Aux Jack Pads

[JamesOne]

I was out dry camping this past weekend in a grassy field. When I put my HWH jacks down a couple went into the soft ground 4-5 inches. I figure I need something to place under the pads to increase the ground contact area.

My "technical advisor" suggests two pieces of 3/4" plywood glued together. He thinks 12"x12" pieces should do it.

Has anyone made their own? If so, what material did you use and how large are they?

[JamesOne]

I was out dry camping this past weekend in a grassy field. When I put my HWH jacks down a couple went into the soft ground 4-5 inches. I figure I need something to place under the pads to increase the ground contact area.

My "technical advisor" suggests two pieces of 3/4" plywood glued together. He thinks 12"x12" pieces should do it.

Has anyone made their own? If so, what material did you use and how large are they?

I have made a few up by using 2x12 boards that I have covered with 1/2" plywood that are real good. Strong and still somewhat lightweight. I also have a few that I have made from 3- 4x4x12" that I have covered in 1/2" ply that are very strong but heavy. Best if you tie some sort of rope to them so they can be pulled back out from under coach. I don't care for the little yellow blocks that you can buy as all they have done is go down into the ground, sometimes never to be seen again.
Derek

[troth]

I made mine out of 3/16" aluminum diamond plate, and they have a handle so they're easy to set & retrieve. I think you're on the right track with the size, using 12" x 12". Many use plywood or 2 x 12 boards. Some drill holes so they can retrieve the blocks with their awning hook. Camping World used to sell black plastic pads, about 9" x 9" with metal flip handles (but I haven't seen them in their latest catalog). They work well, are lightweight, and pretty easy to clean.