If you have ever taken a travel trailer on the beach or set up camp on soft ground, you know the frustration of trying to keep your rig level and steady. And after putting the trailer jack down to unhook from a tow vehicle, have you come back later to find the jack has sunk, making it virtually impossible to get your hitch reattached?
You can avoid all of these situations with RV jack pads. But with so many on the market, how do you know which ones would suit your recreational vehicle best?
So we have done a little homework for you. We’ve dissected what you need to know about these handy tools. We want to ‘support’ you in your quest to make the next campsite the perfect one.
What Is an RV Jack Pad?
An RV jack pad is a hard plastic or rubber disc placed under RV jacks and stabilizers. They prevent them from sinking into soft ground or even tar. They spread the weight out of the vehicle’s jacks, stabilizing the points of support for the rig.
This gives campers more security inside to prevent swaying or rocking.
Are Jack Pads Necessary for RVs?
Not all RVs can use jack pads, mainly because they don’t have jacks or stabilizers on their vehicles. Those without that equipment are usually motorhomes without hydraulic stabilizers. Instead, these recreational vehicles require leveling blocks under the tires.
But any trailer or RV that has hydraulic stabilizers, scissor jacks, or any other type of stabilizers would benefit from using jack pads. Even when parked on the pavement, jack pads can keep jacks from sinking into asphalt or breaking worn concrete from pressure placed on one small concentrated point.
They also help level vehicles when used on soft earth to prevent the RV from sinking from one side to the other. And if you park your RV on very unlevel ground, you can use a jack pad in addition to leveling pads to give the rig extra lift and stabilize it.
Are All RV Jack Pads the Same?
Some jack pads only work on a specific type of jack. For instance, you can only use some with jacks and trailer tongues because they have a square top that fits under them. Other pads have magnets in them to attach to metal hydraulic jack feet. And others are designed much taller. This way hydraulic jacks have the option to extend only a short distance before landing on the jack pads.
You can also get snap-on pads, utility pads, and hydraulic pads. All come under the heading of “RV jack pads” but work for different jacks. So know your rig’s set-up and what you’ll need before purchasing a set.
What Are Utility Pads?
Utility pads are a type of jack pad that is more generic. You can use them for many more purposes. They usually have a square shape and a handle to make them easier to place and retrieve from under your vehicle.
These flat surfaces have rigid plastic or engineered thermoplastic to slide under a jack or stabilizer. The flat object spreads out the rig’s weight.
What Are Snap Pads?
Snap pads live up to their name by attaching to the feet of stabilizers. Most use heavy-duty rubber in an octagonal shape. They connect directly to stabilizing jacks once, and you can then leave them on forever.
Additionally, they have built-in drains to keep the metal jack feet dry and corrosion-free and fit different sizes of stabilizing feet. RVers won’t have to crawl under their rigs with a set of snap pads permanently attached.
What Are BigFoot Pads?
Bigfoot Outrigger Pads are designed with specific compressive load rating and made from birch wood or composite materials to last a lifetime. These utility pads were created for heavy equipment use but have found a home in the RV industry, as well.
These flat pads usually have a square shape, although specific equipment may have circular ones. The Bigfoot pads have handles for easy placement and removal under jack stands and hydraulic jacks, and they have a lifetime guarantee against cracking.
Are RV Jack Pads Worth It?
In many situations, RV jack pads may become essential pieces of equipment for a comfortable and safe campsite. A level camper adds to your comfort and ability to get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, you need a flat surface for your RV fridge to work properly. Don’t forget the tools that will give you the freedom to camp where you like while supporting your vehicle and providing a ‘level’ playing field.
Get some RV jack pads that will help your camping adventures for years to come.
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