Community Forums

DarkVader · 06-09-2021, 11:21 PM

I know it is not recommended, but I'm looking for ways to make this work.

I have a 1993 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser diesel pusher, 34 feet in length. I'm guessing the weight is around 15000-20000 lbs. I'm trying to park this in my backyard but I cannot maneuver into my paved driveway (which is on a small slope/grade). The geometry/layout just doesn't work. Next to the paved driveway, I have a raised garden/dirt area, which is level (not on any grade or slope). This means I cannot drive across the dirt in order to get onto the paved driveway, so that is out of the question.

The garden is flat but very soft. If I stand in it and press down with my foot, I kind of sink. So driving into it bare will not work. I'm thinking of placing large flat pieces of strong wood/plywood along the garden, and then maybe some concrete slabs on top of the wood, and then driving onto that. But I'm not sure if the wood or slabs will crack/break when I park on it. Or, maybe the wood/slabs will eventually sink as well. I can pave the whole garden but that's a job I would like to avoid.

Has anyone run into this kind of issue before? Would wood and concrete slabs work? What about just wood on its own? Any other potential solutions? Thank you in advance.

Fogbelly · 06-09-2021, 11:27 PM

Don't try it. You know what's gonna happen........

DarkVader · 06-10-2021, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fogbelly

Don't try it. You know what's gonna happen........

Even if I lay out large slabs and wood? Say, 4 feet by 4 feet squares, and two rows of them so I can drive over it.

Xmcdog · 06-10-2021, 12:33 AM

Welcome aboard. Nice to have you with us.

Sorry I don't have good news to your first post but I think you will run into serious issues. Certainly plywood won't support the weight. Even with a concrete slab you would need it 6" thick with rebar to avoid cracking.

MarylandRich · 06-10-2021, 04:26 AM

First of all 3/4 inch plywood will absolutely support the waight of your rv, I used it for years to drive full tractor trailers on to fields, but you will ruin the plywood for any other use as it breaks the insides of the board as you drive on it, and it will get water logged and unless you buy pressure treated it will rot and deteriorate over time. For all those reasons, and a few others, I have not used plywood as a road way for well over a decade. I use Dura Deck, it has texture, uv protected, will not get waterlogged, and last forever. It is made for this type of use. It is however a sizable investment.

https://info.signature-systems.com/d...EaApfXEALw_wcB

Flyer 516NG · 06-10-2021, 05:21 AM

Go to a military surplus store, or something similar, and get so surplus landing mats. It's what they used to build temporary/makeshift runways with during WW2.

charliez · 06-10-2021, 05:33 AM

I helped someone get out a stuck MH and it was a mess. We had to use the built in jacks to lift it over and over, stacking planks till it stopped pushing them into the ground. Once it was up we were able to move it a large wood planks but it took a lot. If you do decide to do this, get a lot of wood, go slow, and if there's any doubt...STOP. Remember too that to get it out you will have to repeat the process. Also consider if this idea goes bad and you can't get it out, can a large winch truck get to it.

We never did get all the planks pulled out of the ground. It mashed several all the way down to the full length of what the jacks would extend. I imagine someone digging there one day wondering what a couple of stacks of 8 foot 2x8's were doing buried there.

Bigd9 · 06-10-2021, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarylandRich

First of all 3/4 inch plywood will absolutely support the waight of your rv, I used it for years to drive full tractor trailers on to fields, but you will ruin the plywood for any other use as it breaks the insides of the board as you drive on it, and it will get water logged and unless you buy pressure treated it will rot and deteriorate over time. ...

So much depends on soil types and depth of loose soil. If it is a garden, and the soils under the disturbed or tilled garden area are solid, then I don't see a lot of problems unless it is a really wet area.

BUT, it sounds like you will be driving in and out, maybe several times a year? If so, the garden most likely not be used for a garden any longer. In that case, just either compact the loose dirt, or remove it and replace with fist sized crushed rock.

MarylandRich · 06-10-2021, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigd9

So much depends on soil types and depth of loose soil. If it is a garden, and the soils under the disturbed or tilled garden area are solid, then I don't see a lot of problems unless it is a really wet area.

BUT, it sounds like you will be driving in and out, maybe several times a year? If so, the garden most likely not be used for a garden any longer. In that case, just either compact the loose dirt, or remove it and replace with fist sized crushed rock.

I concur soil type and lack of vegetation (grass) as well as slope can change the whole equation. There is no no substitute for using good judgment and getting a second option if in doubt.

MtCamper · 06-10-2021, 06:20 AM

Talk with an excavation contractor before you make a final decision. Compare his cost with the cost of DIY wood. Good topsoil is valuable. I'd try to work a deal to trade the topsoil for pit run. Go down about 18". Lay in a barrier mat and then build up in 6" lifts with the pit run and compaction between each lift. Top with a couple inches of 3/4 minus. This is the right way to make a permanent parking spot for your MH. The wood solution is temporary at best, not to mention ugly. JMHO

okcnewbie · 06-10-2021, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkVader

Even if I lay out large slabs and wood? Say, 4 feet by 4 feet squares, and two rows of them so I can drive over it.

Here is my thread when I asked a similar question. In my case I didn't even need to lay down the plywood I cut into 2x4 sections. I did leave ruts but the MH lives safely beside my house while I get her ready for storage this year.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f84/will...it-522991.html

Busskipper · 06-10-2021, 06:34 AM

correct answer

Quote:

Originally Posted by fogbelly

don't try it. You know what's gonna happen........

jacwjames · 06-10-2021, 06:48 AM

I learned my lesson the hard way. Company had a picnic in a large field next to the river. BBQ, Live Band, and beverages. We pulled in with our Class C, ground was good, didn't sink at all, Life was good. Had a great time and went to bed with a smile on my face but woke up to the sound of rain. Packed up to leave, put the Class C in drive and drove ~10' and buried it up to the axles. Luckily one of my coworkers had a big A tractor and he brought it in and pulled us to a good road bed. Never again will take a chance especially with my Class A.

charliez · 06-10-2021, 06:54 AM

When I dealt with the stuck MH, we actually has a big winch truck available. We avoided using it because was there isn't a good place to connect it without doing damage to something. The way it was parked, it was going to be a pull from the front only.