Levelers and Jack Pads

Moffittclan wrote:
Based on the recommendations of another, I made my own leveling pads out of the 4x6 stall mat from Atwoods. It's 3/4 inches thick and seems very tough. I think they are going to work great for leveling (i.e. driving up on them) but I'm not sure they are great for the jack pads on gravel/dirt. They bend/sink too much with the weight of the coach. I think I'm going to look at using some treated plywood instead, or maybe even attach one of these pads to the plywood.

Moffitclan,
Jack and wheel pads need to be durable, strong, withstanding and, be able to handle time and the elements. I've made many and, have purchased cheap, "LEGGO" type and more. Solid core lumber, as in 2"x6", 2"x8" and the like, while easy to work with, is GARANTEED to crack and fall apart, almost from the git-go.

But, it's great when, you sandwich it in between 2, high quality pieces of plywood. When done properly, a block/ramp etc. made like that and, with a coating of any form of Urethane/varnish etc., will last for years and years.

Plywood, especially exterior grade, is a good choice. If you use ONLY plywood, and you're going to STACK it, as in layers, then rotate each layer 90 degrees. There is a "grain" to plywood so, altering every other layer, counter acts the stress of each layer. Finally, if you do make your own out of wood, then use a router or, maybe even a belt sander or vibrator sander to "round" the edges/corners so that, there's way less chance of splintering. The sharper the edge, the more prone to splintering and, the more chance YOU HAVE to get one of those splinters into YOU!!!

You'll see the different kinds of blocks and ramps I've made and presently carry. The blocks are 3/4" exterior plywood with (2) 4"x6"x11" pieces of Doug Fir in between them. The ramps you'll see are, industrial decking plywood that's 1 1/8" thick and, tongue and groove. It's a bit on the expensive side but, without a doubt, the strongest plywood and most well made, for this kind of thing, that one can get. Those are simply layered, glued and screwed, and finally coated with 3 coats of Marine Spar Varnish.

And the final step, to install nylon webbing as a handle, ON BOTH SIDES. That way, I can grab and stack them easily, no matter what side is facing me. Good luck.
Scott