Any experienced RVer will tell you that not every RV park or campsite you visit will be flat or level. Sometimes one side of your spot will be higher than the other. Sometimes the terrain itself will be lumpy.
Of course, experienced RVers will also tell you that getting your rig level is essential to your camping experience. Appliances like your refrigerator need to be level to function properly. Any liquids that you might have or use in the vehicle can be difficult to work with if your rig is "wonky". Sleeping at night or walking around your rig can also be less comfortable if it is leaning or slanted.
Leveling your rig is just one of the main reasons invest in leveling pads for your Motorhome or Fifth Wheel. However, given the size and weight of modern RVs, the health of our nation's roads, sidewalks, and driveways are also at risk. Not to mention the maintenance and functionality of your automatic leveling system.
With that in mind, here are the 3 big reasons to get jack pads for your rig:
1.) Leveling and Stability
Leveling is the obvious one, which we have already touched on above. Aside from the basics about needing to have a level RV, you'll also want to find jack pads that increase your rig's surface area/footprint and therefore stability.
On top of terrain that isn't flat, there are also considerations like soft earth, gravel, or sand. When the terrain beneath your rig isn't solid, there's a risk of your RV's metal jack feet sinking down or shifting in place.
In addition, a jack pad that helps dampen vibrations and the "rock" of the rig when you are inside, makes for a better RVing experience and lessens the chances of slippage or tilt.
These are many of the reasons we opted to make RV SnapPads out of durable recycled tire crumb. The material plus our manufacturing process makes the SnapPads strong and hardy but also able to absorb vibrations and maintain grip on a wide variety of terrains. The result is an easy, permanent leveling solution that also vastly improves stability in almost any circumstance.
See our SnapPad Product line: Learn More
2.) Concrete and Asphalt protection
Did you know there are RVs out there that weigh over 40,000 pounds? That's literally tons of weight to worry about whenever your park or store your rig!
Because many Motorhomes and fifth wheels are not only heavy but also equipped with metal jack or landing feet, the possibility of severely damaging any concrete or asphalt surface they are on is significant.
For example, here is a picture we took of a Motorhome we found at a rally. Over the course of four days, the rig's jack foot had completely sunk into the asphalt road:
Yikes!
Of course, not all damage is this dramatic. Sometimes a heavy rig with an automatic leveling system can result in chips, cracks, ruts, or rust stains. In fact, this is the reason a lot of RV parks now require pads be placed under leveling jacks - they want to avoid the inevitable property damage that comes with unprotected jacks!
Of course, if you tend to park or store your RV on your driveway or on a road near your home, you will no doubt have the same considerations as the RV park owner ;)
RV SnapPads is the ultimate jack pad option for this reason. Because they attach permanently, you never have to worry about damaging your property - or an RV park - again.
Click here to see how easy it is to permanently install SnapPads.
3.) Jack Foot Protection
Perhaps the most often ignored reason to have a good set of jack pads for your rig is jack foot protection.
The metal leveling jacks on your automatic system are absolutely integral to how your leveler's function. Damaged jack feet can lead to all sorts of problems, from lackluster leveling and stability to catastrophic failures that can lead to much bigger problems.
During our travels, we have seen many different kinds of jack feet and leveling systems. We have also seen a lot of beat up jacks:
Issues like rust, scrapes, "edge curl", and bends can lower the effectiveness of your leveling system and reduce the lifespan of your jacks.
Rust, scrapes, and dents are the slow killers of your jacks, compromising their strength and durability. Eventually, damage like this can cause your jack feet to fail or collapse beneath the weight of your RV, leading to big problems and even bigger costs.
Edge curl and bends mean your jacks have less surface area on the ground and won't provide the flat, even surface you need out of a leveling system. You can't level something with something that isn't level after all ;)
Vital jack protection is also why we made RV SnapPads. Think of them like big, durable "shoes" for your RV. Because they are made of weather resistant rubber and they snap on to your jack feet permanently, they provide on-going, 24/7 protection for your rigs levelers, rain or shine.
On top of that, we designed every SnapPad product line with built-in water drainage, to help remove excess water that might gather on the top of your jacks when parked in the rain or snow.
BONUS - Take Jack Protection to the Next Level!
Want to really ramp up your jack foot protection and ensure a long, healthy life for your leveling system?
Combine RV SnapPads with a layer of water repellant sealant, like Flex Seal.
Here's how original SnapPad owner Kurt Wagner did it in a few, easy steps:
Simply protect your ram with a paper wrap, apply the flex seal (top & bottom), let cure for 24 hours, and then snap on your SnapPad! Looks great and your levelers will thank you :)
Interested in SnapPads for your rig? Browse our products
or contact us at info@rvsnappad.com for more info.
SnapPad® is a compatible accessory for use with leading RV and Motorhome brands which appear on this website. All other product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. The trademark owners are not affiliated with the maker of this product and do not endorse this product.
