Using leveling boards/jacks pads with class A jacks

[Unicorn Driver]

I have never used leveling boards or jack pads in the 13 months I have had my coach.

Should these be something I should be thinking of carrying?

[Waiter21]

I made four of them out of 2x6s and carry and use them. I've used them several times when we park on sod or asphalt. They help distribute the jack loads, prevent sinking into the sod or damaging a thin layer of asphalt.

I haven't needed them under the jacks to raise the height, I can usually do a good job of getting the coach level before deploying the jacks.

ALSO: I don't like carrying stuff that only has one use. So here's some other uses for the pads:

• Help level under jacks.
• wheel chocks
• additional step for entry way
• safety blocks under axle if changing tire
• pads for wheel jack
• stack them together to make patio drink table.
• Worst comes to worst, throw them in the fire to stay warm.

Leveling the Southwind – Jack Pads have many uses – 1999 Southwind 35S

..

[Cousin Ed]

I use them on soft ground or on blacktop if it's hot and my jacks might damage it.

[MO Fred]

Originally Posted by Waiter21

I made four of them out of 2x6s and carry and use them. I've used them several times when we park on sod or asphalt. They help distribute the jack loads, prevent sinking into the sod or damaging a thin layer of asphalt.

I haven't needed them under the jacks to raise the height, I can usually do a good job of getting the coach level before deploying the jacks.

ALSO: I don't like carrying stuff that only has one use. So here's some other uses for the pads:

• Help level under jacks.
• wheel chocks
• additional step for entry way
• safety blocks under axle if changing tire
• pads for wheel jack
• stack them together to make patio drink table.
• Worst comes to worst, throw them in the fire to stay warm.

Leveling the Southwind – Jack Pads have many uses – 1999 Southwind 35S

..

Yeah, I use 2x6 boards too but they always crack and become useless after a short while. And... the orange square leveling pads flatten out after short use. Would be nice to find pads that are extremely durable.

[u04601]

Yes, I carry a selection of 2 x 6, 2 x 8, and 4 x 6 pieces of lumber (left overs from projects). I use them quite a bit for the front levelers. You should not need them for the rear because you don't want to lift the rear tires off of the ground. The rear tires are the only ones with the parking brake on my MH.

[Waiter21]

I use 2x6 boards too but they always crack and become useless after a short while.

I used pressure treated 2x6. cut to 12 inch lengths. I used 4 of these to make each pad. Using deck screws to screw the pieces together. No problems yet.

[Unicorn Driver]

Tha so very much all,

I will make up some pads.

[les.warden]

I cut up a horsestall mat in 1x1 for jackstands. Great on rocks and road but too soft and flexi on the ground. I ended up cutting several pieces (like 14) of 3/4 inch plywood in 1x1 sections. Took these and stacked them, wood glued them, and deck screwed them together. Took the horsestall 1x1 and glued and wood screwed them to the bottom of these plywood jackstands. They're pretty sturdy and won't slip. I tried the plastic things you can get from CW but squished and deformed them. If all else fails, same as above, fall firewood they become.

While I was at it. I made some leveling boards. 3 of them. They're 2x12 treated boards. 1-3ft, 1-2ft, and 1-1ft. Beveled one end of each board to get the wheels on easier. Then stacked them 3ft,2ft,1ft; then wood glued and deck screwed them together. They're heavy, but then my coach is +40K lbs overall.

[WillandJane]

Originally Posted by MO Fred

Yeah, I use 2x6 boards too but they always crack and become useless after a short while. And... the orange square leveling pads flatten out after short use. Would be nice to find pads that are extremely durable.

Utility blocks, light weight and extremely durable. Have not crushed mine yet.

[MO Fred]

Originally Posted by WillandJane

Utility blocks, light weight and extremely durable. Have not crushed mine yet.
Attachment 171086

Thanks for the tip! I just ordered a set.

[winniman]

They help in soft conditions. My friend set up on some grass, and didnt put any blocks under the jack feet. Over the course of the weekend, the one jack sunk into the ground. He blames his cracked windshield on the jack sinking.

[Regwal]

I made mine from left over stock. I used 1x10x12 treated and put same size 1x10x12 treated plywood on both sides. I beveled all edges top and bottom for ease of sliding under jack foot and removing when leaving. I also drilled holes 1" in diameter on 4 sides, top and bottom for ease of pushing or pulling pad to correct position. Using a garden rake handle with a 90' on lower end to position and remove pads. Works well.

PS: (Use lotsa glue for strength when attaching plywood, and countersunk wood screws. I filled each countersunk hole with wood glue to keep out moisture)

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by les.warden

I cut up a horsestall mat in 1x1 for jackstands. Great on rocks and road but too soft and flexi on the ground. I ended up cutting several pieces (like 14) of 3/4 inch plywood in 1x1 sections. Took these and stacked them, wood glued them, and deck screwed them together. Took the horsestall 1x1 and glued and wood screwed them to the bottom of these plywood jackstands. They're pretty sturdy and won't slip. I tried the plastic things you can get from CW but squished and deformed them. If all else fails, same as above, fall firewood they become.

While I was at it. I made some leveling boards. 3 of them. They're 2x12 treated boards. 1-3ft, 1-2ft, and 1-1ft. Beveled one end of each board to get the wheels on easier. Then stacked them 3ft,2ft,1ft; then wood glued and deck screwed them together. They're heavy, but then my coach is +40K lbs overall.

Originally Posted by WillandJane

Utility blocks, light weight and extremely durable. Have not crushed mine yet.
Attachment 171086

Just ordered these, they will do the trick.

Thanks all for the advice.

[Unicorn Driver]

I could of done with these this week for use at a site with a big slope.