Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: garmp on May 09, 2020, 10:18:12 am
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I currently have a set of leveling blocks (https://www.campingworld.com/fasten-heavy-duty-leveling-blocks-for-dual-wheels-set-of-10-85155.html?cgid=jacks-leveling-chocks#start=12&cgid=auto-stabilization-performance%2Fjacks-leveling-chocks%2Flevels-leveling-systems (https://www.campingworld.com/fasten-heavy-duty-leveling-blocks-for-dual-wheels-set-of-10-85155.html?cgid=jacks-leveling-chocks#start=12&cgid=auto-stabilization-performance%2Fjacks-leveling-chocks%2Flevels-leveling-systems)) and our new unit will have leveling jacks. My question is, can I use these existing blocks or do I need to purchase jack pads?
Thanks for you help. Stay safe.
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I have never had leveling Jacks, but I have had under tire "Lego" blocks for leveling, so my opinion is just that, my gut feeling.
Those stackable blocks you pointed to on camping world don't look reliable to as jack pads because all the weight from a leveling jack would go in the middle and I believe could easily break the open design of those blocks.
Camping world carries pads specifically for use with leveling Jacks as cheap as $10 for a set of 4.
Again, just my gut feeling looking at those blocks you have.
Don
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Garmp,,
Surely at some point you'll get a response from someone who has actually tried this, but in the meanwhile my "opinion" is the same as Don's.
I use the regular pads under my leveling jacks, and the jacks are capable of putting quite a bit of pressure on a fairly small area of pad under the right conditions (softer ground, etc). The pads are very tough, solid, flexible material and will absorb that pressure without a problem. I don't have the stackable blocks to compare, but would be concerned that the material and open design wouldn't take the concentrated pressure without failing.
Hopefully someone with direct experience can provide definite advice.
Mike
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If you are getting the same jacks as on my rig the foot is about 6" in diameter. I had a set of plastic leveling blocks (not the same as yours and probably cheaper) and the jacks just broke right through them. Yours might be tougher than mine but I suspect the same thing will happen. If you are careful and only use the jacks to level you might be OK but the power jacks will lift the rig off the ground and that was too much for my leveling blocks.
I made a set of blocks using a piece of treated 2x12 with a piece of 1" rubber horse stall flooring screwed to it. So far they have worked very well.
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Thanks for the post jatrax! That was going to be my next question, if any one knew the approximate size of the jack's foot. So according to your post I can use 2x10's, as I have them on hand and no need to run to the store.
My plan is to cut the 2 x 10's to 10" lengths and glue & screw a piece of 1/2 or so plywood on top on that. This plywood addition should prevent the 2x10's from splitting/warping. Adding a length of braided rope in a U shape, as handles and a generous coat of protective paint (of my wife's color choice) to help give them some longevity.
If this sounds feasible, all I have to do is get off my lazy butt and do it!
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I used pressure treated 2 x 8 and that size was good for me. I did have one split as I didn't do the plywood trick. I carry a few extra just incase I need it.
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More than feasible, I think you have a good plan. I was going to add plywood and rope to mine but never got around to the rope and I didn't have any scrap plywood at the time. Good thing is if you do break one you can just make another. :)
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Not sure this is very convenient, but maybe you could buy round or square shaped patio blocks from a home improvement center. Get the thinner ones so they lighter and easier to handle. Get a couple cheap 6x12x1.5 cinder block types and cut them in half. They won't be that heavy as a 6x6.
Just a thought.
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I have used ¾ inch HDPE (High Density Polyethyelene) for years and it works great. Wipes clean and dry in seconds and is strong as steel. Very expensive if bought new but most plastic shops will sell scrap pieces for a few dollars per square foot. I bought a couple of scrap pieces for $20 and cut them to size to make four pads. Also, cuts just like wood no special tools required.
Barry
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We've used these for seven years https://smile.amazon.com/Camco-Stabilizing-Helps-Prevent-Sinking/dp/B000BUU5XQ/ref=sr_1_20?crid=1E2Y495AKE73U&dchild=1&keywords=jack+pad&qid=1589287318&sprefix=Jack+pa%2Caps%2C421&sr=8-20
They work, can bend a bit in mud, sometimes don't fit between jacks and uneven ground, have handles you can tie a rope to (we didn't), are relatively inexpensive and store easily.
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Well finally got them done. Since I'm still in lock down wasn't in any hurry. It was what I call a rummage project. I rummaged through my assortment of junk and found a little of this and a little of that.
Found some nice nylon cord, but it wasn't thick enough to suite me, so I braided 3 strands together for my pulls/handles. Cut the boards 10" along with scrap plywood, glued & screwed, as suggested. Drilled a 1/4' hole into a 9/16 hole. slide the twine into the 1/4" hole & up through the top. Tied a knot in the twine and pulled back into the larger hole. Did this on both sided then filled the holes with Gorilla glue.
This should do the trick.
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May I ask how much all this might weigh and where do you store them?
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May I ask how much all this might weigh and where do you store them?
That looks like a nice piece of center cut Yellow pine, and 3/4 plywood. I am guessing ~7 pounds apiece.
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The Eagle has landed :)(:
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They look good. I’ve never needed them (so far) so in my case I’d say too much valuable storage used and too heavy. I guess if I ever decide to carry any I’ll get the plastic camco set.
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Those are beautiful landing pads, nice job! 2o2 As a lifelong carpenter I can speak with authority. And, they could have an auxiliary purpose...dumbbells for that workout on the road! roflol
My guess is that two pieces of 3/4 marine grade plywood glued together would be adequate and half the weight. I don't have jacks so this I know not for sure. And I'd put a longer rope or have a stick to position and retrieve them (as a ski bum my knees barely survived my previous life.)
Really all my PC is missing is leveling jacks (and liquid springs.) :)(: