Planning a trip to Barnyard RV Park often involves ticking off a checklist: reservations confirmed, route planned, RV prepped. For seasoned and new RVers alike, one crucial detail often comes to mind when considering any RV park – how level are the sites? At Barnyard RV Park, located conveniently in Lexington SC, understanding the site conditions can significantly impact the comfort and ease of your stay. This article delves into the levelness of the RV sites at this popular South Carolina campground, exploring why it matters, what to expect, and how to best prepare for your arrival, whether you’re planning a short term stay or looking into long term stay options. We’ll cover aspects relevant to setting up your rig smoothly for enjoyable RV living near Columbia SC.
Understanding RV Site Levelness at Barnyard RV Park
The term ‘level site’ is frequently used in the RV community, but what does it truly signify for your experience at an RV park? It’s a fundamental aspect that influences everything from appliance function to overall comfort during your visit. Knowing what to anticipate regarding site levelness at Barnyard RV Park helps ensure a smoother setup and a more pleasant stay.
What Exactly Does ‘Level Site’ Mean for RVers?
A ‘level site’ in the context of RVing refers to a parking spot where your recreational vehicle can sit relatively flat without significant tilting side-to-side or front-to-back. Perfect flatness is rare in outdoor environments, but a good RV site requires minimal adjustment using leveling blocks or systems. This isn’t just about preference; it’s often a necessity for proper RV operation.
Many essential RV systems rely on being level to function correctly. Most notably, RV refrigerators, especially absorption models (common in many RVs), need to be close to level to circulate coolant properly and keep your food cold. Operating one significantly off-level can lead to inefficient cooling and even permanent damage.
Beyond appliances, being level affects your comfort. Sleeping on a slanted bed, cooking on an uneven stovetop, or having shower water pool incorrectly can detract from your RV living experience. Slide-outs also operate more smoothly and seal better when the RV is level, preventing potential strain on the mechanisms or water leaks. Therefore, understanding the site conditions at Barnyard RV Park is key before you arrive.
General Site Conditions and Surfaces at Barnyard RV Park
Barnyard RV Park aims to provide accommodating RV sites suitable for various rig sizes, including big rigs. Generally, campgrounds strive to maintain level spots, but natural terrain, weather, and regular use can introduce variations. Most sites feature gravel or packed dirt surfaces, common in many campgrounds, which offer good drainage but can develop unevenness over time.
While the park works to keep sites well-maintained, it’s realistic to expect some minor variations in levelness across the different areas. Some spots might be exceptionally flat, while others, perhaps due to terrain contours or recent weather, might require a bit more attention with your leveling gear. Guest feedback often suggests that most sites at Barnyard RV Park are reasonably level, requiring only standard adjustments.
The park’s location near major routes like I-20 and I-26 makes it a convenient stopover park, meaning site turnover can be frequent. Maintenance crews typically grade and prepare sites, but always be prepared with your own leveling equipment. If you have specific needs regarding levelness, mentioning it during the booking process might be helpful, although site assignments often depend on availability.
Are Pull-Thru Sites Typically More Level Than Back-In Sites?
At many RV parks, pull-thru sites are often favored for their convenience, especially by those with larger RVs or those planning a short term stay. Sometimes, these sites are designed on flatter sections of the property or receive more frequent grading due to higher demand. However, this isn’t a universal rule, and levelness can vary regardless of site type at Barnyard RV Park.
Pull-thru sites at Barnyard RV Park offer ease of access, allowing you to drive in and out without disconnecting a tow vehicle, which is a major plus after a long drive. While often situated for easy maneuvering, their levelness still depends on the specific spot’s location within the campground terrain and recent maintenance. Don’t assume a pull-thru will automatically be perfectly level.
Back-in sites, while requiring a bit more maneuvering, can sometimes be tucked into more established or naturally flatter areas of the park. Ultimately, the levelness depends more on the individual site’s preparation and location rather than whether it’s a pull-thru or back-in. It’s always best practice to visually inspect any site upon arrival and be ready to use your levelers.
Why Is a Level RV Site So Important During Your Stay?
Achieving a level setup for your RV goes beyond mere convenience; it directly impacts the functionality of essential systems and your overall comfort. Whether you’re at Barnyard RV Park for a quick overnight or settling in for monthly rates, ensuring your rig is stable and level is a foundational step for a hassle-free experience. Let’s explore the key reasons why this matters so much.
Proper Functioning of RV Appliances and Systems
As mentioned earlier, the RV refrigerator is the prime example of an appliance demanding a level surface. Absorption refrigerators rely on gravity for the cooling cycle involving ammonia, hydrogen gas, and water. If the unit is tilted too much, the flow is disrupted, leading to poor cooling or even overheating that can cause permanent damage.
Other systems are also affected. Water tanks (fresh, grey, and black) have sensors that read levels more accurately when the RV is flat. Plumbing systems, including showers and sinks, drain correctly when level, preventing water from pooling unexpectedly. Even furnaces and water heaters can perform optimally when the RV isn’t significantly tilted.
Slide-out mechanisms also benefit greatly from a level foundation. Operating slides on an uneven RV can put undue stress on the motors, tracks, and seals. This can lead to jerky operation, incomplete sealing against the elements, or, in worst-case scenarios, damage to the slide system itself. Ensuring your RV is level before extending slides is a crucial preventative measure during your stay at Barnyard RV Park.
The Refrigerator Rule of Thumb
Most RV manuals suggest that absorption refrigerators can tolerate being slightly off-level – typically up to 3 degrees side-to-side and 6 degrees front-to-back when stationary. However, for optimal performance and longevity, flatter is always better. Using a small bubble level inside the fridge or freezer compartment is a simple way to check.
If you find your site at Barnyard RV Park requires significant leveling, prioritize getting the refrigerator within its tolerance zone. Even if other aspects aren’t perfectly flat, ensuring the fridge operates correctly prevents potential costly repairs down the road. Modern compressor-driven RV fridges are less sensitive to being level, but it’s still good practice.
Remember that even small slopes can impact performance over time. Making leveling a standard part of your setup routine, regardless of the site’s appearance, is the best approach for protecting your appliances. This ensures peace of mind while you enjoy the amenities Barnyard RV Park offers.
Slide-Out Safety and Operation
RV slide-outs dramatically increase living space but require careful operation. Attempting to extend or retract them when the RV is noticeably tilted puts uneven pressure on the gear tracks and motors. This can cause binding, skipping, or motor strain, potentially leading to failure.
A level RV ensures the slide-out moves smoothly along its intended path. It also helps the rubber seals around the slide room press evenly against the RV body when extended or retracted, providing a better barrier against rain, drafts, and pests. Misaligned seals due to an unlevel setup can compromise this protection.
Before operating your slides at your Barnyard RV Park site, always confirm the RV is stable and reasonably level. Most modern RVs have built-in leveling systems or recommend using manual leveling blocks first. Following this simple step protects your investment and ensures your extra space functions as intended.
Enhancing Your Comfort and Daily RV Living
Beyond the mechanical aspects, a level RV simply feels better to live in. Imagine sleeping on a bed where you feel like you’re constantly rolling to one side, or trying to cook breakfast on a stovetop where the oil pools in one corner of the pan. These small annoyances can add up, especially during a long term stay.
Walking around inside an unlevel RV can feel awkward and even disorienting. Doors, especially internal ones or shower doors, might swing open or closed unexpectedly if the rig isn’t flat. Setting up your outdoor living space with chairs and tables is also much easier and more stable on level ground next to a level RV.
Taking the time to level your RV properly at Barnyard RV Park contributes significantly to the overall sense of stability and homeliness. It turns your RV site from just a parking spot into a comfortable basecamp for exploring Lexington SC, visiting the nearby flea market, or relaxing at this quiet park. It makes everyday activities, from making coffee to taking a shower, more pleasant.
Setting Up Smoothly at Your Barnyard RV Park Site
Arriving at Barnyard RV Park after a journey, whether via I-20, I-26, or Highway 1, means it’s time to set up camp. Assessing your assigned RV site for levelness and making any necessary adjustments is a key part of this process. Knowing how to check the level and use your equipment efficiently will get you settled faster and enjoying the park’s amenities sooner.
How Should You Check Your Site’s Level Upon Arrival?
Before you even unhitch or disconnect your tow vehicle, take a moment to visually inspect the site assigned to you at Barnyard RV Park. Look at the overall slope. Is it tilted more side-to-side or front-to-back? Compare the ground where your RV wheels will rest to the surrounding area.
A simple visual check gives you an initial idea, but using tools provides accuracy. Place a carpenter’s level (a 2-foot or 4-foot one works well) on the floor inside your RV, ideally near the center. Check both side-to-side and front-to-back level. Many RVers install permanent bubble levels on the exterior or use smartphone apps designed for leveling.
If you have an auto-leveling system, it will indicate the degree of tilt. If using manual methods, note which side or end is low. This assessment helps you determine where to place leveling blocks and approximately how many you might need before you start the actual leveling process at your Barnyard RV Park spot.
Using Leveling Blocks and Systems Effectively
If your site at Barnyard RV Park isn’t perfectly level, leveling blocks or your RV’s built-in system come into play. For manual leveling, stackable interlocking blocks (like Lynx Levelers or Camco FasTen blocks) are popular. Place them in front of the tires on the low side(s) and drive slowly onto them until your level indicates flat. Always level side-to-side first using blocks under the wheels, then use the tongue jack (for trailers) or landing gear (for fifth wheels) to level front-to-back.
Ensure the blocks form a stable, wide platform under the tires – avoid narrow, unstable stacks. Never use wood scraps that can split or blocks under the axles or stabilizers, only under the tires for side-to-side leveling. Once level, chock your wheels securely before unhitching or extending stabilizers. Stabilizer jacks are meant to reduce rocking, not bear the RV’s weight for leveling.
If your RV has hydraulic or electric auto-leveling jacks, the process is much simpler. Typically, you just press a button, and the system deploys jacks to level the RV automatically. Ensure the ground under the jack pads is firm; use jack pads if the surface at Barnyard RV Park seems soft to prevent sinking. Always follow your specific system’s operating instructions.
| Leveling Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Leveling Blocks (Plastic Interlocking) | Inexpensive, Lightweight, Versatile, Widely Available | Requires driving onto blocks, Can be time-consuming, Need storage space | Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Smaller Motorhomes, Budget-conscious RVers |
| Manual Leveling Blocks (Wood) | Very Inexpensive (if DIY), Customizable Size | Heavy, Can split or rot, Can slip | Occasional use, DIYers (use pressure-treated wood) |
| Ramp-Style Levelers (e.g., Andersen Camper Leveler) | Precise adjustment, Faster than blocks, Includes chock | More expensive than blocks, Only levels one axis at a time (usually side-to-side) | Travel Trailers, RVers seeking convenience over blocks |
| Hydraulic/Electric Auto-Leveling Systems | Push-button simple, Fast, Very stable, Levels both axes simultaneously | Very expensive (often factory-installed), Adds weight, Requires maintenance, Needs firm ground | Larger Motorhomes (Class A, Class C), Larger Fifth Wheels, RVers prioritizing maximum convenience |
What If Your Assigned Site Poses Leveling Challenges?
Despite Barnyard RV Park’s efforts, you might occasionally encounter a site that requires more leveling than your equipment can handle or seems excessively sloped. If you’ve assessed the site and believe it presents a genuine challenge or safety concern for leveling, the first step is to communicate with the park office.
Politely explain the situation. Perhaps mention the degree of slope or the number of blocks required seems excessive. Park staff are usually accommodating and understand the importance of a reasonably level site for RV functionality and safety. They might have an alternative site available that better suits your needs.
Check the park rules regarding site changes, but typically, if there’s a legitimate issue and availability permits, management will try to help. Having photos or level readings can support your request. Remember that perfect flatness isn’t guaranteed, but excessively sloped sites might warrant a discussion, especially if you’re staying for weekly rates or monthly rates. Good communication is key.
Tips for Handling Difficult Sites
If moving isn’t an option, focus on achieving the best level possible, prioritizing the refrigerator side-to-side. Use sturdy leveling blocks and ensure they are placed securely. Sometimes, slightly repositioning the RV within the site boundaries (forward, backward, or slightly angled if permitted and safe) can utilize a flatter section of the spot.
Carry more leveling blocks than you think you’ll need; having extras provides flexibility for challenging sites. Ensure your stabilizing jacks are used only for stability after leveling, not for lifting significant weight. If a site consistently requires extreme leveling, it might be worth noting for future reservation requests at Barnyard RV Park.
Consider investing in higher-quality leveling gear if you frequently encounter tricky sites. While Barnyard RV Park generally offers manageable sites, being well-prepared ensures you can handle minor variations anywhere your travels take you, from South Carolina campgrounds to destinations nationwide. Remember to check your level again after settling in, as some shifting can occur.
