Using blocks under automatic levelers

FIRE UP,

I'd like to see those drive up leveling blocks you mentioned. Can you post a pic of those too?

Bill

ezgoin wrote:
Well, thanks for all your input. Sounds like it's best to scrap the 2 layers of 2x10's since splitting is an issue. I like the idea of 4x4's sandwiched with 3/4" plywood. And I suppose there is really no reason to even extend the jacks on my level, gravel pad. But having the blocks handy while traveling might be the best idea.

Thanks again, everyone!

ezgoin,
Some folks don't like hauling around timber for leveling 'cause it takes up room for other stuff. Well, to each their own. I dedicate a section of space in one of my compartments for a small lumber yard. I carry four of those I posted in the pics, and, four 4" x 12" x 24" beveled blocks to drive up on, in cases of need. And, believe me, I've needed them countless times in many campsites etc. And, if I drive up on those, as you would expect, it makes the travel distance of the jacks, even longer. So, those nice blocks you see in the pics, are used for the jacks then.

Now, the jacks don't have to travel so far and, that makes for a bit more stable coach 'cause the Jacks don't have as much of a chance to "sway". Just some ideas here for ya.
Scott

Well, thanks for all your input. Sounds like it's best to scrap the 2 layers of 2x10's since splitting is an issue. I like the idea of 4x4's sandwiched with 3/4" plywood. And I suppose there is really no reason to even extend the jacks on my level, gravel pad. But having the blocks handy while traveling might be the best idea.

Thanks again, everyone!

Dale.Traveling wrote:
Shouldn't be a problem. Had some left over 2x6 and 3/4 ply that I used to make 12x12 pads. What I carry incase a campsite is on dirt or other potentially soft material. Jacks down while storing is a personal decision. I keep the up unless we're driveway camping.

+1 on the above comments. I made my pads out of 2 X 6's, two layers nailed together. Have worked well for years. As previously suggested by another poster, I see no reason to put the jacks down at all when stored on my gravel pad at home.

Yes. Blocks under the levelers and the tires. I would use plywood or 2x10 on plywood (screwed together) to spread weight and resist the 2x10 splitting.

ezgoin wrote:
I recently graded and graveled my side yard for my 30' MH. I was considering taking a couple of 12" pieces of 2x10's and gluing them together to make blocks about 4" thick for use under the automatic levelers. (Thinking a bigger foot print would be better on the newly compacted gravel.) Is it OK to use 4" blocks under there, or is it better to let the levelers extend to their normal length for holding the MH's weight.

Thanks!

For a more permanent nature and not what one would normally haul around on board, I would put two 12in 4x4's together with a piece of 3/4" plywood on top for screwing it all together. How far the jacks extend don't have much to do with anything, but try to refrain from extending them to their limits.

Sorry, double post.
Scott

Well Gang,
Goofing around one afternoon, I came up with the ones you see in the pics. I carry four of them in the coach and, two reserves are at home in the RV cave. I purchased some "cut-offs" fire wood from a local Lumber yard. Those were all 4"x6"x 11". Then, knowing that standard lumber would crack, under just about any circumstances, I decided to put two of those, side by side and, "sandwich" those in between two pieces of 3/4" plywood.

Then, I had some 5/8 nylon webbing (purchased at the infamous Quartzsite RV event) that I attached to each one, to be used as handles. Everything was glued to the max and, some 3" x 10 drywall screws used as secondary holding power. And finally, since I had some around, I shot them with some Urethane for a bit of protection.

Yep, they look more like interior kitchen cabinet stuff than dumb old blocks for a motor home but, I figured what the heck, the total cost was minimal and, I got lots of time so, why not.
Scott

This all depends on what type of jacks you have. Straight acting jacks it would not be a problem with the kick down jacks they may push the blocks out of the way as they extend if they are too high.

Hi,

I have used 2X10's and 2X8's to build ramps and level my camper and 1997 motorhome. My 10 year old ramps have not cracked, and I can not understand someone making that statement, that thick of wood will not crack - even under the strain of my 6,000 pound rated Bigfoot jacks on my 30' Bounder.

I was at a campground that required wood blocks under all jacks. They had a problem with trailer jack posts leaving a mark in the new pavement, and some small footprint jacks (HWH are only a 2" square foot on them) leaving dents in the pavement, so they required that you use a wooden block under each jack, and provided the 6" square blocks at the camp store for that use. I have my own. And my bigfoot jacks have a 6" diameter foot, to distribute all that weight.

If you are only putting down the jacks to add stability, you are not going to apply more than about 500 pounds to each jack, they should not be sinking into the gravel.

Good luck!

Fred.