Community Forums

motojavaphil · 09-30-2007, 06:07 PM

I am parked long term and my front and rear jacks sink in causing the need for adjustment to maintain level. I have placed some large pads in the rear which has helped. The front I have used 4X4 blocks which are not doing the job. I was considering concrete blocks as a replacement but worry they will break. Any suggestions? Thanks, Phil

motojavaphil · 09-30-2007, 06:07 PM

I am parked long term and my front and rear jacks sink in causing the need for adjustment to maintain level. I have placed some large pads in the rear which has helped. The front I have used 4X4 blocks which are not doing the job. I was considering concrete blocks as a replacement but worry they will break. Any suggestions? Thanks, Phil

rockintom · 09-30-2007, 06:11 PM

Phil,

I use the concrete blocks that I sawed in half (about a 8" X 8" block about 3" thick). Haven't had any problems with them breaking and we have had way too many people in here partying!

Give them a whirl.

MakinSmoke · 10-01-2007, 01:45 AM

Phil,
In soft ground the wider the surface covering the ground the more stable. If the ground is really soft, try two thicknesses of some 3/4inch ext plywood cut maybe 18-24 inches sq. As you might can tell, I like overkill.

Workshop · 10-01-2007, 04:54 AM

Good moring Phil.

The concrete does have the to ability to break if the conditions are right. What that is, haven't found that yet. In the remodel projects we do, if we have to jack up a section of the house, we sometimes use a 12" or larger patio paver/steping block as a base and use a layer of plywood or 2x8 on top. The wood acts as a cushion and the paver as support. The support for both should be level and firm as possible.

You didn't mention, are your wheels supported?

motojavaphil · 10-01-2007, 02:19 PM

Have not supported the wheels. I have put a brace between them but did not put them on wood. Should I do this for the six months I have left here?
Phil

Workshop · 10-02-2007, 03:31 PM

Phil,

Still working, so can't answer with the limitations that you full timers are faced with. But still have some of the storage/parking problems.

Here are two reference sites if you don't have them: goodyear.com/rv and michelinrvtires.com, Select reference materials then Tire care guide. Sorry I don't know how to do web insets.

I have always kept something between my trailer tires and ground/soil if its going to be parked for any long period. I quess it's all personal choice. The 5th will be getting a concrete parking pad this fall. Currently using asphalt roof shingles beneath the tires and 16in sq pavers with a 2x8x12 under the front jacks. The asphalt worked well under the 5th with my soil type but wanted somthing long term. I layed out the tire footprint, placed the shingles to cover and area larger than needed alternating the tabs and it provided a good ground pad that was cheap ($12-16 a bundle) and disposible when I'M done.

The reason I mentioned the tires...if the jacks are sinking, are the tires as well? Life would be easy with a web cam. For the front jacks, you might try a 2"x12" by 24" PT lumber for the pad or one of the larger concrete pavers with your 4"x4" on top. As MakinSmoke stated, the larger the better. Would only quess, outside the tires, the front jacks carry alot of weight. Hope something helped.

Chris