Corner steadies – stability, not lifting
Corner steadies are one of the most misunderstood parts of a caravan’s setup — and one of the easiest to misuse.
They’re not there to level the caravan, and they’re definitely not there to lift it. Their job is much simpler (and more important): to stop movement once the caravan is already level.
This page explains what corner steadies actually do, how to use them properly, and the common mistakes that catch caravanners out.
What are corner steadies?
Corner steadies are the adjustable supports fitted to the four corners of a caravan’s chassis.
Once lowered, they contact the ground and help stabilise the caravan, reducing rocking or movement when people walk around inside.
They work after levelling — not instead of it.
What corner steadies are not for
This is where confusion often creeps in.
Corner steadies are not designed to:
Level the caravan
Lift wheels off the ground
Take the caravan’s weight
Replace levelling ramps or jockey wheel adjustment
Using them this way can strain the chassis, damage the steadies, or make the caravan less stable rather than more.
The correct order of setup
Corner steadies always come last.
The usual sequence is:
Level side-to-side using levelling ramps
Level front-to-back using the jockey wheel
Apply the handbrake and chock the wheels
Lower the corner steadies until they’re firmly in contact with the ground
If the caravan is already level, the steadies will do exactly what they’re meant to do.
How corner steadies improve comfort
When used properly, corner steadies:
Reduce rocking when people move inside
Make the caravan feel more solid underfoot
Improve the feeling of “settling in” on pitch
They don’t make the caravan rigid — just calmer and more comfortable.
Using corner steadies on different surfaces
Hardstanding
On solid ground, steadies often sit directly on the surface.
Some caravanners use steady feet pads to:
Reduce wear on the metal foot
Spread load slightly
Prevent slipping on smooth surfaces
Grass or soft ground
On softer pitches, steady feet or pads become more important.
They help:
Stop the steadies sinking overnight
Maintain stability in wet conditions
Protect the pitch surface
If a steady sinks, the caravan can start to rock again — even if it was stable when you first arrived.
Manual vs powered steady winders
Most caravans use a manual steady winder, either:
A traditional winding handle
A cordless drill with the correct adaptor
Using a drill can save time, but control matters. Corner steadies only need to be snug — not forced down hard.
Common mistakes to avoid
Winding steadies down before levelling
Trying to “fine tune” level using steadies
Over-tightening until the chassis visibly lifts
Forgetting to retract steadies before towing
Corner steadies are simple, but misuse is surprisingly common.
🔧 TalkWrench Tip
Lower corner steadies until they just make firm contact with the ground — then stop.
If the caravan feels stable when you step inside, they’re doing their job. Any more pressure adds strain without adding benefit.
Do you need steady feet or pads?
They’re not essential, but they’re often useful.
Steady feet can:
Improve grip on hardstanding
Prevent sinking on soft ground
Reduce wear on the steady foot
They’re a small accessory that can quietly extend the life of the steadies themselves.
The takeaway
Corner steadies aren’t about levelling — they’re about finishing the job.
Used correctly, they take a level caravan and make it feel settled, solid, and comfortable. Used incorrectly, they can undo good setup work or add unnecessary strain.
Get the order right, keep the pressure sensible, and corner steadies will quietly do what they’re designed for — without fuss.
Read about Levelling Ramps
Read about Spirit Levels