cancel
Showing results forย 
Search instead forย 
Did you mean:ย 

What to park on?

jmccen58
Explorer
Explorer
What's the advantage of parking on wood vs plain ole ground?
14 REPLIES 14

ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Explorer II
Jopopsy wrote:
Why am I concerned with height; I don't understand. The coach is on my driveway at the moment and for the foreseeable future.
Getting the tires 1.5 inches higher on 2x10s simply assures they won't be sitting in water. Blacktop, gravel, and dirt drive ways are known to settle when a lot of weight is placed on for a long time.

Jopops
Explorer
Explorer
Why am I concerned with height; I don't understand. The coach is on my driveway at the moment and for the foreseeable future.
2015 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV

ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Explorer II
Jopopsy wrote:
Is it adviseable to put wood or leveling blocks or rubber mats under your tires if you're parked long term on ashpalt or concrete?
Given your choices, The goal to me is "height" so I would try to get all tires on 2x10s.

Jopops
Explorer
Explorer
Is it adviseable to put wood or leveling blocks or rubber mats under your tires if you're parked long term on ashpalt or concrete?
2015 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV

ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Explorer II
Talking about long term seasonal storage here. Short term like camping and such, don't sweat it.

Storing outside, you want good drainage so the tires don't sit in puddles which can degrade the rubber over time. Also the puddles can freeze, a worse condition yet.

Another good practice is to store the rig with the tire pressure at the max as stated on the tires. For most "E" rated tires, that is 80 psi. Doing so will minimize contact to the ground, help in maintaining roundness, and you'll have a better chance of having enough air in the tires in the spring time to drive the rig out from the storage lot. It is also good to cover the tires from the sun.

As far as wood versus plain old ground, I vote for patio blocks. Over time, wood has the potential to warp into a bowl shape on soft ground.

What I always practiced with my Corvettes, is not practical with a motor home. It is ideal to jack up the vehicle so the tires are suspended in the air, done indoors in heated storage. The springs are relaxed that way too. Getting even pickier, open all windows and doors a little (unlatch the Corvette convertible top too) so all the gaskets are relaxed for a better seal during the driving season.

tatest
Explorer II
Explorer II
With the weight spread out over a larger area, the RV does not sink as deeply into the ground when moisture or freeze-thaw cycles make the soil (or gravel pack) loss its strength.
Tom Test
Itasca Spirit 29B

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
jmccen58 wrote:
klutchdust wrote:
This reminded me of the old theory about storing a battery on wood.


Yes, lol....the concrete will "suck the power out" right.


Yes!! The Interstate battery rep and i used to chuckle, he said we have a few hundred batteries right now at our warehouse draining into the concrete.

jmccen58
Explorer
Explorer
klutchdust wrote:
This reminded me of the old theory about storing a battery on wood.


Yes, lol....the concrete will "suck the power out" right.

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
This reminded me of the old theory about storing a battery on wood.

tenbear
Explorer
Explorer
I park on a gravel pad and still replace the tires every 6-7 years. During the winter the gravel is frozen and the tires are buried in snow.
Class C, 2004/5 Four Winds Dutchman Express 28A, Chevy chassis
2010 Subaru Impreza Sedan
Camped in 45 states, 7 Provinces and 1 Territory

Hank85713
Explorer
Explorer
There was an article I think in Trailer Life a couple of years ago. It said to get the tires off the ground with wood or some sort of boundary between the tire and ground. Anyhow I put mine on 2x121's with those dollar store meat cutting sheets on the wood. The plastic will keep moisture away form the tires I guess. Really it all depends on what you want to do.

jmccen58
Explorer
Explorer
So I guess it doesn't matter. I couldn't figure out what difference it would make but I don't know everything.

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
Googled article: tires on wood
"If I'm wearing long pants, I'm too far north" - 2oldman

ronfisherman
Moderator
Moderator
I park on rubber pads cut out of rubber horse mats from Tractor Supply Company. Works well for my MH. Keeps tires out of water and off stones.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A SOLD
2012 Chevy Captiva Toad SOLD