I have noticed that a lot of people put large blocks/wood down to support the front landing gear. Thus the landing gear does not have to extend a long distance. Question....Is there a definite advantage to doing this? For example, instead of the landing gear dropping to the ground(or onto a small board) is there an advantage to building up the area on the ground? THANKS....

Other than not needing to use the motor drive as much to raise the front, not really a benefit. Depending on the cribbing and how high, it may be less stable.If the landing gear foot pads are on soft ground or asphalt and the pads my sink, a larger board may help from sinking.Jim

I only use a 'pad' under the landing gear foot.But I do extend motor driven tube as much as possible before dropping inner pinned tube.....seems to e more stable. Lots of movement between inner/outer tubes.On occasion I will use the 6X6 blocks under front landing gear if site slopes and have to raise front higher than 'normal'. The 6X6 blocks are normally used under rear stabilizers so that they have a wider stance. Again more stable.

I use pads that I made to keep the jacks on my DP from sinking into the ground. The jacks only have to sink a 1/2" to get things out of level. I made them from a sheet of 3/4" pressure treated plywood. They are 16" square, four layers on the front pads and five layers on the rear pads. The number of layers is for strength, not height on mine.Bill

I def notice a stability diff with totally ext vs short ext.For that reason I build it up with 4x4 blocks.Personal pref.

I was at a CG in Tennessee where the owner required a wood or plastic plank under the front jacks. The reason is that during the hot summer months the jacks on heavier rvs would make a indentation in the asphalt.Don

Landing Gear extension | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

caberto
Explorer
Jul 11, 2014
I use a 2x6 block under each front leg to keep them from sinking into soft gravel, dirt or asphalt and to provide a more even platform in really uneven ground. It's just become habit, so I pretty much use them even when there's a concrete slab as well. But I've never used more than that to shorten the length of the the legs... besides, I like long legs :-)
bpounds
Nomad
Jul 11, 2014
I don't like to use blocks under the landing gear. It's just something that the fiver could fall off of, and sitting up on blocks is not going result in less jiggle in the coach. I will use 2x thick blocks if on a soft pad to prevent sinking.

Blocks don't reduce motor cranking. Level sites reduce motor cranking.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jul 11, 2014
A small piece of 2x6 to spread the load but we don't play jenga like we've seen some do.

If you don't want to run them down with the motor the pins allow you to adjust pretty easily.
4x4FF
Explorer
Jul 11, 2014
This is all good information and something I have been curious about. I use a 6x6 under the front and rear jacks on my 5er. I wondered if it 'could' cause instability.

Steve
glazier
Explorer II
Jul 11, 2014
I never like to set my landing gear on any blocking if I don't have to. My only problem with the blocks under the landing gear is, what if you knock it off while hitching? If you slip off a 6" surface (it could happen, I use Roto Chocks, and plastic wedge too) while hooking up, you are probably going to hit your truck bed with the fifth wheel.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jul 11, 2014
We use 8" Square pads made by gluing up two pieces of 3/4" plywood and trimming to the 8" size. It is another personal preference, I just like the feet near the ground, blocks can be tipped off of.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Jul 11, 2014
I beg to differ on the stability issue. I have Windfield stabs on the front legs.

I would much rather stabilize the front than set it up on cribbing. I will never understand cribbing.

I do however have 2X6 pads if the ground is soft.
craig7h
Nomad II
Jul 11, 2014
I always put the landing gear foot onto a 6x6. The reason is to one increase the footprint, two so the landing legs do not have to extend as far, and three and to me most important in the event (and it has happened) the landing legs foot pads etc sink into the ground it gives me alittle more room to raise the camper to hook up to the truck.
Duck
Explorer
Jul 11, 2014
I was at a CG in Tennessee where the owner required a wood or plastic plank under the front jacks. The reason is that during the hot summer months the jacks on heavier rvs would make a indentation in the asphalt.
Don
rtazz17
Explorer
Jul 11, 2014
I def notice a stability diff with totally ext vs short ext.For that reason I build it up with 4x4 blocks.Personal pref.