Setting up camp shouldn’t feel like solving a complex engineering puzzle, but getting your caravan perfectly level can test even the most patient traveller. Whether you’re parked on a sloping beach site or a wonky powered site, the right manual levelling gear makes the difference between a comfortable night’s sleep and a frustrating evening of rolling around in bed.

Manual levelling gear remains the gold standard for most Big Lappers. It’s reliable, doesn’t drain your battery, works in any weather, and gives you complete control over the process. While automatic systems have their place, manual gear offers better value, easier maintenance, and the satisfaction of mastering a fundamental caravanning skill.

This guide covers everything from basic levelling ramps to specialised chocks and essential accessories. We’ll show you what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a levelling kit that handles any campsite Australia can throw at you.

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Levelling Ramps

Levelling ramps are your primary tool for getting a caravan level. They lift one side of your van to compensate for uneven ground, and the best ones combine durability with ease of use. The key is finding ramps that won’t crack under load, grip well on various surfaces, and pack away without taking up your entire storage compartment.

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Most Popular
Redfoot Levelling Ramps
~$85
Australian-made plastic ramps with excellent grip and proven durability across all caravan weights.

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Premium Choice
Fiamma Level Ramps
~$120
Italian engineering meets practical design. Stackable, lightweight, and built for frequent use.

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The Redfoot Levelling Ramps ~$85 have earned their reputation through years of reliable service in Australian conditions. The recycled plastic construction handles extreme temperatures without cracking, while the textured surface provides excellent grip even when wet. Each ramp lifts your van 100mm, which covers most levelling situations you’ll encounter.

For frequent movers or those wanting premium features, the Fiamma Level Ramps ~$120 offer superior convenience. They stack neatly for storage, feature integrated carry handles, and their modular design lets you adjust lift height precisely. The extra cost buys you Italian build quality and thoughtful design touches.

GT Tred Level Ramps
~$65
Budget-friendly option with solid construction. Good grip and adequate lift for most caravans, though storage takes more space than premium alternatives.

Check price at Anaconda →

The Hulk 4×4 Level Ramps ~$95 split the difference between budget and premium. They’re built tough enough for heavy caravans, feature good grip patterns, and come with a carry bag. The trade-off is slightly more weight and bulk compared to the Fiamma units.

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Tip

Buy ramps in pairs even if you think you’ll only need one. Having a spare means you can create custom lift heights by stacking, and you’ll inevitably help fellow campers who forgot theirs.

Wheel Chocks

Once your caravan is level, wheel chocks keep it there. Quality chocks prevent your van from rolling while you’re setting up or during windy conditions. The best chocks grip wheels securely without marking them and stay put on various ground surfaces.

Black Jack Chocks
~$45
Heavy-duty plastic construction with excellent wheel grip. Won’t mark alloy wheels and includes a convenient carry strap for easy positioning.

Check price at CRC →

The Black Jack chocks set the standard for caravan wheel chocks. Their plastic construction won’t damage alloy wheels, while the aggressive tread pattern grips wheels securely. The carry strap makes positioning easy, and they’re built to handle the weight of large caravans without flexing.

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Best Value
Redfoot Wheel Chocks
~$35
Simple, effective design that does the job without fancy features. Good grip and reasonable durability at an excellent price.

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Premium
Explore Wheel Chocks
~$55
Enhanced grip surface and reinforced construction. Designed for frequent use with superior wheel contact and ground stability.

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For budget-conscious travellers, the Redfoot Wheel Chocks ~$35 deliver reliable performance without premium pricing. They’ll keep your caravan secure in normal conditions, though the simpler construction means they’re not quite as durable as the Black Jack units.

The Explore Wheel Chocks ~$55 represent the premium end of the market. Their enhanced grip surface and reinforced construction make them ideal for frequent travellers or those camping in challenging conditions where maximum security matters.

Essential Accessories

Beyond ramps and chocks, several accessories make manual levelling faster, more accurate, and safer. These tools might seem like extras, but they quickly prove their worth when you’re setting up in difficult conditions or want to speed up the whole process.

Aussie Traveller Cross Check Spirit Level
~$25
Dedicated caravan spirit level with both lateral and longitudinal bubbles. Magnetic base sticks to your A-frame for hands-free levelling checks.

Check price at CRC →

A proper spirit level eliminates guesswork from the levelling process. The Aussie Traveller Cross Check level mounts magnetically to your A-frame, giving you instant feedback on both side-to-side and front-to-back level. It’s far more accurate than smartphone apps and won’t drain your battery.

Navigator Jockey Wheel Chock Buddy
~$75
Prevents your caravan from rolling backwards when positioning on ramps. Eliminates the need for a second person to operate the handbrake.

Check price at Outback Equipment →

The Jockey Wheel Chock Buddy solves one of manual levelling’s biggest frustrations: getting your caravan to stay put on ramps while you unhitch. This simple device wedges under your jockey wheel, preventing backward roll without needing someone in the tow vehicle operating the electric brakes.

Black Jack Stabiliser Foot Pads
~$135
Large footprint pads that prevent stabiliser legs sinking into soft ground. Essential for beach camping or muddy sites.

Check price at CRC →

Stabiliser foot pads might seem unnecessary until you’re on soft ground and your stabiliser legs disappear into sand or mud. The Black Jack pads distribute weight over a large area, keeping your caravan stable even on the softest surfaces. They come with a handy carry bag and stack neatly for storage.

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Tip

Keep a small spirit level in your tow vehicle’s glove box as backup. Phone apps are convenient but can be unreliable, and having a physical level means you’re never stuck guessing if your caravan is properly set up.

Building Your Complete Kit

The best levelling setup combines reliable basics with smart accessories that speed up the process. Your kit needs to handle every levelling situation while packing efficiently and lasting years of use.

Start with quality ramps as your foundation. The Redfoot ramps ~$85 offer the best balance of reliability and value for most travellers. Add quality chocks like the Black Jack units ~$45 for security, and include a proper spirit level for accuracy.

Kit Level Cost Components Best For
Basic Kit ~$155 GT Tred ramps, Redfoot chocks, spirit level Weekend travellers, budget builds
Complete Kit Most Popular ~$285 Redfoot ramps, Black Jack chocks, spirit level, jockey wheel buddy, foot pads Full-time travellers, all conditions
Premium Kit ~$375 Fiamma ramps, Explore chocks, spirit level, jockey wheel buddy, foot pads Frequent movers, luxury builds

Consider your travel style when building your kit. Weekend warriors can get by with basic ramps and chocks, while full-timers benefit from the convenience features like jockey wheel buddies and foot pads. The complete kit hits the sweet spot for most Big Lappers, providing reliable levelling capability without premium pricing.

Storage matters as much as performance. Look for gear that packs efficiently and won’t take over your storage compartments. The Fiamma ramps excel here with their stacking design, while the Black Jack accessories come with proper carry bags.

Key Takeaway
  • Redfoot ramps offer the best balance of reliability and value for most caravanners
  • Black Jack chocks provide superior wheel grip without damaging alloy wheels
  • A proper spirit level eliminates guesswork and speeds up the levelling process
  • Jockey wheel buddies and stabiliser pads solve common setup frustrations
  • Build your kit around reliable basics, then add convenience features based on your travel style
  • Quality manual levelling gear outlasts automatic systems and works in any conditions