This topic contains 14 replies, has 8 voices, and was last updated by 
Bob and Nancy 2 months, 2 weeks ago.
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I’ve been using the Camco leveling blocks under the tires, works great on concrete, no slippage. Not so great on softer surfaces, tends to sink into the ground, then needs tools to remove, and packs lots of dirt underneath, plus you lose your level. I was thinking of using some 3/4 ” hardwood plywood under them, but really didn’t want to be packing muddy wood into the RV. Possibly varnish them well and carry a putty knife?
Stabilizer jacks. Mine don’t reach the ground, or just barely reach. Thinking of upgrading to 30″ scissor jacks, and adding a large foot plate to them. I already use the X-chocks, these greatly reduced trailer movement.
Ideas?
When I had our 5er, I used this steel plate I got from the rail yard. Its a steel plate the rr ties lay on and spikes are driven threw the ties and this plate. They were heavy but I threw them under the scissor jack. I would have the front lower then the rear, lower the rear jacks and then raise the front to level. I used a battery drill to lower the jacks for speed. The landing gear had the same plates. If I went back to a 5er I would get the plates again but this time have them welded on so I would not have to carry them. As for the tires I had 2×6’s cut to the length of the tire foot print. I had 3 per side.The lumber I used was ponderosa pine. This is from Mexico and the wood is very dense. I never treated them and they lasted 8 years.
Hi Roger and Sue, Dewey doesn’t like those camco levelers for leveling, he is always pulling out his wooden ones he made… Heavy though. The camco levelers can really pack on the dirt! Need to find something else, hope someone has a
suggestion. One of the things we wanted was auto hydraulic levelers, just press a button! But, 5ers don’t seem to have them, but I’ve looked them up, and you can buy them, like most things just it takes money, of course!When I had our 5er, I used this steel plate I got from the rail yard. Its a steel plate the rr ties lay on and spikes are driven threw the ties and this plate. They were heavy but I threw them under the scissor jack. I would have the front lower then the rear, lower the rear jacks and then raise the front to level. I used a battery drill to lower the jacks for speed. The landing gear had the same plates. If I went back to a 5er I would get the plates again but this time have them welded on so I would not have to carry them. As for the tires I had 2×6’s cut to the length of the tire foot print. I had 3 per side.The lumber I used was ponderosa pine. This is from Mexico and the wood is very dense. I never treated them and they lasted 8 years.
I can see that working well with a 5’er, as the landing jacks have to lift high enough to reach the fifth wheel. I have a travel trailer, and the stabilizers are quite wimpy and short, plus I have four of them. If I lift the trailer with 2×6, my stabilizers end up farther from the ground and then require blocking as well. Also, I’m lacking storage space to carry all this blocking and it’s associated dirt, as I only have the pass-through on the front, and a compartment under the rear bed. I could put it in the back of the truck, but it’s going to occupied with bicycles, generators, chairs and so on.
I’m looking for a solution that is compact, lightweight, and cleanable.
Hi Roger and Sue, Dewey doesn’t like those camco levelers for leveling, he is always pulling out his wooden ones he made… Heavy though. The camco levelers can really pack on the dirt! Need to find something else, hope someone has a suggestion. One of the things we wanted was auto hydraulic levelers, just press a button! But, 5ers don’t seem to have them, but I’ve looked them up, and you can buy them, like most things just it takes money, of course!
I did want to keep it simple, an RV has enough mechanical systems to go wrong as it is. Something like a base plate for the Camco levelers to keep the dirt out and isolate the tires from ground moisture.
One thing I’ve learned already, disconnect the trailer plug before leveling as the brakes like to push the blocking around.
I seen a idea where they used rubber mats that go in horse stables. They are 4×8 sheets 3/4 thick. I marked them and cut then in squares with my saws sall. Got them under front and rear on 5’er. Bought the mats at tractor supplies.
Thanks, everybody for all the ideas. I can see a blend of them coning in the future………….
Hi Roger, the horse trailer mats work good. I had some cut out for our 32′ terry resort(89) travel trailer and they worked very well. On most of these mats there is grooves (about 1/4″ deep) on the backside to keep them from sliding around witch is good when on hard/slick surfaces. FYI you can cut them with a good razor knife and a steel strait edge for a guide.
I’m going to half to make up some more of these since I’ve left most of the pads in campgrounds around the US somewhere?
Happy Trails!!!
They sell the mats here for about $50 for a 4′ x 8′ size. I going to have a look at them.
Sounds like a fare price on the mats Roger. I think ours for the stock trailer were around that price and it was back 5 years ago.
Happy Trails!!!
Our’s where $37 plus tax US
Will be checking the farm equipment and horse stores later today
I want to look at these in the store, often products like these are made from recycled tires and stink to high heaven. Some rubber smell I can handle easily, but the recycled stuff reeks.
Went to our local (40 km away) TSC store and picked up a 5 x 7 ft mat. Cut four 1 ft wide by 5 ft long for under the tires (leveling). I’m going to cut the rest into 1 ft x 1 ft squares for the jacks. I am a little concerned that they will flatten out over time. Maybe a 1 ft x 1 ft checker plate on top to spread the weight? Mat cost $50 taxes in. Roger – only a little rubber smell and only when you are very close. Used a chalk line to mark then cut with a utility knife.
Thanks for all the suggestions and experience! We’ve been using 2×6 blocks to level our Class C. Many times had to try multiple times due to the stacked blocks slipping away!!
We are planning to purchase the lynx levelers and now the mat to set them on! Again, Thank you all!Bob and Nancy
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