum.  There is a TON of information here and it is amazing what one can learn by simply "poking around".  There is also the Oliver University where you can find videos and help on all sorts of things involving your Ollie.  Please do not hesitate to contribute to the Forum with your own ideas, mods and travel experience - pictures are especially welcome (they to say 1,000 words).

Second - 

You can use the "search" function to find previous "threads" that just might help with what you are looking for.  Unfortunately, our search function is not what one might call "the best" and there have been posts here over the past few days regarding ways that you can use to help refine your search and to actually speed up that search.

Third - 

Your question - there are numerous threads on the Forum regarding this very question.  There was a time a number of years ago when Oliver actually noted that our jacks could be used for both stabilizing and leveling - and - jacking one side of the scamper in order to change a tire!  However, due to a number of "issues" over the years, Oliver now only recommends the jacks be used for stabilization.  Having said this, there are many of us who still use the jacks for all things even to include tires changes/bearing service, etc..  Please note here that if you are inclined to use your jacks for purposes other than those recommended by Oliver, you do so at your own risk and should take ALL of the proper precautions in order to protect yourself (and others) from all relevant risks similar to what you do when jacking a car/truck wheel off the ground.  If you intend to do this then I'd highly recommend that you read everything that you can find here on the Forum so that you are aware of how to do this properly without damage to your new Oliver and/or the people near you.

Forth - 

Congrats on the new Oliver!  The longer you live with this camper the more friendly it becomes.

Bill

[Mike and Carol]

We use ours for leveling all the time, have for the last 10 years.  I’ve also used them to change tires.  As Bill mentioned, this has been discussed a lot here, if you want more data do a search and you’ll find lots of opinions!  Mike

[John Dorrer]

4 hours ago, ripple963 said:

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

Yes to both. I used one to change a tire. After I level, I have used one rear jack to tweak a side.

 

[BigTexas]

With all the cautions mentioned above, I do what others have mentioned.  Get the trailer close to level using lifts or blocks under the wheels, if needed, and then use the jacks the last few inches to make the trailer level.  The jacks are pretty robust and seem to lift and support the trailer without problem.  Having said that, I also highly recommend the use of blocks under the lifts to  reduce the amount they have to extend.  

I read this forum weekly if not daily and find it a valuable resource of information for owning, using and enjoying your Oliver.

[ScubaRx]

On 2/11/2026 at 5:46 AM, ripple963 said:

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

We do use them for leveling and have done so since our first Oliver bought back I early 2008. 
 

Advice:  Chock the tires fore and aft, then unhook the trailer.

Raise/Lower the front jack first to get the trailer level front to rear. 

If the trailer is not level side to side, use the jack to raise the low side to level. Then lower the opposite side to stabilize it. 

Make sure you place a block between the jack foot and the ground. That way when you forget to raise them before driving away, you won’t ruin $1200 worth of jacks.

Routinely check the bolt that holds the foot plate to the inner jack tube. If this bolt works loose, you will lose the foot plate that will cost you close to $40 to replace. 

Edited 7 hours ago by ScubaRx
Suggested clarification

[Wayfinder]

@ripple963 welcome to this awesome group of members. Like others have mentioned, I also use my jacks to level my 2016 Elite II. However, a few things maybe not mentioned here. I have already replaced the old Lithium grease in both of my Jacks in early 2023. So with 7 years of use, the original grease was indeed getting a bit dry or stiff. I think I got them just in time. Greasing jacks is also in the Oliver University video library. Put that on your long-term maintenance schedule. You should not need to worry about that until at least 2031/2032. Wow that seems futuristic to type. Anywho....

I'm always worried about bending a jack foot (round plate), so I always keep small, thin oak blocks in my truck in order to level out any blocking I use for my jacks - also good for leveling outside tables for cooking. We don't always get to be on nice level ground.

And yes, like others, as long as Oliver does not change the jack models, I completely lift my Ollie off the ground for maintenance. I ONLY do this on completely level concrete/pavement if I can. As mentioned, I also use lots of good blocking so the jacks do not need to lower much. This reduces wear and the jacks do not rock back & forth nearly as much, making for a VERY stable camper. Good for normal camping and maintenance. SAFETY FIRST though.

We all likely use additional jack stands when doing bearing/hub/brake maintenance. I will be putting on new leaf springs soonest and will have the camper jacked up for that too. I go slow when lifting the trailer, stopping for a moment in hopes of not blowing a fuse or other gear wear. Once you have your rig, add to your spare parts list the proper slow-blow fuse for the jacks. I think these days they wire all three fuses next to each other under one of the bunks. My rear fuses are near each jack. I have never found the front jack fuse if there is one in my hull. My used Ollie came with a nice aftermarket front jack and the fuse is outside with the jack. I have a new borescope camera now, I should look harder for the inner front jack fuse. LOL

Good luck and keep using these forums.

 

 

Edited Thursday at 11:31 AM by Wayfinder
minor fix

[Patriot]

@ripple963

Consider a set of these for your new Oliver. We installed snap pads on delivery day and they have served us well.  It advertises for a 2023 OLE2. Oliver has not changed the size of the leveler base plate to my knowledge. Keep in mind you will only need 3 snap pads. You could inquire with the company and see if they would sell you a 3 pack.

Congrats on your new Olive and welcome to the fourm! 

 

https://rvsnappad.com/products/mini-6-4-pack?_gl=1*1v0inyc*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbResXJ2E1axK6bHy80zoefux8nAjJbXwQ8Ok6W8Kv_TmK9BnMxXnMBoC3EkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADD4zBgubd1W_JWGft8lx6EV5EltU

 

Edited Thursday at 02:23 PM by Patriot

[Galway Girl]

Here’s a blog post we wrote showing the installation of snap pads on our 2019 back in 2020.   It is so easy! 

Blog with installation video

Edited Thursday at 04:23 PM by Galway Girl

[Rivernerd]

We, too, level and raise our Hull #1291 (2022) with the jacks.  But, we always use support blocks for two reasons:  (1) to avoid jack damage if we forget to raise the jacks before driving off and (2) to shorten jack travel distance.  See photo below of one of our three support blocks in place under the front jack.

Since that photo was taken, we have added Snap Pads, as recommended by Patriot, above.  We like 'em.

One caution:  ensure that the jack foot is placed on level ground, or the foot plate can be bent, requiring replacement.  If using the jack on a slope (such as on the side of  significantly crowned roadway), place tapered levelers under the jack foot to provide a level platform.  Don't ask me how I know...

[srthomsen]

On 2/11/2026 at 5:46 AM, ripple963 said:

 I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

This may be the capacity of the jack itself but it may not be the capacity of the jack as it is installed on the trailer.

The method of installation of the jack by Oliver may or may not be as highly rated but in any case, in my opinion, Olivers specs can't be more than the manufacturers specs.

That rambling aside I would prefer to use blocks or ramps to do the majority of the 'lifting' and use the jacks to fine tune that and stabilize.

[jd1923]

On 2/11/2026 at 8:22 AM, Mike and Carol said:

We use ours for leveling all the time, have for the last 10 years.  I’ve also used them to change tires.  As Bill mentioned, this has been discussed a lot here, if you want more data do a search and you’ll find lots of opinions!  Mike

Like Mike, I'll use them to change tires which OTT suggested years ago until likely lawyers got involved in policy (over engineering) .

Oh yes, we certainly all have opinions! 🤣

I don't like to level at a campsite with wheels/tires off the ground for days. I don't feel it's safe and will show reason to follow.

When you find out the leaf springs on your new Oliver are borderline in weight capacity and upgrade to (search for keyword) "Alcan" springs or the like, the Alcan suspension is so firm that when leveling you tires will quickly be lifted off the ground!

I had the bracket to one rear jack break. Good thing I was home servicing the Oliver and nobody was inside as the hull banged down, fell on the curbside! If this happened while sleeping, the person on the streetside bed would have been thrown into the center aisle and on the other side against the wall. I'm not kidding!

When camping I level with Andersen levelers and only stabilize with the jacks so to keep the wheels on the ground. I also find when using this kit I do not need or use additional wheel chocks. Chris puts them into place easily as I drive up them to level watching the LevelMatePRO app from the driver's seat! These tools work great! 😎

https://www.amazon.com/ANDERSEN-Accessories-Levelers-Leveling-Motorhome/dp/B01LYQ1Z8S/?th=1

If you go with LevelMate, get the PRO model, hardwire it hidden under the rear dinette seat out-of-sight, and never worry about access and battery changes.

https://www.amazon.com/LogicBlue-Technology-LevelMatePRO-Wireless-Leveling/dp/B01FGGSWPW/?th=1

Hope this helps!

[Steph and Dud B]

We never lift the tires completely off the ground when setting up at a campsite. We usually level with "Lego" blocks under the tires first, then use the jacks to take most of the load off the tires, so there's no tire bulge at the bottom. Sometimes I will also use a jack to help level side to side, maybe an inch.

[John and Debbie]

22 hours ago, Rivernerd said:

We, too, level and raise our Hull #1291 (2022) with the jacks.  But, we always use support blocks for two reasons:  (1) to avoid jack damage if we forget to raise the jacks before driving off and (2) to shorten jack travel distance.  See photo below of one of our three support blocks in place under the front jack.

Since that photo was taken, we have added Snap Pads, as recommended by Patriot, above.  We like 'em.

One caution:  ensure that the jack foot is placed on level ground, or the foot plate can be bent, requiring replacement.  If using the jack on a slope (such as on the side of  significantly crowned roadway), place tapered levelers under the jack foot to provide a level platform.  Don't ask me how I know...

What kind of tapered levelers do you use.  What's the advantage of the Snap pads?  

John

[Rivernerd]

16 minutes ago, John and Debbie said:

What kind of tapered levelers do you use.  What's the advantage of the Snap pads?  

When parking our Elite II on a crowned roadway, we use camper levelers for the jack, like those available through the link below, but upside down.  We put the curved side down, with the larger end toward the curb, to create a fairly level platform for the jack.  Ours came as a set of two.  We use one red/black pair to raise one wheel on the curb side, and the other pair, inverted, under the jack on that side.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/VEVOR-Camper-Levelers-2-Pcs-RV-Leveling-Blocks-up-to-8818-5lbs-Camper-Wheel-Chocks-Max-4in-Leveling-Height-Heavy-Duty-Curved-Levelers-RV-Camper-Leveler-Kit-with-Anti-Slip-Mat-Carrying-Bag-Level/7519497

The Snap Pads increase the surface area of the jack foot plate, so it is less likely to slip off a support block.

[johnwen]

On 2/12/2026 at 7:16 AM, Patriot said:

@ripple963

Consider a set of these for your new Oliver. We installed snap pads on delivery day and they have served us well.  It advertises for a 2023 OLE2. Oliver has not changed the size of the leveler base plate to my knowledge. Keep in mind you will only need 3 snap pads. You could inquire with the company and see if they would sell you a 3 pack.

Congrats on your new Olive and welcome to the fourm! 

 

https://rvsnappad.com/products/mini-6-4-pack?_gl=1*1v0inyc*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbResXJ2E1axK6bHy80zoefux8nAjJbXwQ8Ok6W8Kv_TmK9BnMxXnMBoC3EkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADD4zBgubd1W_JWGft8lx6EV5EltU

 

Hi David...hope ya'll are well.  We're n Quartzsite at the moment.  Do these pads add any stabilization against rocking (IYO)?  They do not sell in 3 packs but will sell individually and that makes them a little more expensive than the discounted 4 pack of $121.45

Thanks :)

John

[Patriot]

1 hour ago, johnwen said:

Hi David...hope ya'll are well.  We're n Quartzsite at the moment.  Do these pads add any stabilization against rocking (IYO)?  They do not sell in 3 packs but will sell individually and that makes them a little more expensive than the discounted 4 pack of $121.45

Thanks 🙂

John

Hey John,

I can’t say they add to further stabilization of the Oliver. They do help to not leave a foot print on hot black top at campsites. And as far as grounding from any type of lightning hit I have no idea. I think when I bought ares they offered a 2 pack and then I bought a single. I agree not cheap from what they are made which I think is recycled tires? 
Hope all is going well at the Q and hello to Wendy from us!

 

[John Dorrer]

4 hours ago, johnwen said:

Hi David...hope ya'll are well.  We're n Quartzsite at the moment.  Do these pads add any stabilization against rocking (IYO)?  They do not sell in 3 packs but will sell individually and that makes them a little more expensive than the discounted 4 pack of $121.45

Thanks 🙂

John

The shorter your jacks, the more stable your trailer will be. We use the round Andersen Jack Stands. The Jack Stands reduce the jack extension by approximately 7"+.