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Recommendations for Parking Surface for Diesel Pusher

Snow_Hawk
Explorer
Explorer
My wife and I have ordered a Newmar diesel pusher. We currently park our 39' Montana fifth wheel on a gravel drive way, and have for years. The diesel pusher will takes its place. Ideally I would like to have a cement pad for the new rig which I think is the best option but up here in Mass. that could be very expensive.

I have always been told that parking anything on a grass surface is not good for the vehicle because the grass will hold moisture. I wasn't too concerned about parking it on gravel since that drains well and we haven't noticed any real rust or issues with our fifth wheel. My wife raised the question and this DP is a much bigger investment so I want to do things right. Any feedback or recommendation is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Snow Hawk

2010 Montana 3750FL Fifth Wheel

2011 F350 4X4 Lariat CC, 6.7, Dually, FX4 Pkg, Camper Pkg, Snow Plow Pkg, Chrome Package, 3.73 Limited Slip, ESF, Rhino Liner, Remote Start, Security System, bu camera, navigation, moon roof, dual alternators
30 REPLIES 30

jrp
Explorer
Explorer
whether you park it on grass, gravel, concrete, feather bed, or gold nuggets, the tires will still need replaced after 10 yrs even if they look brand new as mine did (parked on gravel all 10 yrs).
Jim

FIRE_UP
Explorer
Explorer
Well folks,
Too many people waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over think this parking thing. When was the last time, ANYONE, EVER, saw a set of tires, on a motor home, THAT GETS EVEN MODEST USE, acquire any tire problems due to parking on ANYTHING?

There may be a few watching or contributing to this thread about what they think is a valuable or, at the least, adequate, parking surface to help protect their tires. But, if you were to drive around America, you'd find a few hundred-thousand motor homes parked on every surface possible, man-made or otherwise. And, a very large percentage of these parked coaches, if not most, are used on a regular basis.

My point is, I don't know anyone who's had any sort of tire issues, where the parking surface is a contributing factor. Now, if you're going park your coach in a field with grass, mud, swamp, etc. and, you plan not using it for 5 or more years, well then, you'll most likely encounter some residual effect of not only what could be the surface but, also the elements too.

Sure, the manufacturers will RECOMMEND parking on a particular surface, due to so many folks asking WHAT TO PARK ON.

But, like stated, if you use the coach, even on an infrequent basis, you'll have no damage to your tires. As has always been stated on this and all other RV forums, RV tires are replaced almost entirely due to age, not wear or, other issues, with very few exceptions.

People will park their expensive RVs on whatever surface makes them happy. It's everyone's choice.
Scott
Scott and Karla
SDFD RETIRED
2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Ext Cab 4x4 Toad
2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing
KI60ND

AllegroD
Nomad
Nomad
As stated, gravel is fine if thick enough, packed well and usually with a binding to prevent separating and sinking.

As to jack maintenance, WD-40 application is not the best idea, unless you follow the Mfgr guidance.

For HWH levelers, see their service/maintenance website. HWH Service Bulletins.

ml47149
ml47149 wrote:
If the jack is extended, use soap and water or WD-40 on the jack rod then wipe the rod dry with a clean cloth.

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Beware that there is not much that can be stuck more than DP in the mud.
Still remember Prevost rally years ago, where dirt campground had heavy rain at the time and they had to call 6 WD tractor to get those guys out.
Conclusion, don't save on several inches of gravel
Gravel comes in different varieties as well.
Crushed stone can be very unsteady. In our county we do have County Quarry that recycle concrete.
Crushed concrete with mix of dust make very steady base for anything and is cheaper than crushed rock.

Ivylog
Explorer III
Explorer III
Do not put down 3-4" of 1" ball bearings that a MH will have trouble driving in. Put down a couple more inches of crusher run gravel putting a side slope to it so water will run off. Your jacks will be able to level the MH and jack pads may be necessary on the lower side.

If you can get asphalt road millings/grindings that are very black (very little gravel in it) and often is not more expensive than gravel. 3" of it will over time and summer heat bond back together forming an excellent surface. You can use the weight of the MH to compact it when put down and then again in the summer when it's hot and sunny.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
Sold 04 Dynasty to our son after 14 great years.
Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45’...

hanko
Explorer
Explorer
Snow Hawk wrote:
My wife and I have ordered a Newmar diesel pusher. We currently park our 39' Montana fifth wheel on a gravel drive way, and have for years. The diesel pusher will takes its place. Ideally I would like to have a cement pad for the new rig which I think is the best option but up here in Mass. that could be very expensive.

I have always been told that parking anything on a grass surface is not good for the vehicle because the grass will hold moisture. I wasn't too concerned about parking it on gravel since that drains well and we haven't noticed any real rust or issues with our fifth wheel. My wife raised the question and this DP is a much bigger investment so I want to do things right. Any feedback or recommendation is much appreciated.

Thanks,


same surface as gas motor home, engine type doesn't make a dif
2014 Tiffin Open Road 36LA,Banks Power pack,sumo springs, 5 star tune, magnum invertor

2013 Ford Focus Toad

Haigh Superstar

Tom_Barb
Explorer
Explorer
We've parked all of our RVs on crushed stone parking pad since 1987 no problems at all.

We keep it clear of grass. and run a rake over it yearly.
Jacks won't sink into it, and it's level.
2000 Newmar mountain aire 4081 DP, ISC/350 Allison 6 speed, Wrangler JL toad.

neilnbe
Explorer
Explorer
I had some pretty bad soil under where I wanted to put ours. So I put down some geofabric (you get it at a contractor supply) and put a few inches of recycled asphault down. It's like cement. I've put the jacks down for extended periods without pads and been parking there for a few years now. No ruts no soggy mess...nothing. It doesn't turn to mud or get soft. Its been great.
Neil, Deb
2 Kids 1 Dog
'05 Newmar Mountain Aire
'11 Ford Edge
Mountain Master Towbrake
Blue Ox Adventa II

ncrowley
Explorer II
Explorer II
Gravel is a good surface. I would put pads under the jacks so the coach is sitting on a larger surface.
Nancy
Newmar Northern Star

randallb
Explorer
Explorer
Top it with what is referred to as crusher run here in ETN. A lot of the contractors refer to it as poor mans concrete. The high content of powdered limestone makes it pretty **** firm.
Randy

Sully2
Explorer
Explorer
Ive parked mine on hard packed gravel for more than 15 years...nothing wrong with gravel at all
presently.....Coachless!...
2002 Jeep Liberty
2016 Ford Escape

Snow_Hawk
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for your replies. It looks like gravel is a pretty good surface, short of a cement pad. I was thinking of adding 3 or 4 inches of 1 inch stone to the gravel surface to improve drainage and to firm up the base. The coach has a GVWR of 36,400 so there will be some weight to it. Plus in the spring it can get a little soggy. Another friend put down some stone like I'm thinking of doing and then sprinkled concrete mix over the stone and it became a pretty solid surface over time.
Snow Hawk

2010 Montana 3750FL Fifth Wheel

2011 F350 4X4 Lariat CC, 6.7, Dually, FX4 Pkg, Camper Pkg, Snow Plow Pkg, Chrome Package, 3.73 Limited Slip, ESF, Rhino Liner, Remote Start, Security System, bu camera, navigation, moon roof, dual alternators

gbopp
Explorer
Explorer
I would park it on the gravel pad. Then save your money and build a roof over the Newmar.

Congrats on your Newmar.

bluwtr49
Explorer II
Explorer II
Before I built a barn, I bedded railroad tire in the area for the wheels. Worked well for me and was inexpensive and easy.

If the coach you buy has hydraulic jacks you will need a decent pad or you may just punch post holes.
Dick

2002 43' DP Beaver Marquis Emerald Cat C-12 505 HP, 1600 Tq
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland ---toad

Johno02
Explorer
Explorer
Put it on gravel. Need good thick layer. Place large pads under jack legs, take partial weight on jacks. Spray jack legs well with WD-40.
Noel and Betty Johnson (and Harry)

2005 GulfStream Ultra Supreme, 1 Old grouch, 1 wonderful wife, and two silly poodles.