Caravan Jack vs Stabiliser: Do You Know the Difference?

Caravanning has never been more popular in Australia. According to Tourism Research Australia's domestic tourism data, Australians took 17.3 million caravan and camping trips in 2025, generating $12.6 billion in spending, a 14% rise on the previous year. With nearly a million registered RVs on the road, that is a lot of people pulling into campsites. And yet, one of the most common mistakes new (and even experienced) caravanners still make is reaching for the wrong piece of kit at the wrong moment.

Specifically: confusing a caravan jack with a stabiliser. These two pieces of equipment look similar enough to cause confusion, but they do entirely different jobs. Using one in place of the other can damage your rig, void your warranty, or, in the worst-case scenario, cause a serious accident. In my experience, the quickest way to spot a first-time caravanner is to watch what they grab first after parking.

This guide breaks down exactly what each piece of equipment does, when to use each, and how to set up your caravan safely and confidently every time.

Key Takeaways

• Jacks lift, stabilisers steady: A caravan jack is a load-bearing lifting tool used for tyre changes and maintenance. A stabiliser (or corner steady) is fitted to the chassis to reduce rocking when you are inside. They are not interchangeable, ever.

• Order matters on site: According to OZtrail's caravan levelling guide, you must get the van level with ramps and the jockey wheel before stabilisers go anywhere near the ground. Skipping this step creates chassis twist and movement, not the other way around.

• Over-cranking stabilisers causes real damage: You should never support your van with stabilisers alone and then remove the load-bearing jockey wheel or jack. Doing so can damage internal gears and the chassis.

• Your jack must have a safety margin: We recommend your jack should have at least 20-30% more capacity than the weight you need to lift. For a 2,000 kg caravan, that means choosing a jack rated for at least 2,500 kg.

• Trailer Camper Australia stocks both: Trailer Camper Australia carries jacks, stabiliser legs, and levelling accessories suited to Australian conditions, letting you tick every box in one place.

Quick-Start Prioritisation Framework

Start here if you're:

• New to caravanning: Fit drop-down corner steadies and invest in a quality hydraulic bottle jack. These two pieces cover 90% of what you need.

• Heading off-road: A rated hydraulic jack with at least 4-tonne capacity is essential. Soft ground means base plates under every leg.

• Doing a tyre change on the side of the road: Use your scissor or bottle jack on the correct jacking point. Never use a stabiliser leg to lift the van for a wheel change.

What Does a Caravan Jack Actually Do?

The Jack Is a Lifting Tool

A caravan jack has one primary purpose: to physically lift the caravan off the ground. Jacking up a caravan is necessary for performing repairs like changing a flat tyre or inspecting the undercarriage. This means the jack bears the entire load of that side of the van while the wheel is removed, so the strength rating matters enormously.

A typical caravan weighs between 1,000 and 3,000 kg, depending on size and load. When parked, this force concentrates on the wheels, which are designed primarily for movement, not static support. Therefore, your jack must be rated for the specific weight of your van, and then some. A common mistake is choosing a caravan jack that just meets the weight requirement without leaving a safety margin. Ideally, your jack should have at least 20-30% more capacity than the weight you need to lift.

Types of Caravan Jack Available

Not all jacks are the same. Understanding the type that suits your setup will save you a headache at the side of a road.

Ideally you want capacity in a compact footprint. This is suitable for heavy vehicles, caravans, and agricultural equipment where vertical lift is required and space beneath the vehicle is limited. For serious touring, a bottle jack or a dedicated hydraulic caravan jack is the smart choice. Caravan scissor jacks are cost-effective, with prices typically ranging from $50 to $200, and suitable for light-duty tasks like tyre changes on smaller caravans. However, they can be physically demanding to operate, and have limited lifting capacity (usually up to 2 tonnes), making them unsuitable for large rigs.

Pro Tip: Always practise jacking up your caravan at home before you need to do it roadside. Doing a dry run in your own driveway means that if the worst happens on a remote track, you will know exactly what you are doing.

Safe Jacking Procedure

Chock the wheel on the opposite side, making sure the handbrake is on in the tow car and the caravan, and that nobody is inside. Then locate the correct jacking point in your caravan's handbook, whatever type of jack you choose it must be capable of being fitted under the proper lifting point determined by the caravan manufacturer. Once lifted, only raise the van just enough to remove the flat tyre. Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make it less stable and cause it to slip off the jack.

What Does a Caravan Stabiliser Do?

The Stabiliser Keeps You Comfortable on Site

Stabiliser legs are mechanical devices that attach to the chassis of your caravan or trailer, providing additional ground contact points to minimise movement and enhance stability. Unlike jacks, which are designed to lift your entire vehicle off the ground, stabiliser legs work while your caravan remains on its wheels, creating a stable foundation that prevents rocking and swaying.

Think of it this way: your stabiliser legs are there to stop the van from moving when you walk to the kettle, not to hold the van up. RV stabilisers should never be used for levelling a camper. They are made to merely support portions of your RV and absorb the shifting weight caused by movement inside. When used correctly, they make a noticeable difference to comfort. When used incorrectly, as a substitute for a jack; they can bend, break, or cause the van to become less stable, not more.

Types of Corner Steady

Drop-down stabiliser legs represent the most popular and user-friendly option for most Australian caravanners and camper trailer enthusiasts. These devices feature a quick-release mechanism that allows the leg to swing down from its stored position with minimal effort, eliminating the tedious winding process associated with traditional systems. Once deployed, they can be fine-tuned with just a few turns of a handle or even an impact driver to make life even easier.

Wind-down legs suit those who want a bit more precision. Wind-down stabiliser legs operate on the tried-and-true screw jack principle, using a threaded mechanism to extend and retract the support leg. These traditional-style legs require manual winding with a handle, which gives precise control over the extension length and allows for very fine adjustments.

For Australian terrain, particularly sandy beaches, grassy campsites, and red-dirt outback, base plates or jack pads are essential. Their primary purpose is to distribute the caravan's weight evenly, preventing the legs from sinking into soft ground like grass, mud, or gravel. This not only keeps the caravan level but also reduces wear on the steadies themselves.

Pro Tip: If you are on soft ground, use jack pads under every stabiliser leg, and under your jack base too. A leg that sinks even 20mm into wet grass will undo all your careful levelling work.

Jack Pads are great for added stability on soft ground and sand.

The Critical Difference: Why Mixing Them Up Is Dangerous

Stabilisers Are Not Jacks

One common mistake made by RV owners owners is confusing levelling jacks with stabilising jacks, or stabilisers. Knowing the difference between these products and systems is imperative for preventing costly damage to your equipment and your unit.

The structural reason for this is important to understand. Consider the critical danger of using a scissor jack as a stabiliser: aside from self-lock failure, the van's natural sway applies persistent lateral loads. This side-loading, acting on a structure designed only for vertical lifting, can easily distort the arms, bend the screw, or cause a sudden, catastrophic collapse.

The reverse is equally dangerous. Corner steadies are not built to hold the full weight of your caravan. That job belongs to your caravan's axle and jockey wheel. Overloading steadies can bend them or damage your van's frame. Instead, use them purely for stabilisation once the caravan is already resting on its wheels and levelled with ramps or blocks.

What Happens When You Crank Stabilisers Too Hard

I have seen this mistake made by well-meaning caravanners who figure that if they wind the stabiliser legs down hard enough, they will lift a corner and correct a lean. Stabiliser legs are called stabilisers for a reason; they are not designed to jack the caravan up or correct major levelling issues. If you try to crank stabiliser legs to lift a corner, you can twist the chassis or damage the legs over time. The tell-tale sign that this has happened? Doors that swing open or shut by themselves, and cabinetry that starts to stick or warp.

Steadies do not level the caravan; they stabilise it. Their job is to stop movement once levelling is already done, not to lift corners or fine-tune height. If you try to use steadies to correct levelling, you will often introduce twist into the chassis, which can make doors misbehave and the caravan feel unsettled.

Best Resources for Caravan Jacks and Stabilisers in Australia

Kojack High Lift, The convenience of Kojack, with a little extra height!

Editor's Pick: Trailer Camper Australia (Best Overall for Aussie Caravanners)

Trailer Camper Australia (TCA) earns the top spot here for a specific reason that matters to this audience: they stock both sides of this equation. Whether you need a rated hydraulic jack for outback tyre changes or a set of drop-down corner steadies for nightly campsite setup, TCA has the accessories suited to Australian conditions, terrain, and van types. For caravanners who want to sort their full kit from one trusted source, rather than piecing it together from generic retailers, TCA is the place to start.

Best for: Caravanners who want Australian-condition-tested jacks and stabiliser equipment with honest, practical product guidance.

• Full range covering jacks, stabiliser legs, base plates, and levelling accessories

• Focused specifically on caravan and camper trailer applications

• Products matched to Australian terrain and van weights

• Practical advice alongside products to help buyers choose correctly

• Supplier of a wide range of stabilisers and jacks from the industries top brands

The Correct Setup Sequence: Combining Both Tools Properly

Level First, Stabilise Second

This is the rule that every experienced caravanner lives by, and it is the one that prevents the most damage. Once the caravan is fully level lower the corner steadies. Corner steadies are designed to stabilise the caravan, not level it.

The full sequence:

1. Choose your site and assess the slope before you park.

2. Drive or position the lower wheels onto levelling ramps for side-to-side level.

3. Chock the wheels so the van cannot roll.

4. Unhitch and use the jockey wheel to correct front-to-back level.

5. Confirm level with a bubble level or T-level.

6. Lower corner steadies until they make firm but gentle contact with the ground (or base plates).

7. Check stability with a walk through the van.

Use a bubble level or smartphone app to confirm accuracy, aim for a deviation of no more than 2 degrees. And remember: adjust the legs incrementally to avoid damaging the chassis.

Pro Tip: if you are changing a tyre, use your stabiliser legs to support the van as a secondary safety measure next to the jack, but never as the primary lifting device. The jack lifts the van; the steadies act as a backup brace only.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Using Stabilisers to Level Instead of Level First

The single most common campsite error. Get the van level with ramps and the jockey wheel before the stabilisers go anywhere near the ground. Even a barely noticeable slope can cause movement once you unhitch. Reaching for the stabiliser legs before levelling simply means you end up with a twisted chassis and an uncomfortable night.

Not Using Jack Pads on Soft Ground

On softer ground, you may need to use a large spreader plate under the jack to prevent it sinking into the ground. The same rule applies to stabiliser legs. A leg or jack that sinks even slightly changes the load distribution and can cause the whole setup to shift. Always carry base plates or jack pads as part of your standard kit.

Choosing a Jack Without Enough Capacity

If your caravan has a GTM of 2,000 kg, selecting a jack rated for exactly 2,000 kg is risky. Instead, opt for a hydraulic caravan jack with a capacity of at least 2,500 kg to ensure safe and stable lifting. Buying cheap here is not a saving; it is a risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my stabiliser legs to lift the caravan for a tyre change?

No. Stabiliser legs are not rated or designed to lift the full weight of the caravan. At no stage in the jacking procedure should it be necessary to use the corner steadies. These devices are intended only for preventing rocking movement. Using them to lift the van risks collapse and serious injury. Always use a rated caravan jack on the correct jacking point.

What is the difference between a corner steady and a stabiliser jack?

They are the same thing, two names for one product. Caravan stabiliser legs, also called corner steadies called corner steadies or stabilisers, are essential accessories for a secure stay. The terms are used interchangeably across Australian and UK caravanning communities. What matters is understanding that they steady the van on its wheels; they do not lift it.

Do I need both a jack and stabiliser legs?

Yes, and they serve entirely different moments in your setup. You need a jack for tyre changes, undercarriage maintenance, and brake checks. You need stabiliser legs every time you set up camp. Common situations that require jacking up a caravan include changing a flat tyre, performing routine maintenance, and fixing the braking system. Stabilisers come out at every overnight stop.

How do I know if I am using my stabilisers correctly?

Lower them after the van is fully level, until they make firm contact with the ground. For best results, use levelling ramps or blocks first, raise one side of the caravan if needed before deploying the jacks. Then extend stabilising jacks to the ground, adjusting them until they just make contact without lifting the caravan. If you have to crank hard to get them down, your van still needs levelling first.

What type of jack is best for Australian off-road conditions?

A hydraulic bottle jack or dedicated hydraulic caravan jack is the most reliable choice for remote Australian conditions. Bottle jacks are compact and powerful, ideal for lifting one side of a caravan during maintenance. Their fully mechanical operation makes them reliable in remote areas. For extreme off-road use, a 4-tonne rated hydraulic jack such as the Kojack gives you the capacity to handle even the heaviest rigs safely.

Final Thought

The caravan jack and the stabiliser leg might look like distant cousins, but they are built for completely separate jobs. The jack is for lifting. The stabiliser is for steadying. Learn that distinction, follow the correct setup sequence, level first, stabilise second, and you will avoid the most common and costly campsite mistakes.

If you are putting together your kit from scratch or replacing worn equipment, Trailer Camper Australia is a solid starting point. They carry the full range of what you need, from rated jacks to drop-down corner steadies and base plates, with products matched to the realities of Australian touring.

Sources

1. Domestic Caravan and Camping Data 2025, Tourism Research Australia. Caravan and camping trip statistics for 2025. https://www.tra.gov.au/en/domestic/caravan-and-camping-data

2. Leveling Jacks vs. Stabilizing Jacks, Lippert Components. Explains the core difference between levelling and stabilising equipment. One common mistake made by RV owners

3. A Guide to Stabiliser Legs for Caravans and Trailers, ARK Corporation. Covers drop-down and wind-down stabiliser legs for Australian caravanners. https://www.arkcorp.com.au/stabiliser-legs-guide/

4. How to Level a Caravan (Australia), Century Caravans. Step-by-step levelling sequence for Australian caravanners. https://centurycaravans.com.au/guides/how-to-level-a-caravan/

5. How to Level a Caravan the Right Way, OZtrail. Covers the correct order of operations when setting up camp. https://www.oztrail.com.au/blogs/caravan-must-haves-for-road-trips-camping/how-to-level-a-caravan-the-right-way

6. Stabiliser Maintenance, Caravan World Australia. Covers correct use and what happens when you over-wind stabiliser legs. https://caravanworld.com.au/blogs/how-to/stabiliser-maintenance

7. Stabiliser Jacks vs. Scissor Jacks, Australia Unwrapped. Explains structural differences and dangers of misuse. https://australiaunwrapped.com/stabiliser-jacks-vs-scissor-jacks/

8. How to Change a Caravan Wheel, Caravan Guard. Step-by-step wheel change guidance including jacking procedure. Chock the wheel on the opposite side

9. How to Change a Wheel on My Caravan, LetsFixIt. Detailed jacking safety procedure including the role of corner steadies. https://letsfixit.co.uk/vehicles/caravans/how-to-change-a-wheel-on-my-caravan/

10. Understanding Vehicle Jacks, Supercheap Auto. Covers bottle jack, scissor jack, and trolley jack differences. https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/blog/tools-workshop/understanding-jacks.html

11. Trolley Jacks, Car Jacks and Bottle Jacks, Repco Australia. Jack type guide for heavy vehicles and caravans. Repco's guide to selecting vehicle jacks

12. 10 Life-Saving Tips When Caravanning, GoRV. Safety advice including the correct use of jacks and stabilisers. https://www.gorv.com.au/10-life-saving-tips-when-caravanning/

13. Corner Steadies Guide, Caravan Vlogger. Detailed breakdown of how corner steadies work and when to use them. https://www.caravanvlogger.co.uk/corner-steadies

14. Black Jack Trailer Jacks, Black Jack Australia. Electric and mechanical jack manufacturer profile. https://blackjacktrailerjacks.com.au/