Ground Pads for Leveling Jacks

jim.smithjr · 03-10-2011, 11:37 AM

Last fall I picked up three large yellow plastic ground pads from a semi trailer supply shop to use under my leveling jacks. They are meant for use under jacks on semi trailers when parked off the tractor.

I've only used them a few times, but they really seem to work well. A little pricy, but everything that actually works costs a little more.

Chuck 1935 · 03-10-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim.smithjr

Last fall I picked up three large yellow plastic ground pads from a semi trailer supply shop to use under my leveling jacks. They are meant for use under jacks on semi trailers when parked off the tractor.

I've only used them a few times, but they really seem to work well. A little pricy, but everything that actually works costs a little more.

Unless the ground is soft, why would you need them ?

Its Paid For · 03-10-2011, 02:28 PM

For when the ground is soft, you already answered your own question.

Algoma · 03-10-2011, 02:37 PM

You should also use them on asphalt. Only concrete seems to immune from jack damage.
A cheaper solution is to make your own from treated lumber.

randco · 03-10-2011, 02:41 PM

Super Dolly Trailer Jack Pad - RVWholesalers.com RV Parts

Chuck 1935 · 03-10-2011, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Its Paid For

For when the ground is soft, you already answered your own question.

Am I sorta smart or what ?

**RJay** · 03-10-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935

Unless the ground is soft, why would you need them ?

As a personal approach, I don't like to extend the jack any more than I have to. The more the jacks are extended the more the spring are stretched where they will eventually retract slower until you have to replace them. Putting something under the jacks is akin to an extended maintenance program.

timdriver · 03-10-2011, 04:38 PM

I found some disc blades at an implement store,used, for free. John Deere dealer, they were take offs. I sand blasted them and then painted them. And not bigger than 24 inches or they become to heavy to haul around.

wa8yxm · 03-10-2011, 04:46 PM

You should also use them, even on concrete, if there is a danger of freezing.. The jacks hardly ever freeze to the pads, but the pads may freeze solid to the ground.. So if that happens you up jacks, pull off, take the old 12 pounder (Ok, 8 pounder) and give 'em a "WACK" and they break free of the dirt and you can stow and go.

diandtom · 03-10-2011, 04:49 PM

We had a RV Tech give a talk at a rally in Myrtle Beach last year and he claimed you need something to insulate the RV from the ground in case of lighting. I got a set and use them on soft ground. I got a fiver with a Big Foot leveling system. I had them out a little later on and a thunder storm came up and the pads were down, but I also had a tripod with nothing under it.

No problem was not hit by lighting.

Tom

mikron · 03-10-2011, 04:53 PM

Best I found, Outdoors for Life,LLC www.outdoors-for-life.com. Ph 517.655.8482. 4 bright yellow plastic 16" x 16" x 1" pads $180.00 shipped. They have a s/s wire loop handle and carry bag. Our jack pads a about 9" sq. and are hard plastic. The more foot print on the ground the better soft or hard.

jim.smithjr · 03-10-2011, 05:59 PM

I should also add that these truck trailer pads are larger and much stronger than any pads I have ever seen at RV stores. They are super tough! They are currently in my motor home and I am not, so I can't measure them but my guess is they are about 1 1/2' square and 1" thick. They are smooth on the bottom side and have a honeycomb design on top. They are light weight and wash up easily.

frankdamp · 03-10-2011, 08:43 PM

S-i-l made some for a friend's Class C. I plan to make a set for our rig for this season. He cut out two sheets of 3/8 plywood 18" square for each jack. Then he cut 4 x 4 lumber, mitred 45 degrees, to run along the edges. He added a third 4x4 across the middle and put a poly-rope handle through one of the edge 4x4s. At 18" square, they store easily and are bigger than the feet of the jacks. If your storage is limited, you could trim them down to fit.

powerboatr · 03-10-2011, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diandtom

We had a RV Tech give a talk at a rally in Myrtle Beach last year and he claimed you need something to insulate the RV from the ground in case of lighting. I got a set and use them on soft ground. I got a fiver with a Big Foot leveling system. I had them out a little later on and a thunder storm came up and the pads were down, but I also had a tripod with nothing under it.

No problem was not hit by lighting.

Tom

don't know about insulating it from the ground.....your shore power still has a ground to the pedestal.
if lighting hits you....its going to fry things regardless of a jacks making a ground

i may have to do a resistance check from my pads to the earth

and we use blocks everywhere, on concrete, grass or blacktop
just habit i guess