Community Forums

Raining Star · 01-02-2014, 02:57 AM

We have our 36' class a along side our home behind an RV gate on a large gravel driveway. We want to replace the large gravel, which are uncomfortable to walk on and impossible to crawl under the RV on, with something better suited to the job. Decomposed granite has been suggested.
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I understand a thick concrete slab would be best, but considering the total length involved would be over budget. Any ideas as to a good material and depth.

palehorse89 · 01-02-2014, 03:55 AM

Asphalt grindings if you can find some will make a really nice hard packed surface to park on.

LeeRevell · 01-02-2014, 08:51 AM

That's what we used for my Mother's dirt road and back driveway (front drive is concrete). Makes a great improvement!

Scarab0088 · 01-02-2014, 09:13 AM

I would not recommend Decomposed Granite (DG)...it will turn to granite "sand" under weight and with age - yes, have DG in several parts of our yard. But, it's very pretty to look at - at first.

I would look for a more stable natural stone gravel and if it is "tumbled" or small river stone, it will not have the sharp edges seen on some gravel products.

Best luck

FRR2EYW · 01-02-2014, 09:20 AM

I would recommend crush and run. It is gravel mixed with gravel dust and when you compact it will give an smooth and hard surface. Not hard enough to use a creeper, but smooth enough to schooch around on your back. You will need to use jack pads with it.

Chuck13 · 01-02-2014, 09:28 AM

Type 2 base rock compacts very well and is made for putting under concrete. When mixed with water and compacted, it stays hard and flat a long time. If you do stir it up, you just re-wet it and compact it again. Best part it is budget friendly.

vsheetz · 01-02-2014, 09:40 AM

I have a DG (decomposed granite) rear driveway and RV parking pad. Has worked well for about 10 years. Very solid. No deterioration. Was installed as an alternative to costly concrete. Planning to add a 20x20 carport for the Jeep and pickup truck parking. Will use DG again there.

Raining Star · 01-02-2014, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeRevell

That's what we used for my Mother's dirt road and back driveway (front drive is concrete). Makes a great improvement!

Which did you use, the decomposed granite I mentioned, or the asphalt grindings the other poster suggested?

TXiceman · 01-02-2014, 07:07 PM

Crushed granite will work with the proper base and properly packed. An alternate is re-milled asphalt....proper base and properly packed.

Ken

Mr_D · 01-02-2014, 07:12 PM

When I built ours I just used 3/4"- over the bare earth (in our case clay). The minus meaning that the rock dust is still there. The I have added some 3/8"- over the years.

Melmoses · 01-03-2014, 01:01 PM

Just a reminder, any petroleum product (like asphalt) is not good for your tires in long term parking. If you go with the asphalt grindings you need to put something under the tires. Rock, concrete, crushed run all are a better, less hassle choice IMHO.

palehorse89 · 01-03-2014, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melmoses

Just a reminder, any petroleum product (like asphalt) is not good for your tires in long term parking. If you go with the asphalt grindings you need to put something under the tires. Rock, concrete, crushed run all are a better, less hassle choice IMHO.

I was just wondering where you read this or heard this? I would think most tires spend their entire life on asphalt, parked and driving.........New autos, Coach's , etc. sitting sometimes for a year or better on dealer lots. I would be more concerned while parked on asphalt in warm weather of sinking or rutting problems. Just wondering after reading your post...

FRR2EYW · 01-03-2014, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palehorse89

I was just wondering where you read this or heard this? I would think most tires spend their entire life on asphalt, parked and driving.........New autos, Coach's , etc. sitting sometimes for a year or better on dealer lots. I would be more concerned while parked on asphalt in warm weather of sinking or rutting problems. Just wondering after reading your post...

I was taught at Camp Freightliner to have something between your tires and the ground, even concrete. Just when sitting for long periods. That's where I heard it. As for the dealers, what do they care how long your coach tires last or if you have a blowout.

palehorse89 · 01-03-2014, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRR2EYW

I was taught at Camp Freightliner to have something between your tires and the ground, even concrete. Just when sitting for long periods. That's where I heard it. As for the dealers, what do they care how long your coach tires last or if you have a blowout.

Just wondering still........what did they consider a long period of time?
Did they actually give you a time frame?