Forum Discussion

pointrow's avatar
pointrow
Explorer
Jul 08, 2016

Increasing jack footprint

I am looking for ideas to increase the foot print of my leveling jacks.
Need something I can attach to the jack pads themselves.
Current pads are 10 inch steel circles. I would like them to be as light as possible since I don't know how much more weight the return springs will handle.
I have used 3" thick x 12 x 24 inch blocks and broke them so there is a lot of weight to carry.

Thanks
pointrow
Seeking Advice
  • 3oaks's avatar
    3oaks
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    If you have the bucks, forged aluminum pads like is used on heavy industrial equipment may be adaptable for your use. Will not bend under pressure when used on soft ground like plain aluminum plate would.

    I'm sure the campgrounds owners would appreciate it too.
  • pointrow's avatar
    pointrow
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    DSDP Don wrote:
    Could you pleas explain why you need additional pads. I've owned two DP's, one 36' with a three jack system and now a 40' tag with 4 jacks. In 12 years and 100000 miles of travel, I can only think of 3-4 occasions where I needed a lager pad due to a soft surface.

    Are you routinely putting down wood as a matter of practice, or are you camping in places where your coach sinks?


    I've punched holes in many RV campgrounds. Some a foot deep. I'm tired of dragging out the wood blocks and they are really hard to place between the axles requiring me to get on my knees. If I was 10 years younger it wouldn't be a problem.

    thanks
    pointrow
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    Could you pleas explain why you need additional pads. I've owned two DP's, one 36' with a three jack system and now a 40' tag with 4 jacks. In 12 years and 100000 miles of travel, I can only think of 3-4 occasions where I needed a lager pad due to a soft surface.

    Are you routinely putting down wood as a matter of practice, or are you camping in places where your coach sinks?
  • Chuck_thehammer's avatar
    Chuck_thehammer
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    I guess that is why some MH tires are Parked on 2 foot long 2x12 wood.

    I know, NO HELP. the thick aluminum is workable. if you have the room.

    a metal supply company can supply blocks of aluminum in 1,2,3 inch thickness and might cut to size for a fee.
  • donkeydew's avatar
    donkeydew
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    https://www.google.com/search?q=motorhome+jack+pads&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiQm8T22eTNAhWJKWMKHa6xABQQsAQILw&dpr=1
  • pointrow's avatar
    pointrow
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    Sorry I should have said this is a 42',tag MH. The rear ones are the worst.
    Iv'e thought about aluminum but just thought I would see if any other ideas come up.

    thanks
    pointrow
  • Gambit80's avatar
    Gambit80
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    Good point, sch911. I have TT, so I am always thinking regarding TT and didn't realize what forum I was in.
  • Boon_Docker's avatar
    Boon_Docker
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2016
    Bolt on some 3/4 inch thick by 14 inch square aluminum. That would give you a little over twice the square footage you have now.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    Is this a MH? Are you talking about a hydraulic leveling system?
  • Gambit80's avatar
    Gambit80
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    I may be misunderstanding, but are you using your stabilizing jacks as leveling jacks? As in, to lift your RV? They are not intended for that, if that is the case.

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