Heavy Duty RV Jack Pads

Why Have Heavy Duty RV Jack Pads?

We get so many questions about our heavy duty RV jack pads. I made these after we experience several extended days of very strong winds while camping in Texas. I used some of the plastic types, but they cracked. I moved to a couple 2×6 boards to stack under the pads to keep the jacks from sinking in soft dirt and add a little extra height. After one of the evening wind storms, I was surprised to see the 2×6 boards had slid and the 5th wheel jacks we close to falling off.

Building RV Jack Pads

I created these using two 24 inch pieces of pressure treated 6×6 and capped each, top and bottom with a 24 inch piece of pressure treated 2×12. All pieces were glued and screwed together. I also added a heavy duty galvanized folding gate handle to one side of each pad to make it easier to pull from the bed of the truck and place on the ground.

These are not light, especially until the pressure treated wood drys so watch the back lugging these things around. Once they dry our after a month or so they are more manageable, but as the name implies, these are heavy duty not just in function, but weight.

Jack Pads Building Diagram

Below is picture diagram of the construction of the RV jack pads. If you prefer a printed version, just click on the picture for a printer ready PDF to download.

Building Lighter Weight RV Jack Pads

A light weight RV Jack Pad may be a better option for some RVs. A lighter RV jack pad is a good option for those who have smaller 5th wheels, Class A or C RVs, or for a pull behind trailer.

If height isn’t needed as shown in our version or weight is an issue, consider layering 2×12 pieces together. As an example, two layers provides three inches in height. Three layers provides four and a half inches in height. Both options provide a large pad, an increase in height, and weigh less than the heavy duty RV pads.

Our Experience Using The RV Jack Pads

Our use of pressure treated wood for the RV jack pads have proved to work well when compared to the plastic pads. Our use pressure treated wood has been a very good option giving reasonable size to distribute weight in poor soil or in large graveled campsites. After years of use,our pads show little wear and have not split or deteriorated.

 
Not sure about what RV accessories you need as you start RV travel? Check out our RV Accessories page where we have listed a wide range of products from essential items to those “nice to have” RV products to make RV life more enjoyable. Every item listed is being used or has been used by Joan and I as we’ve traveled across the country in our RV.
 

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