Use of sawhorses for support

Reddog1 wrote:
Joe, I see absolutely no reason the Plywood X method would not carry the full load for an extended period of time. It should hold up until the plywood rotted of fell apart. Either way, it would be obvious.

~DJ~ wrote:
To use the plywood method you need covered storage or treat the plywood. Untreated plywood won't last long sitting on the ground, even under a camper.

The camper will be inside on a concrete surface. So, rot isn't an issue, my only concern was the Xs staying together with bodies moving inside without the jacks there to carry load.

You could do this; making something too big, tall and heavy for trailer thieves and cable them together.

Build 2 cradles out of 2x4'S (cheaper that p.t. ply) Screwed together in the corners Like those used for raising houses. All they are is 2 by's that are log cabin'd together. Use pt on the bottom two 2x4's for starters.

A guy could use pt 4x4's and six inch screws in the corners as well too I guess.

They use these type of cradles under homes because they are safe to use.

~DJ~ wrote:
To use the plywood method you need covered storage or treat the plywood. Untreated plywood won't last long sitting on the ground, even under a camper.

I agree if sitting on dirt, and I doubt treated will help any. The plywood would not just crumble one day, but will slowly show the rot, starting from the surface that is in direct contact with the dirt. My bet is it will take several years.

If sitting on gravel, concrete, or any other hard surface other than dirt, I question you will have any problem. If you use something like 6"x6" plywood blocks between the plywood edges and ground, they are easily replaced. They only need to be at the ends, and maybe one in the center of the X.

To use the plywood method you need covered storage or treat the plywood. Untreated plywood won't last long sitting on the ground, even under a camper.

Joe, I see absolutely no reason the Plywood X method would not carry the full load for an extended period of time. It should hold up until the plywood rotted of fell apart. Either way, it would be obvious.

JoeChiOhki wrote:
Can the Plywood X method carry the full load for an extended period of time? I want to take the skin off the underside of the camper's nose and possibly the sides as well, which will require the removal of my jacks and their brackets, as there's some structural components in my rig that need some beefing up or replacement.

I've done it on uneven dirt with my 1400lb (weighed) hard side camper. It was very solid. used some 1/2" and 3/4" plywood "shims" cut to about 2x12" to level the x braces out underneath the camper.

I incorporated my X braces into the platform that lifts my camper up to the right height also. A 2x2 frame that sits in the bed, with little 2x2 angled "guides" and cut outs in the xbraces so they lay flat and form a platform works fantastic. And is lightweight too.

later
C

Joe, for peace of mind, a piece of plywood screwed to the top and bottom of the X's would effectively build a couple of box beams and do the trick.

Reddog1 wrote:
I would use the X plywood method. After raising the TC, simply disassemble and put them in the bed of the truck for storage. You will always have them, even if you unload while away from the storage yard.

Wayne

Can the Plywood X method carry the full load for an extended period of time? I want to take the skin off the underside of the camper's nose and possibly the sides as well, which will require the removal of my jacks and their brackets, as there's some structural components in my rig that need some beefing up or replacement.

Super_Dave wrote:
The plywood solution looks like it is better suited for a paved surface. My public storage spot looks closer to DJ's photo above. Also, Budster appears to still use some planking which is what I'm trying to get away from.

I used the 2x4s to 'level' out the TC as I had a slight slope on my driveway. Reddog is right about have a couple of extra sheets of plywood to under.

I use these. http://www.trojantools.com/product-display.php?id=86. I use two 2x4's screwed together in a “T” shape, i.e. one vertical and one horizontal and they work great. Very easy to take apart and take with you. And when not under the camper I often times use them as a regular sawhorses for working around the house.