Forum Discussion

andeecat's avatar
andeecat
Explorer
Apr 02, 2022

Snap Pad Jack Pads

I just installed a set of Snap Pad jack pad covers onto our 2017 Baystar. I have to admit I did not pay attention to the clearance before installing. After I have them on the clearance from the bottom of the jack to the ground is about 5 to 5 1/2 inches on the front jacks. In the rear it is about 9 inches. I contacted the company that makes the leveling system (Equalizer Systems) and they say the normal distance is 7-8 inch clearance. I was wondering if anyone else has installed Snap Pads and what your all thoughts are on safe driving with a 5 inch clearance in front.
  • When this brand is snapped into place, your increase should be less than 1.25 inch. The pads are 2 inches thick, but the metal jack pad goes into the pad and snaps in place. So for the rear you take a string and go from the bottom of the rear tires to the bottom of the Hitch ball. Pull tight. IF the jack pads are above that string, you have no excess drop problem on the rear jacks. Up front you want to measure the actual height from the bottom of the installed pads to the ground. Then eyeball items up front and see if you have ANY other chassis part lower than that jack pad. Then measure that item. IF the front jack pads are the lowest of any other chassis item, then you have to make note of that when driving. If you are concerned, and IF you have clearance ABOVE the top of the jack cylinder, Equalizer jacks are easy to move up in the mount holes. Doug
  • The front axel clearance is about 7 inches. As for any excess clearance at the top of the jack calendars it appears that they are full retraced. When they are down the shaft is shinny and when retracted you cannot see any of the shinny metal. Can you tell this is the first RV we have had with leveler jack? :>)
  • You are going to need to be very careful with only five inches of clearance. IMO too careful.
  • andeecat@gmail.com wrote:
    The front axel clearance is about 7 inches. As for any excess clearance at the top of the jack calendars it appears that they are full retraced. When they are down the shaft is shinny and when retracted you cannot see any of the shinny metal. Can you tell this is the first RV we have had with leveler jack? :>)


    Yes:B Don't worry, EVERYBODY was a novice at some time. You misunderstood moving the jack on its mount. The shiny part goes into the Jack outer cylinder. The black outer cylinder is a specific length. The TOP of that cylinder you want to see how close it is to the BOTTOM of the exterior Floor of the Motorhome. IF you have 2 or more inches to move the complete cylinder Upwards closer to the bottom of the floor and you want more clearance you can move it by removing the 4 to 6 bracket mount bolts. Most have just 4. The frame mount the jack bracket bolts to is welded and fixed in place. Doug
  • Thanks Doug. Think I got it now. I will check it out tomorrow and see what it looks like. if it appears that it can be moved up next time I have it serviced I will see if they will do it. That sounds like more than I want to mess with. I would hate to do it wrong and really mess it up. From checking out different things on the web it sounds like my 5 to 5 1/2 inch clearance is good. For most vehicles they say that 4 - 6 inch clearance is good. I assume that an RV would not be any different.