Leveling Blocks Necessary?

[69RoadRunner]

One of my first trips will be drycamping at the Carlisle Fairgrounds for the Mopar show. There are some fairly level spots, but others aren't very level.

If I don't get there early enough to snag a good spot, should I use some leveling blocks for the wheels?

I know there's only so much the levelers can do, and they aren't designed to lift the coach off the wheels, right?

[69RoadRunner]

One of my first trips will be drycamping at the Carlisle Fairgrounds for the Mopar show. There are some fairly level spots, but others aren't very level.

If I don't get there early enough to snag a good spot, should I use some leveling blocks for the wheels?

I know there's only so much the levelers can do, and they aren't designed to lift the coach off the wheels, right?

[GaryKD]

If it is just for a few days, consider using the blocks to ensure the jacks have enough travel to level the coach. Correct or not, my wheels have "hung" in the air several times. For a few days, I do not worry about it.

[afrank1971]

Same here, I don't get too worried about the wheels coming off the ground (though I do ALWAYS keep the rear wheels on the ground, that's where the parking brake is). I carry blocks for the jacks as well as for the tires, if I can, I put blocks under the wheels in order to keep them from hanging, and then put blocks under the jacks so that they have enough travel to get the coach level. But if I run out of blocks for the wheels and they must hang, it doesn't ruin my trip. I know they say it's not a good idea, but it happens...

[Dav5942]

Personally, never had the wheels off the ground, and don't plan on doing it!

But some do do it!

[AFChap]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">should I use some leveling blocks for the wheels? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
When using blocks under your tires, make sure the blocks are large enough to support the full "footprint" of the tire. See this link http://www.pjrider.com/TireCodes.htm on my webpage for some illustrated examples of improper tire blocking.

[69RoadRunner]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dav5942:
Personally, never had the wheels off the ground, and don't plan on doing it!

But some do do it!
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Gotta love those wheelstanding motorhomes!

[Tom N]

I wouldn't use the blocks under my tires, I'd use them under my jacks.

[historyljc]

I carry 2x12x16 pieces of untreated lumber because it lighter than treated. If it rots, I replace it. In addition to lifting, this increases the foot print considerably. If a site is very much off level I use the same number of boards under tires and the jacks. I also carry 3 cartons of Lynx Levelers, they're very light, in case I need more. I've already experienced one broken jack from hanging a tire off the ground. I just as soon not do that again. If I'm in a level site, I use the 14" high-impact polyethylene pads under the jacks.

[Blue Ribbon]

If we have to go high enough to get the wheels in the air, we will generally go higher, and then set the wheels down on blocks and then re-jack usig the leveling jacks.

Like others have said, I've seen people with wheels up in the air for weeks on end. Think about it, construction equipment leaves heavy loads against hydrolic systems - just don't know how long the hoses in an rv will last.

Pressure is pressure. If you have the coach up 1/2" or up 5 inches, there is the same pressure on the system.

I like it perfectly level, so go to extreems to accomplish this.

[jjbsmith]

Is it correct to say that if we store our coaches on the jacks for an extended time the entire weight of the coach minus the weight of the axles will eventually be carried by the jacks?

[Bill Davis]

There is another consideration beside downward pressure with your rig up in the air. Out here in California we have a unique, sometimes condition called EARTHQUAKES! Ever been in one? I've been in several. The earth moves side to side! Hate to think what would happen to my jacks, supporting my rig up in the air, under those conditions.

[RVDude]

It is correct to say that:
1) jacks are designed to carry their rated load, that means if they lift the coach they can carry that load...
2) when down the jacks are your "parking brake" not the wheels simply by the laws of physics and friction...
3) hydraulics simply don't care if they are pressurized or not or for short or long terms, it's all the same...
4) earthquakes, that is lateral loading, probably is not a design criteria for RV jacks, but given the long seismic wavelengths, there may not really be much of an issue with earthquake deployed jacks...
5) Tire manufacturers now say leave the tires loaded during storage but protect them from the ground...

All that said, the real rule regarding jacks be they RV, bottle, car, or otherwise, is DO NOT crawl under a vehicle supported by only jacks!

[69RoadRunner]

I probably won't be travelling in areas where earthquakes are a big issue. While I'd love to travel out west some time, that probably won't happen any time soon.

Earthquakes do happen here in the east, but they're very rare and are mild.

I ordered a double pack of Lynx Levelers (20) that I'll use primarily for the jacks. But, if it seems to make sense, I'll use them for the tires, too.

I guess it will be a matter of seeing what works best in a specific site.