I'll be having work done on my truck soon and plan to set the camper off in a campground and staying there for a week or two. My biggest concern is its gravel and there has been a lot of rain. I am looking for ideas on how to best keep any jacks from sinking in potential soft areas. I considered 2x12's but my luck is one would split and sink. I am a chronic overthinker. Any clever ideas?

I routinely use wood blocks even when storing my camper on an asphalt driveway. Also check to be sure your camper is rated for use off the truck bed. Even if it is I would consider some additional support. A few stacked pallets work well. This will support the floor, reduce sway and take some of the weight off the jacks.

I have a couple 4x6 pressure treated blocks I cut 12" long. But in 20 years of truck camping, I've never used them under the jacks, just use them to drive the truck tires onto to level the camper if I leave it on the truck. Don't think I've ever put anything under the jacks?Oh, I guess I did, because the jack was too short to reach the ground.

I'll go with the over thinking thought. Doesn't take much, and good gravel should be enough regardless. But use a small chunk of wood, like a 2x6, if your slightly concerned. Just going from a stock 5" diameter leg pad to a 10" piece of 2x6 cuts 1500 lb load from about 115psi to 27psi.

Now I am thinking about using 1/4 x 12 x 12" steel plate. That should spread the load enough. My camper has a basement and we often have it sitting in our shop and use it. Pretty sure its not going to have issues with sagging floors.

Plywood will not split. Stacked up couple inches high, much stronger than 2X. Larger footprint. If lot of rain, or long time, think the glue might let go? Cut a plastic tote to cover them.

Camping off the truck | Good Sam Community

Reality_Check
Nomad II
Jan 05, 2023
I'll go with the over thinking thought. Doesn't take much, and good gravel should be enough regardless. But use a small chunk of wood, like a 2x6, if your slightly concerned. Just going from a stock 5" diameter leg pad to a 10" piece of 2x6 cuts 1500 lb load from about 115psi to 27psi.
srschang
Nomad
Jan 05, 2023
I have a couple 4x6 pressure treated blocks I cut 12" long. But in 20 years of truck camping, I've never used them under the jacks, just use them to drive the truck tires onto to level the camper if I leave it on the truck. Don't think I've ever put anything under the jacks?

Oh, I guess I did, because the jack was too short to reach the ground.
JimK-NY
Explorer II
Jan 05, 2023
I routinely use wood blocks even when storing my camper on an asphalt driveway. Also check to be sure your camper is rated for use off the truck bed. Even if it is I would consider some additional support. A few stacked pallets work well. This will support the floor, reduce sway and take some of the weight off the jacks.

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