Calibrating Your Phone: Fixing Camera Bump Errors

Definition

How to calibrate your iPhone to account for camera bumps and cases for 100% accurate leveling readings.

How It Works

Scope: This guide covers calibrating your phone: fixing camera bump errors.
Rule: Follow the numbered steps below, using your iPhone's built-in sensors to measure angles and calculate precise block heights for each wheel position.

1. Position your RV on the campsite and ensure it's in park with the parking brake engaged.
2. Open the RV Leveler app on your iPhone and select your RV type (motorhome or trailer).
3. Place your iPhone on a flat surface inside the RV and tap 'Calibrate' to set the zero point, accounting for any camera bump or case offset.
4. Measure the current angle by placing the iPhone on the floor and reading the pitch and roll values from the app's sensor display.
5. Enter your vehicle's wheelbase (for motorhomes) or axle-to-jack distance (for trailers) in the app's geometry settings.
6. The app calculates the required block height for each wheel position based on the measured angle and your vehicle's geometry.
7. Place leveling blocks under each tire according to the calculated heights, starting with the lowest point.
8. Re-check the level using the app after placing blocks to verify you've achieved a level state (pitch and roll near 0°).

Examples

Scenario	Angle Measured	Block Height Required
Front-to-back slope: 2° pitch	2.0°	Front: 0.5", Rear: 1.5"
Side-to-side slope: 1.5° roll	1.5°	Left: 0.75", Right: 1.25"
Combined slope: 1° pitch + 1° roll	1.0° / 1.0°	Varies by wheel position

FAQ

How accurate is the iPhone sensor for RV leveling?

The iPhone's built-in gyroscope and accelerometer provide accuracy within 0.1° when properly calibrated. This is sufficient for RV leveling, as most RVs are considered level within 1-2° of horizontal.

Do I need to calibrate my iPhone before each use?

Yes, calibration is recommended, especially if you're using a phone case or if the camera bump affects the sensor reading. The app's zero-point calibration feature accounts for these offsets.

Can I use this app for any RV type?

Yes, RV Leveler supports both motorhomes (4-point leveling model) and trailers (3-point leveling model). The app adapts its calculations based on your vehicle type selection.

Download

Get precise leveling calculations with RV Leveler. The app uses your iPhone's sensors to measure angles and calculate exact block heights for each wheel position.

Learn more about RV leveling techniques. See also: How To Level Rv With Iphone.