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Topic: Leveling blocks/ramps (Read 1097 times) previous topic - next topic

Leveling blocks/ramps

Can I please tap the collective for ramp/leveling block suggestions? We spend most of our time boondocking or in older camp grounds/parking lots where it's not uncommon to exceed the limits of what the airbags can do; usually a front to back incline that could be solved by ramps. I'd love to see what you guys have for these situations. Now that we aren't full timing we have room for just about anything. 2 x 10 lumber steps?
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #1 –
We carry cut up horse stall mat, 1 mat cut to 4 pieces(2 smaller 2 larger), fits under the joey bed.
Tonight we used all 4 and were just able to level, tomorrow we will move to another site.
Very interested to see what others carry.
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #2 –
I use to carry some ramps that I had made.  They were 2x10 and I had them nailed to each other to be a ramp.  Bottom was 3ft long, then shorter ones on top for 3 or 4 boards.  I would turn the coach where I would only use them on the front axle. They were heavy and tough to carry. 
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #3 –

I have some oversized "Lego" like leveling blocks designed for motorhomes. They are rectangular, light, and stackable. They fit in our forward driver storage bay. We also camp in National Forests and state parks.

Camco 21023 FasTen 4x2 RV Leveling Block For Dual Tires | Interlocking Design Allows Stacking To Desired Height | Includes Secure T-Handle Carrying System, Yellow (Pack of 10) Amazon.com: Camco 21023 FasTen 4x2 RV Leveling Block For Dual Tires |...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #4 –
I have tried some of the lego type blocks that were supposed to be stout enough but our U320 distorted them.  I sure like the idea of horse stall mats.  I hadn't thought of that. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #5 –
When we hit the road I cut up some 2x6 boards for such a purpose. Some of them have cracked and have been tossed, to be replaced by others that were given to us at various times. No cost, since I already had them for other purposes.

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #6 –
Might I make a suggestion?
If you go with planks such as 2x6 or 2x8 or whatever, 1/4" plywood glued to each side will give extended life to the planks and distribute load so the planks are less likely to crack apart.
Then use a good sealer on the "sandwich" board.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #7 –
I have lots of LVL beam cutoffs, most about 16" x 16" to 40".  These are 1 7/8" thick they will fit under my joey bed.  With 4 you can lift the rear by 1 thickness or in the front by 2 thicknesses. 

I also have ramps (4) made from 6x6 treated cutoffs.  Use two in the front or all four in the rear.  These are for home work.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #8 –
Do you have any photos of the grades you are on where you have needed something like this?

I like the idea of horse mats. I have used them for other things and they are very heavy and stout. I will cut a spare section up for this, great idea.

I have used the lego ones on my 8K lb TT and they have some breakage, I would not recommend them for 30K bus.

I would be leery of any ramps, unless they are made in the USA and by a reputable company , ie Hein Warner, not that they have them. the trade off is if they are good quality, they will be heavier to move.

Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #9 –
Most of the sites at the Game Lodge Campground are sloped for drainage.  The one we were in in September had us down to the stops in the front and up to the max in the back and we were still down in the rear by several inches.  Some helper pads would have been helpful but we were OK without them. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #10 –
We've done Habitat For Humanity RV Care-A-Vanner builds in Brookings, SD. We stay at the Larson Manufacturing plant there. The first time we were up on two levels of 2x6s and full air bag extension at the front, while the rear was all the way down. The next time we parked in a different spot, and were able to level with the airbags only. Someone that time was parked where we were the first time. Their motor home had drop-down leveling jacks, and they were on several 2x10 pads. When came time for them to leave, somehow something slipped. The steel foot came off of the jack and the jack slammed into the blacktop. Fortunately the team leader travels with a VERY full tool assortment, and he was able to get the jack unstuck and retracted.  That's why I don't want to have a motor home that uses those things.

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Jason –
Do you have any photos of the grades you are on where you have needed something like this?

I like the idea of horse mats. I have used them for other things and they are very heavy and stout. I will cut a spare section up for this, great idea.

I have used the lego ones on my 8K lb TT and they have some breakage, I would not recommend them for 30K bus.

I would be leery of any ramps, unless they are made in the USA and by a reputable company , ie Hein Warner, not that they have them. the trade off is if they are good quality, they will be heavier to move.
No photos but really doesn't take much once you get outside of campgrounds. I decided to go with 2 x 10s in 3" chunks that I can stack. Still need to seal and glue them all but this is where I'm headed. I will be able to split each of them up in two sets of two if I want to raise the rear end, or I can stack them and bring the front end up a full 6 inches
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #12 –
Elliott, I carried similar lumber in my '81. instead of gluing I carried drywall screws and assembled on site. Screwed one on top of the first then one on top of that and so on as needed.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Elliott –
No photos but really doesn't take much once you get outside of campgrounds. I decided to go with 2 x 10s in 3" chunks that I can stack. Still need to seal and glue them all but this is where I'm headed. I will be able to split each of them up in two sets of two if I want to raise the rear end, or I can stack them and bring the front end up a full 6 inches
Where do/will you store/carry them?
2001 4010 U320
Build 5875

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #14 –
Quote from: craneman –
Elliott, I carried similar lumber in my '81. instead of gluing I carried drywall screws and assembled on site. Screwed one on top of the first then one on top of that and so on as needed.
I'm considering doing something similar. That first photo I attached is a little deceiving since it looks like all four are glued together. It's actually two pieces. I wanted to have at least two glued together to help with current and future warping.

I'm trying to come up with a solution that doesn't require a drill. Thought about two holes that I could run wood dowels through  but there's inevitably going to be some warping on the boards and then what? I suppose I could re-drill the holes at that time. Ratchet straps would get old in a hurry... fancy hardware like a sliding lock is overkill. Will probably end up doing screws...
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Spiderhitch –
Where do/will you store/carry them?
Just in my main storage bay on the joey bed. We have a ton of storage space now that we have a home base.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Leveling blocks/ramps

Reply #16 –
I kept a bottle of the torx bit drywall screws and a bit driver drill bit and torx driver. Assembled as needed disassembled to break camp.  Did this for 18 years with the '81
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean