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RVA_Jeff's avatar
RVA_Jeff
Explorer
Sep 09, 2014

Tire-sized parking pads

Pardon me if this is answered elsewhere...I searched, but didn't see anything specifically addressing what I am looking for. I need to park my new RV in my back yard on what is now grass. I can't really afford to pour a pad, or put stone down on the whole area. i was wondering if anyone knew of any "parking pads" or "tiles" for lack of a better word. I'm envisioning something maybe 2x2 that I could literally put in front of each tire, and then pull up onto. I realize this won't be a great solution if there's been heavy rain, etc. but this is in high part of the yard, and I've heard just letting it sit on grass isnt the best idea.

Any help would be much appreciated!
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Sep 12, 2014
    Dutch_12078 wrote:
    If the area is well drained, you could dig out the sod in squares a bit larger than the tire foot prints down to a depth of about 12". Fill the holes with gravel and compact it. Framing the gravel with pressure treated 2x4's set flush with the ground would help keep the gravel in place.
    This is a great idea, but here is what I did before pouring a slab: I made two forms out of 2 X 4's that were long enough and wide enough to accomodate the tandem wheels on each side. I dug out the soil to a depth of 6 inches and filled half way with pea gravel - avalilable in bags. I then placed the forms on top of the dug out holes and used a string level to make sure they were level. I then mixed Quick-Kreet available at Lowes in a wheelbarrow and filled the rest, leveling by scraping across the top of the form with another 2 X 4. You can buy rebar and rebar holders if you want to re-enforce it. Not very expensive and an easy DIY project.
  • dcmac214's avatar
    dcmac214
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2014
    Probly nothing as good as raised concrete pad.
    I park RV on decades-old railroad bridge timbers. 3" thick, 12" wide, 8' long, pressure treated w/creosote.
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2014
    Under my trailer I formed up a pad with 4 x 2's and poured a couple of bags of concrete in them. Gravel is good too, but if you use limestone it won't sink into the ground as much. I had fairly level ground to begin with so I didn't do a bunch of leveling before hand. Two trailers and 10+ years later and no burnt out fridges.
  • mikeschu42's avatar
    mikeschu42
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2014
    http://www.outriggerpads.com/images/rv_pads.html

    We use similar pads for the outriggers on an aerial ladder fire truck. Never though about using them under an RV, but it's a good idea.
  • hawkeye-08's avatar
    hawkeye-08
    Explorer III
    Sep 10, 2014
    Great ideas, we park our TT in the back yard when not in use during the summer. We will be putting in some pavers on packed gravel that are level side to side. I like to put slide out and have fridge running so we can pack and unpack easier. We have 30amp service so can run Air conditioner if needed.. easy to hook up and go.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Sep 10, 2014
    jeffreymhardy wrote:
    Are those nylon pads you describe readily available? You don't happen to have a link, do you? Thank you
    Actually I got them from my BIL who worked at the YMCA and they were remodeling the bathrooms they were throwing out the separators between the toilets. 4 ft x 8 ft sheets. I made some for under my levelers also so the feet would not sink into the ground.
  • RVA_Jeff's avatar
    RVA_Jeff
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2014
    Are those nylon pads you describe readily available? You don't happen to have a link, do you? Thank you
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Sep 10, 2014
    352 wrote:
    Plastic cutting boards. Some will argue this, but one of the biggest contributors to tire dry rot is moisture coming from the ground. So put something under the tires that does not absorb water.
    It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you don't what your tires sinking into the grass these cement pavers will work. If you want to persevere your tires from water then the nylon is a better solution. If you want your MH to be level so you can run the refer and pack the MH for several days before leaving then I would use the pavers with the nylon or rubber on top. I use 1 in thick 12x12 in nylon pads for the front tires and 12x24 for the duals in the rear on top of my asphalt driveway.
  • dalenoel's avatar
    dalenoel
    Explorer II
    Sep 10, 2014
    At my prior home we put concrete blocks, hole side up, at each of the tires. This allowed the water/snow to drain into the ground and also gave a dry spot for the tires. Once leveled it gave great setup for the fridge when used in place.
  • RVA_Jeff's avatar
    RVA_Jeff
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2014
    Thanks everyone for the very quick and great responses! It's nice to know there's a community here I can always ask questions of.

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