Jack leveling pads

[flywithcoop]

Originally Posted by Boyle908

I made my own out of 1 1/8 Plywood. I installed them permanently using 2 - 1/4" galvanized bolts. I did not use 4 bolts as I wanted them to break if snagged I have done this on 2 motorhomes over 10years and have had no issues,

I made my pads 12 x 12 and 14 x 14 depending on the chassis location etc. On my current I reduced on one pad corner on each rear to maintain wheel clearance This setup gives me a greater working range on the levelers, I don't have to get our to put pads etc. I carry about 4 extras just in case, however if that is not sufficient I will move to a different site or campground as necessary. I did drill a 5/8 hole in each corner so that I could hook them with the awning rod if necessary. Very happy with the way this works.

This is the best idea I have read concerning jack pads.

[vfauto]

Originally Posted by flywithcoop

This is the best idea I have read concerning jack pads.

Second that

[wkenhall]

Are the bases on the jacks too small

[vfauto]

No, I sometimes need a couple more inches of lift on one jack.

[veraken]

Originally Posted by Boyle908

I made my own out of 1 1/8 Plywood. I installed them permanently using 2 - 1/4" galvanized bolts. I did not use 4 bolts as I wanted them to break if snagged I have done this on 2 motorhomes over 10years and have had no issues,

I made my pads 12 x 12 and 14 x 14 depending on the chassis location etc. On my current I reduced on one pad corner on each rear to maintain wheel clearance This setup gives me a greater working range on the levelers, I don't have to get our to put pads etc. I carry about 4 extras just in case, however if that is not sufficient I will move to a different site or campground as necessary. I did drill a 5/8 hole in each corner so that I could hook them with the awning rod if necessary. Very happy with the way this works.

Best idea yet. Do you have any pictures?

[Boyle908]

Originally Posted by veraken

Best idea yet. Do you have any pictures?

I will be glad to send some photos if you send me an email at michaelboyle908@att.net to respond to. One thing I should have mentioned is that my current levelers (HWH) have return springs that keep the actual leveler ram from any significant rotation (my old MH leveler ram could rotate at will) so I can be pretty confident that the pad orientation will not change in relation to the motorhome.

I also increased the size for this MH to 14" x 14" as it is heavier etc. which is why I had to cut/knock off one corner of the rear pad to maintain a minimum of 4" from the wheel which I decided was a minimum. There was loads of room in the front

If you would like a picture send me an email. Before I came across a piece of 1 1/8" Ply I used 2 layers of 3/4" ply screwed together and bolted to the Ram pad

Michael

[jtulloch]

Pressure treated 4"x4" about 12" long.

[Team G]

I've had DICA pads for 5 years and they are EXCELLENT. Have also seen the Bigfoot brand - also really nice. I totally get the 'DIY' - I'm sure it's driven by cost savings as much as anything else - I've seen some really nice DIY pads and some pretty poor, borderline dangerous ones. You will NEVER have an issue with either of the above. Never have to paint or rebuild them. They store well - reasonably light - compact - extremely durable - stay rot free - look good and will last long after I'm gone. Pricey...YES. Excellent product YES.

Either way - enjoy

[BBQ Warren]

Originally Posted by Team G

I've had DICA pads for 5 years and they are EXCELLENT. Have also seen the Bigfoot brand - also really nice. I totally get the 'DIY' - I'm sure it's driven by cost savings as much as anything else - I've seen some really nice DIY pads and some pretty poor, borderline dangerous ones. You will NEVER have an issue with either of the above. Never have to paint or rebuild them. They store well - reasonably light - compact - extremely durable - stay rot free - look good and will last long after I'm gone. Pricey...YES. Excellent product YES.



Either way - enjoy

What size do you use?

[bobbelcher]

I just built a set of jack pads today. I took a 2x12 and cut 5 pieces so they were square. I then took a piece of 1/2 inch plywood and cut 8 pieces the same size. I then used liquid nail and exterior screws and screwed 1 of the pieces of plywood to each side of 4 of the 2x12's (opposite grain). This gives me a block that's actual size is 2.5 tall x 11.25 square.

Then I screwed in two eyehooks into the side of the 2x12 out by the edges. And then took a Paracord rope 60 inches long and tied it from one eye hook to the other with a foot or so of the cord making a convenient carrying handle. I then left a long tail coming off from one of the eye hooks and made a handle at the end of the long tail.

Doing what I did not only gives me a long tail to grab from the edge of the RV, I also have a nice carrying handle, I can also snag one of the handles or eye bolts with my awning rod if im not wanting to crawl around and the eye hooks give me something to push and pull around the pad with the awning rod to get it located.

I made 4 of these sandwiched pads even tho I only have 3 Jack's. I figured if I ever needed to change a tire or maybe needed extra I lift for whatever reason I have it. I also cut one extra 2x12 just to have in the event I don't have room for a full pad.

I'm probably going to paint them to help preserve them or have even thought about giving them a good spray down with that flex seal stuff.

[flywithcoop]

If you make your own jack pads try this method:

Mine are made with "recycled" wood. There are housing developments in my area with houses under construction. I check the large dumpsters for 2x12 lumber. I am amazed at what is tossed out. Just found two pieces of 2x12 boards 48 inches long with no nails or blemishes. Eight 12x12 free jack pads!
Also found several good 2x4s and 2x6s (had to remove nails).

[bobbelcher]

Took some pictures of what I made yesterday. Still tossing around the idea of what to coat them with. Thinking of trying the flex seal stuff.

[avid_dk]

Originally Posted by Team G

I've had DICA pads for 5 years and they are EXCELLENT. Have also seen the Bigfoot brand - also really nice. I totally get the 'DIY' - I'm sure it's driven by cost savings as much as anything else - I've seen some really nice DIY pads and some pretty poor, borderline dangerous ones. You will NEVER have an issue with either of the above. Never have to paint or rebuild them. They store well - reasonably light - compact - extremely durable - stay rot free - look good and will last long after I'm gone. Pricey...YES. Excellent product YES.

Either way - enjoy

Your great grandkids will still be using your Dica jack pads. I own a set of four of 18 x 18 x 1/2 and two-16 x 16 x 2. I stack them, drive on them, put them under the jacks and they take it. If they break send them back for replacement. Hint: there is no way you will ever break them. Hint 2: they were pricey.

It looks like they have a whole new thing going on for RVs. Didn't spend a lot of time on their new website.