Pad under jacks

I made my own also. 18" square 3/4" exterior-grade plywood top and bottom and six pine 2 x 4's laid across with gaps between. One layer of 2 x 4's goes at 90 degrees to the other layer.

Everything is screwed together with CRES wood-screws and one 2 x 4 has holes for a loop of poly-rope. I use the awning rod to push them under and to snag the rope to pull them out.

I haven't done it personally, but don't see it as a problem with some random thoughts tossed in to muddy the waters a little.

Will the added weight be a factor in keeping your jacks reteacted? Might be on jacks that are raised by springs only. It doesn't take much movement to trigger my jack(s) down alarm. If they are electric or have hydraulic actuation both directions it shouldn't matter.

Will there be much difference in the life of the attached wooden pads by being exposed to all sorts of weather, and does it even matter with the minimal cost and ease of replacing them occasionally?

Anything else would be just stupid questions on my part. If you think it will be a benefit for you, go for it.

I made my pads by glueing & screwing together two 12" x 12" exterior 3/4 plywood pcs and then treated with protectant.
These have worked well.

NOW, I am tired of carrying these around AND having to pull them out of storage (valuable space) and positioning them under the jacks.....AND cleaning them so they can be stored again...........SO.....

I'm going to permanently attach them to my jack pad so I don't have to go through the positioning exercise. A couple of stainless bolts should do the job.

Has anyone done this?
I have checked all clearances and I'm OK all around.

Please advise.
Thanks,
Paul

On the two fivers we had I put pads under the jacks. If I was going to be at a place for
a extended period of time I put 1 foot square ply wood block under the tires.
Jus traded for a 40' MH. Use pads under the jacks made out of 2 x 12's laminated with
3/8 thi's plywood, when we re on asphalt, grass and rock. The plastic ones move on rock.
With out the laminating the planks split.
IMO.

It may not take a "Rocket Scientist" but my Wood Jack Pads have lasted 10 years so far and Im at least as heavy if not heavier than 35,000 lbs! Whatever floats the boat.

Rich D. wrote:

NorCal Dan wrote:
<> My rig is way to heavy for wood pads. Rather than continue spending money for replacements I decided to splurge and get something that would outlast my rig. Yes they are expensive, but the company told me if I ever break one they will replace for free. In over 6 years of full-timing I have had zero problems with these pads. I have no affiliation with this company and get nothing from them

http://dicausa.com/

Just currious, Just how heavy are you? My last bus weighed 51,000 lbs and 2" plywood pads (16"x16") worked just fine for years. Are you heavier than that? You are right on about Dicor making a fine product though. Buy them once and be done with it.

About 35,000 lbs when loaded. It's not just the weight, but what is on the ground. If gravel it can embed in the wood and eventually the wood will fail. Once I saw the damage begin on the wood I knew the wood wouldn't last long. If the ground isn't level the wood will bend as well. You don't have to be an engineer to figure out wood will eventually fail. Yep, the DICA pads are the final solution.

I built mine out of a double thickness of 3/4 exterior plywood, glued and screwed together. the edges were trimmed and beveled on a table saw, then the wood was given a liberal Water Seal treatment. I screwed industrial cabinet handles to one edge of each pad, for ease of carrying, and to have something to grab with the awning hook. The pads are about 16" on a side.
They work nicely.

NorCal Dan wrote:
<> My rig is way to heavy for wood pads. Rather than continue spending money for replacements I decided to splurge and get something that would outlast my rig. Yes they are expensive, but the company told me if I ever break one they will replace for free. In over 6 years of full-timing I have had zero problems with these pads. I have no affiliation with this company and get nothing from them

http://dicausa.com/

Just currious, Just how heavy are you? My last bus weighed 51,000 lbs and 2" plywood pads (16"x16") worked just fine for years. Are you heavier than that? You are right on about Dicor making a fine product though. Buy them once and be done with it.

I use orange pads from camping world.
My wife and I both have had heart problems, and back trouble, so the awning stick is a blessing. She 78, me 77, JJ 5 years old.
I have wondered about pads, so you guys enlighten me. Great topic.
Thanks