Pad under jacks

[S-n-L]

Hi all,

Does anyone use pads under their jacks to prevent damage to the surface under the jacks or to prevent the jacks from sinking into soft ground?

Has anyone used this brand of pads: http://outriggerpads.com/

If you do use jack pads what size do you use. I am interested for a 45 foot DP.

Thanks

[msmith1199]

bsinmich wrote:
When a CG in Cincinatti told me I had to put pads under my jacks I got a refund and left. I physically can not get down on the ground to position it properly and still get back up. DW has also had 3 knee replacements and should not get down on her knees. (she wore 1 out after 10 years. she really only has 2 legs) When I go to my cousin's place on his alphalt drive he puts the boards down.

You should have explained that to the campground owner and I'm sure they would have come to help you.

[Ozarkan]

Much to my dismay I discovered that my jacks leave rust marks on my expensive stain finish on my pad in an owner RV resort. Plastic jack pad have stopped this problem. Also camped where my jacks sank into the mud several inches. I had to use a cow bar to pry my jacks free from the mud. Yes I use jack pads.

[CANEY]

The object of the pads is so that your jacks retract. If the asphalt or mud is soft and your automatic system buries your levelers a foot in the ground, your weak return springs can retrieve them out of a big hole not hindered by crud. It costs big bucks to have a large tow truck lift your RV out of a tiny hole packed with asphalt. Yes it can happen in Wal-Mart!

[Goose2448]

If we are gonna talk pads, I have been using scaffold board planks. 8"x16" Their about 2" thick as well. Good Oak, and their free, so why not? HAHA

[hammer21661]

I usually use a 6x8 about 14 to 18" long if I am worried about sinking I place it on a pair of 2x8s or 3x 8s about 14 to 18" inches long. I lay them down next to one another and cross with the 6x8. They will not sink unless you are camping in a marsh. If height isn't an issue I would probably use an 18" 3x10 under each pad two with a cross piece the same dimention if I was worried with your rig. The out rigger pads are pretty expensive aren't they? I also Use a short boat hook about 3 or 4 foot,it works wonders for reaching things.

[CT_WANDERER]

Like J-Rooster I use 2 X 10, but I cut mine at 18" fits my roll out shelf. I always put blocks under my jacks.

[d_denver]

I use the plastic cutting boards from the .99 store. They even have a handle so you can use your awning stick to place them.

[J-Rooster]

S-n-L, I use 2" X 10" X 8' Douglas Fir wood blocks! I buy the wood at Lowes, and I have them cut them into 2' sections. Lowes does 3 cuts for free, which makes 4-2' boards and no cutting or hauling a long board home! I've used everything and this works the best for me. And they won't wear out in my lifetime. I really like how they work in soft ground and in the heat (where my jack would damage the asphalt) they disperse the weight of my coach and transfer it evenly thru the 2" X 10" board. Good Luck in whatever you choose.

[Janss]

I have a set of those yellow (or orange) leveling blocks. I use those with my awning stick to maneuver. If one or more of my jacks has a very long way to the ground, I put multiple blocks under it.

[rk911]

S-n-L wrote:
Hi all,

Does anyone use pads under their jacks to prevent damage to the surface under the jacks or to prevent the jacks from sinking into soft ground?

Has anyone used this brand of pads: http://outriggerpads.com/

If you do use jack pads what size do you use. I am interested for a 45 foot DP.

Thanks

I made my own from 3/4 plywood roughly 15" square. drilled a hole in one corner and attached a 24" length of cord. when retrieving the pads I just lift the jacks and pull on the cord.

[Glor-E-B]

I made my own pads from 1" thick white HDPE. Drilled a hole in each one and use the awning grab stick to position & retrieve them. Still gotta get down but don't hafts go under. I made 7 so I can stack a corner if needed.

[Goose2448]

Always use cribbing. Larger area helps spread the weight. Sure on harder ground you can get away with no cribbing, but when in soft stuff like sand or dirt, its better to overdo it than be on your side.

[lanerd]

I made mine out of 1" plywood by cutting six pieces 14" square and glueing/screwing two together with the top grain 90 degrees from the other. I then gave them a good soaking in sealer and two coats of white enamel paint. I then drilled a 1" hole in one of the corners so that I can use my awning rod to place and remove them. For those of you who are wondering why only six pieces....I only have three jacks.

I got one of those heavy duty grocery bags that all three fit in nicely and I usually use them when on any surface other than concrete.

Ron

[bsinmich]

When a CG in Cincinatti told me I had to put pads under my jacks I got a refund and left. I physically can not get down on the ground to position it properly and still get back up. DW has also had 3 knee replacements and should not get down on her knees. (she wore 1 out after 10 years. she really only has 2 legs) When I go to my cousin's place on his alphalt drive he puts the boards down.

[rode2nowhere]

Lots of people use wood blocks or boards, they make plastic ones I saw on amazon fairly cheap about 2 inches thick and around 8 inches square I may splurge and get them. Up to now I have used nothing and never had a problem.