What leveling blocks do you use?

Professor David

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2022
Posts
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Location
Western South Dakota
Based on a current thread about wheels up or not upon leveling, what blocks do you like best and why? Also, weight tolerances of the blocks would be important for heavier rigs like larger motorhome, so describe ur usage and weight tolerances if you know that info.
 
I have 2 different kinds of plastic levelers but i prefer 6x6s. The plastic ones like lego blocks are better than the other but they all flex. With 6x6s i dont have to worry about weight. I like 2ft lengths or a little shorter so i can stand them on end at places where i need more height.

The plastic ones are ok but are expensive and probably degrade over time because of uv
 
Right after we purchased our MH we attended a FMCA rally. It was held on an Air Force Base and the Air Force required pads under all leveling jacks. They suggested 18x18 plywood pads. I bought one sheet of 3/4" exterior plywood and made pads. Used them for over 10 years. I used them for both putting under the jacks if on soft ground and under wheels when they were off the ground.
 
We bought these way back when we purchased our coach. Lightweight, compact and easy to store.
blocks.jpg
 
I custom made four blocks for my landing gear and rear levelers - two 2x6's north-south screwed to two 2x6's east-west. Added a handle for easy carrying. Beyond that, I have a bag of plastic blocks and some 12" 2x6's and 5/4x6's which I use if I need some extra height or under the picnic table if something is running to one side of my plate!
 
Lumber, lots of lumber, 2x4's / 2x6's / 2x8's / 4x4's / 4x6's. Been dragging these things around for years and years. They came out of an old barn on my in-laws farm, probably over 100 years old when I got them and that was 40 years ago. Most had to cut with a chain saw. I paint them different colors when the paint wears off. I've replaced several of the 2x's as that was simply treated lumber. But those original posts from the barn have lasted and been used relentless and still show no signs of cracking or any type of failure. Yes.... lumber is heavy!

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With lumber, you never have to worry about it failing. But it does take space to transport it. But can not be beat for stability under the camper, leveling, or to keep from sinking in the ground.

Long boards work well on soft ground, like sand and grass. I carry those in the bed of the pick-up truck.

Why so much lumber? Because, sometimes you just never know when you'll need more than you anticipated. Travel East of the Mississippi River, you are going to run into campgrounds eventually that are way out of level! Always be prepared if you actually travel!

DmS5YfG.jpg
 
I have the buckets and love them. I get 2x4 and 2x6 scraps from truss plants. Cut enough to fit in 3 bins for firewood but can be used under tires if needed. Also have a few 2x6’s out so easy to grab if needed.
 
Lumber, lots of lumber, 2x4's / 2x6's / 2x8's / 4x4's / 4x6's. Been dragging these things around for years and years. They came out of an old barn on my in-laws farm, probably over 100 years old when I got them and that was 40 years ago. Most had to cut with a chain saw. I paint them different colors when the paint wears off. I've replaced several of the 2x's as that was simply treated lumber. But those original posts from the barn have lasted and been used relentless and still show no signs of cracking or any type of failure. Yes.... lumber is heavy!

UEy4uQA.jpg


XRavHRT.jpg


xrcaONO.jpg


With lumber, you never have to worry about it failing. But it does take space to transport it. But can not be beat for stability under the camper, leveling, or to keep from sinking in the ground.

Long boards work well on soft ground, like sand and grass. I carry those in the bed of the pick-up truck.

Why so much lumber? Because, sometimes you just never know when you'll need more than you anticipated. Travel East of the Mississippi River, you are going to run into campgrounds eventually that are way out of level! Always be prepared if you actually travel!

DmS5YfG.jpg
Nice collection of old grow wood!! I would have to say you are quite prepared.
 
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For what I need them for, these should work well. Any problem with breakage? Some of the reviewers on Amazon complain of breakage but who know what they are doing to damage these blocks?
We haven't used them a great deal but to this point no issues with breakage. No way of knowing of course but I do wonder whether those reporting breakage issues weren't all that careful about placement. (?)
 
I just use pieces of 2x6 or 2x8 from projects around the house. Thay are basically free and last for years and years.
If one splits is just goes into the fire pit. It's no big deal there are plenty more where it came from.
 
Find a new house being built around where you live, and there should be all the scrap lumber you can use for a variety of leveling blocks.

I have a supply of 12x12 blocks I use under my hydraulic levelers, made from the heavy main ridge beam used in many styles of houses. I screwed on top of them OSB board to provide a sort of cross section strength. Everything comes from the front yard, where a local WNY builder throws all the scrap cuts of wood during roughing in the house. I have a healthy pile of ridge beam wood stored in my garage to change out my pads as needed, which isn't often, and to double-layer under my tires for winter storage. I'll also carry some smaller lumber cuts with me to meet unusual challenges.

In addition to using the free scrap wood for leveling pads, I will also pick up 2x4, 2x6, and 2x8 scrap cuts to use as firewood mixed with purchased traditional firewood.
 
Started out using wood, but quickly moved on the interlocking blocks. The wood weighs more, especially when it absorbs moisture, and cleaning off the mud and dirt is an extra step when packing up to leave. We were given a set of blocks by the dealer when we bought our first rig. Acquired more as we went on (they seem to be the door prize of choice at every raffle or RV show). Finally started using the bucket type and really like them. Have a set of 18x24 plywood to put down under the buckets if on soft ground. When traveling, I put the plywood boards upright against the bin walls in case anything shifts in transit -- won't put a gash in the bin wall.
 
I have a class, a motorhome and I use 2x6s. Don't forget to cut 45° angles on the ends so it makes easier to drive up them. If you don't, sometimes it will spit them out before you get on top.
 
Sorry for the newbie question, we just bought our first RV and it came with
4pk67xd5.png

It also came with a number of square wooden pad of around the same dimensions. The RV has a HWH Hydraulic Leveling System. We currently have it stored on relatively level asphalt. What should we be using in this situation? Should we have the Hydraulic System engaged long term? I'm thinking that best practice would be to use the wooden pads under the Hydraulic pads. Should we instead be using the yellow levelers for long term storage? Anyone have some tips for me?
 

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