Forum Discussion

limbery's avatar
limbery
Explorer
Feb 14, 2014

No levelers, inclined driveway, can I use ramps?

I'm considering purchasing one of the compact new class A's (Thor Axis) and was wondering if there is anyone using something like a ramp that I could drive the front wheels up on as my driveway has a pronounced slope?....currently I have a 20ft. TT which I back in to it's spot which is fairly level side to side, and I usually put a 1" block under the front of the two tires and lots of blocks under my hitch extended full...
I'd say with a 26ft. A, the height I'd have to get to to be fairly level back to front would have to be at least about 10" - 12"....although these aren't large A's, they're still a heavy "truck" chassis and I was wondering if anyone knows the best type of ramps that would hold this kind of weight and where I could get some....
...or is this idea totally not advisable?
thanks
Class A
  • RudysWorld's avatar
    RudysWorld
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2014
    I stacked 2x10's, but my slope isn't as severe. 2 high on the left side and 3 high on the right.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    It's probably easier on the chassis then jacks. There are a few on here that will use leveling pads to get the coach close, keeping the bulk of the weight on the wheels, then finish off doing the actual leveling with the jacks.

    The rest of us just cowboy the whole thing....
  • Dale_Traveling's avatar
    Dale_Traveling
    Explorer II
    Feb 15, 2014
    The chassis for the Axis is a Ford E350 stripped chassis with a front axle max weight of 5000 lbs so the ramps should work, just barely, if you ever load it to it's maximum.
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    My ramps in picture. 2X10 boards nailed together for about 4.5 inches of lift. More boards would provide more lift. They are heavy though.
  • limbery's avatar
    limbery
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    If the axle on your coach does not exceed 12,000 pounds, these may work. Rhino ramps

    Thanks, those look great...
  • Canadian_Rainbi's avatar
    Canadian_Rainbi
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    We level our 32' DP using 2X10 blocks on the driveway to level so we can run the fridge for a day or two while we load up before leaving. The amount you need to raise is very difficult to guess without measuring.

    If you can find the wheel base on the rig, mark that distance on the drive. Take a straight 2X4 on edge, one end at the mark on the high side, put a spirit level on top and raise the other end until it shows level. Measure down to the low mark and that will be the exact amount you will have to raise it the front end. The Rhino ramps look like they will only raise it 7 inches or so. I have found that wood ramps can slide when driving the front wheels up onto them, especially if the drive is wet. Keep off the brakes until you are up at least the first level then brake gently.
  • limbery's avatar
    limbery
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    Canadian Rainbirds wrote:
    We level our 32' DP using 2X10 blocks on the driveway to level so we can run the fridge for a day or two while we load up before leaving. The amount you need to raise is very difficult to guess without measuring.

    If you can find the wheel base on the rig, mark that distance on the drive. Take a straight 2X4 on edge, one end at the mark on the high side, put a spirit level on top and raise the other end until it shows level. Measure down to the low mark and that will be the exact amount you will have to raise it the front end. The Rhino ramps look like they will only raise it 7 inches or so. I have found that wood ramps can slide when driving the front wheels up onto them, especially if the drive is wet. Keep off the brakes until you are up at least the first level then brake gently.

    Thanks...I'll try that method to see how much I have to go up...
    I could also put a 2X10 under the ramp and use yoga mat material to alleviate sliding of the ramps etc.

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