Spirit levels – knowing when your caravan is actually level
Spirit levels are one of the simplest caravan accessories you can own — and one of the most useful.
While levelling ramps do the lifting, a spirit level tells you when to stop. Without one, you’re relying on feel, guesswork, or whether the kettle looks vaguely upright on the worktop.
This page explains the different types of spirit levels used in caravanning, where they’re fitted, and how to use them without overthinking it.
What is a caravan spirit level?
A spirit level is a small device containing a bubble suspended in liquid. When the bubble sits between the markers, the surface is level.
In a caravan, spirit levels are used to check:
Side-to-side level (before and during ramp use)
Front-to-back level (when adjusting the jockey wheel)
They don’t move the caravan — they simply remove the guesswork.
Why spirit levels matter
It’s surprisingly easy to think a caravan is level when it isn’t.
Even slight slopes can cause:
Beds feeling uncomfortable
Worktops appearing “off”
Water pooling in sinks or shower trays
Absorption fridges operating less efficiently
A spirit level gives you a visual reference so you’re not constantly adjusting things “by feel”.
Common types of caravan spirit levels
Bullseye (circular) spirit levels
These show level in all directions at once, with a bubble that sits in the centre when level.
Why caravanners like them
Quick and intuitive
Good for a general overview
Often fitted permanently
They’re commonly mounted on the A-frame or inside a cupboard.
Linear (tube) spirit levels
These work like traditional builders’ spirit levels and show level in one direction at a time.
Why caravanners use them
Very clear left-to-right reading
Useful for checking floors and worktops
Often loose rather than permanently fitted
Many caravanners carry a small one inside the van for spot checks.
External mounted levels
Some spirit levels are designed to be visible from the towing position, allowing you to watch the bubble as you move onto levelling ramps.
These can be helpful when solo touring, but placement and visibility are important for them to be genuinely useful.
Where spirit levels are usually placed
There’s no single “correct” place, but common locations include:
On the A-frame, near the hitch
Inside a front locker
On an internal floor near the door
Inside a cupboard at eye level
Many caravanners prefer one external level for ramps and one internal level for fine checks.
Using a spirit level properly
The usual sequence is:
Place the spirit level on a flat internal surface or check the mounted external level
Use levelling ramps to correct side-to-side tilt
Recheck until the bubble is roughly centred
Adjust front-to-back level using the jockey wheel
Do a final internal check
You don’t need laboratory precision — close enough is the goal.
Do you need more than one?
Not necessarily — but many caravanners end up with two:
One fixed, always available
One loose, flexible for checking different surfaces
They’re small, cheap, and easy to store, so having a backup isn’t unusual.
What to look for when choosing one
Spirit levels are simple, but a few details matter:
Clear markings that are easy to see
A casing that won’t crack easily
Secure mounting if it’s a fixed type
A size that suits where you’ll use it
Fancy features aren’t required — visibility and reliability matter more.
🔧 TalkWrench Tip
Don’t chase the bubble endlessly.
If it’s nearly centred and everything inside feels right, stop adjusting. Over-levelling often leads to unnecessary ramp shuffling without any real benefit.
The takeaway
Spirit levels don’t make your caravan level — they make levelling calm and repeatable.
They turn setup from guesswork into a simple, visual process and pair perfectly with levelling ramps and wheel chocks.
Once you’ve used one for a few trips, you’ll wonder how you ever set up without it.