Best Practices for Constructing RV Pads: Concrete Thickness and Reinforcement

[PhilipRice]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of constructing a new RV pad at a local campground and aiming for optimal durability and maintenance. Given the heavy load and size of most RVs, I want to ensure that the concrete pad is not only strong but also long-lasting.

I’m curious about the best practices from those who’ve either built or currently maintain such pads. What concrete thickness is recommended for RV pads to withstand such heavy weights? Also, what type of reinforcement works best—is rebar necessary, or would wire mesh suffice?

Additionally, I’m considering surface treatments for better traction and durability—any recommendations on finishes or sealants that provide good results in high-traffic areas?

Looking forward to your insights!

 

[PhilipRice]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of constructing a new RV pad at a local campground and aiming for optimal durability and maintenance. Given the heavy load and size of most RVs, I want to ensure that the concrete pad is not only strong but also long-lasting.

I’m curious about the best practices from those who’ve either built or currently maintain such pads. What concrete thickness is recommended for RV pads to withstand such heavy weights? Also, what type of reinforcement works best—is rebar necessary, or would wire mesh suffice?

Additionally, I’m considering surface treatments for better traction and durability—any recommendations on finishes or sealants that provide good results in high-traffic areas?

Looking forward to your insights!

I also wondered about the best layout for multiple RV pads in terms of spacing and access. How do you plan the layout to ensure easy maneuverability and optimal use of space? Any tips on layout planning would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Onyrlef]

Drive through an RV Park, get out and measure. I'd suggest that if you're inquiring how to pour a pad for an RV on an RV forum you don't need to be pouring and finishing your own pads.

 

[Isaac-1]

The answer is going to vary depending on where you live, local soil conditions, depth of frost line, etc

 

[LarsMac]

Most RV parks have the concrete pad to be used as a "Patio" rather than for parking on.
Having said that, as mentioned, a lot depends on the ground where you want to put you pad.
On the right base, a 3" pad will be sufficient. on the wrong base, it will be ruined in a year or two.
Talk to a couple of local contractors and perhaps the local city/county engineer.

 

[tlmgcamp1]

The in my state the standard construction detail for a concrete apron where a commercial driveway meets a road is typically 6" thick and is reinforced with wire mesh. This is installed over a minimum 4" of gravel. There are requirements for construction joints and relief cuts to help. The concrete is typically has a 28-day break strength of 4000 psi and should be "air-entrained" as this helps the concrete stand up to temperature changes.

The typical finish for something like this Is called a "broom finish" and is exactly what it says it is. Once the concrete is poured and trowelled, a stiff broom (big box driveway broom) is pulled across the surface under it's own weight at that leaves a nice rough surface.

 

[Utclmjmpr]

Bring in "road base" material for under the concrete,, this "pad" is more important than the concrete thickness,, rebar is to keep the pieces together after the breakage.. An old saying that is true " that that has and that that will" when it comes to concrete cracking >>>Dan

 

[PhilipRice]

The in my state the standard construction detail for a concrete apron where a commercial driveway meets a road is typically 6" thick and is reinforced with wire mesh. This is installed over a minimum 4" of gravel. There are requirements for construction joints and relief cuts to help. The concrete is typically has a 28-day break strength of 4000 psi and should be "air-entrained" as this helps the concrete stand up to temperature changes.

The typical finish for something like this Is called a "broom finish" and is exactly what it says it is. Once the concrete is poured and trowelled, a stiff broom (big box driveway broom) is pulled across the surface under it's own weight at that leaves a nice rough surface.

Thanks for the detailed info! I’ll definitely go with 6" thick concrete, reinforced with wire mesh, and make sure to add the gravel base. The air-entrained mix and broom finish are good tips too—thanks again!

 

[PhilipRice]

Most RV parks have the concrete pad to be used as a "Patio" rather than for parking on.
Having said that, as mentioned, a lot depends on the ground where you want to put you pad.
On the right base, a 3" pad will be sufficient. on the wrong base, it will be ruined in a year or two.
Talk to a couple of local contractors and perhaps the local city/county engineer. https://www.concretesrichmondva.com/

Thanks for the input! I agree that the base is key to making sure the pad lasts. I’ll definitely consult with a couple of local contractors to ensure I get the right foundation, especially for a patio-style concrete pad.