Community Forums

araucano · 06-10-2009, 08:15 AM

Hello to everyone:
I've just got new tires on my truck and 5th W.I'd like to
know doest it make a difference which type of levelers to use,(the type sold by WM for $30,plastic blocks(10 in a box)or simply buy some treated
wood from HD.Does it really help to the preserving condition of the tires?
Does it make any difference which type to use?Which kind do most of you use?Many thanks for your input!araucano.

RedneckExpress · 06-10-2009, 10:13 AM

What your tires are sitting on, depending on how long you plan to have it sit on them, will likely make little to no difference in the life of the tread.

I just use cheap green fir 2x6 chunks, myself.

Rich_in_Tampa · 06-10-2009, 11:01 AM

Michelin cautions against small blocks where the contact patch overflows the leveling block. I think they also don't like blocks with a lot of ins-and -outs like leggos - thetire and cord get squeezed into the crivices and over time can damage the cord. I don't know if it's true but there it is.

I just bought a 2x10x12 and had it cut into 4 24" pieces for the duals, and 4 12" pieces for the front as needed.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-10-2009, 03:30 PM

I carry chunks of 2x10 for those occasions when my coach leveling system can't quite cope. Did the same for previous coaches and even when we had fifth wheels.

Bill1374 · 06-15-2009, 07:14 PM

I just look around for new construction. A quick stop to ask permission to dumpster dive usually nets me a 2 year supply of 2x8 or 2x10 cut ends. The last time I asked, the foreman even handed me the pieces. Right now, I'm good for this year so come fall, I'll start looking for a construction sight again.

Bill

Ray,IN · 06-16-2009, 09:37 AM

I also use scrap lumber for leveling and jack pads. I can't understand the logic behind the "air bags" marketed for leveling. Can you say "sea-sick"!

becks · 06-16-2009, 09:51 AM

I also have used 2x12 blocks of lumber from day one. The important thing is that the entire thread surface of the tire sits on the wood.

Wayne M · 06-17-2009, 07:05 PM

The Michelin tire web site has information on "storage." For every day use and a week in a park, it is not going to matter if they are on a block except if the surface area is an oil based hot patch. The petroleum product in tar based surfaces can be asorbed into a tire and cause problems, is what I have read.

I also use 2x10's cut to about 21 inches. Easier to store. I surfaced each 2x10 with 5/8" plywood. If the block splits a little, the plywood keeps it intact. I used sheet rock screws to anchor the plywood to the 2x10's. For jack pads use 3/4" plywood cut 12x12. Plywood is a better choice because of the lamination which keeps it from splitting in half.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Roadking · 06-22-2009, 05:30 PM

I only use them if: 1) parked for more than 2 weeks on dirt or asphalt without moving, 2) the ground is clearly wet or soft, and 3) the elevation is required to assist in getting rig level.

My choice is to use the cheap green 2x6's cut about 16 inches long. Two 8 footers will give you 12 nice blocks. When needed, I use three (side by side perpendicular to travel) under a dual position and two under a front position. I like the 2x6's as they don't split and break as frequently as 2x8's, 2x10's, etc., and they are smaller to store, and since they don't require beefing up with plywood to prevent splitting, they're not as heavy.