New Asphalt Driveway

As previously mentioned be very careful when turning. Do not turn the wheel at all unless the vehicle is moving even very slowly. We just had new asphalt. Tip: if somebody does turn the wheels while not moving I found that a hammer and board will pack down the disturbed surface. In a few days it will look normal. Don't ask me how I know this.

I just had my driveway top coated and the asphalt guy told me about a week should be good. Its been really hot here in southwest Virginia, so I felt that the tar below the surface needed more time to cure. I waited two weeks before putting my fifth wheel on it. It weighs 12000 lbs. I used 2x10 material under my wheels. Under the rear axles I used one piece 8 ft long and under the front jacks I used 12x16 inch pieces. The key is to get the support big enough to distribute the lbs/ft the wheels are exerting. With 26,000 lbs I would be worried that the 3/4 plywood would curl up at the edges over time due to weather and allow the weight to become more concentrated. My camper has been sitting about a month and there are no marks where the boards are.
My guy also said to use boards next to the edges, to keep them from breaking down if you go off the edge of the asphalt.

korbe wrote:
I would first want to know the new structural section. What was the "cap". One-inch, 2-inches? An overlay or on gravel. was the AC pavement rolled and compacted? IMHO, A decent depth of properly placed AC pavement with proper basement material, also properly installed and compacted, should handle you rig sitting there without any additional settlement or displacement.

On edit, Once AC pavement is compacted and cooled, there should be no reason not to use it. I wonder what additional curing is going on during the week of not using it.

What kind of asphalt is important.
Is it what is commonly referred to as state top like you see on highways or is it type 7 which is/was a smaller stone but prettier for people to look at. 7 is prone to marks if not completely cured before turning wheels while stationary

Plywood down first. 2X12X6' board ontop of that. Likewise block up under landing legs to spread the weight over a wide area.

korbe wrote:
I would first want to know the new structural section. What was the "cap". One-inch, 2-inches? An overlay or on gravel. was the AC pavement rolled and compacted?

I agree. If it was just a top coating on top of properly laid and compacted base and an existing blacktop, it should be fine after a week.

You will still have slight indentions with the plywood but they will be better than the ones caused by the tires or stablizers. I have asphalt too and next time I'm going with concrete, after taking out some pine trees.

Once it is cooled to ambient temp it is as strong as it's going to get. Like others have mentioned , it's all about what's underneath it .

I would first want to know the new structural section. What was the "cap". One-inch, 2-inches? An overlay or on gravel. was the AC pavement rolled and compacted? IMHO, A decent depth of properly placed AC pavement with proper basement material, also properly installed and compacted, should handle you rig sitting there without any additional settlement or displacement.

On edit, Once AC pavement is compacted and cooled, there should be no reason not to use it. I wonder what additional curing is going on during the week of not using it.

I'd wait another week if possible. If not, 1" plywood should reduce your chances of dents

2X12 oak boards would be my idea. Plywood will sag a little IMO.