Why do we put blocks under stablilizers?

[Jlawles2]

Post 31. https://gdrvowners.com/tools-parts-o...k-needed/page3

These are the ones built for my BP TT back about 2014. Since then I did have to replace the bottom layer of boards on a couple of them (yes they are treated) but they stay in contact with the concrete or ground year round as the camper stays with the stabilizers down any time it's not being pulled between locations.

[dustinsn3485]

I place blocks under the stabilizer mostly because of laziness. I still use the hand crank tool that came with the camper and the less I need to crank, the happier I am.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Only use them if ground is soft. Otherwise, imo, they have no function.

[Todd_P]

I made a set of these for use on unpaved surfaces to limit settling, the extra wide footprint really helps. They are made from two layers of 3/4" rubber bonded to a 1/4" aluminum plate.

[bellis]

We put small pads under ours to keep it from sinking - but I still put them out on concrete.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Stabili...%2C268&sr=8-21

So - that does not give much height. I have always heard that the reason to use a block under the stabilizers (we don't) is that because the further spread the stabilizer jack is, the more stability it provies. The further extended (the straighter) it is - it provides less stabilization. Maybe this is an old wives tale?

[RJAPCOK]

I do it for two reasons that are pretty much just personal choice. The first is so I don't have to crank them down as far, since I crank them by hand. The second is I don't like to get dirt all over them.

Bob

[trkester]

A little late on replying, but this post came to mind on my trip this past week. I normally use 2x8 treated lumber as pads under my stabilizers. Since we were on an asphalt trailer apron, I decided to try it sans my 2x8's. End result is I put the 2x8's back under.

It seems that without the wood 2x8's, I was getting a faint "metal pinging" sound from the stabilizers as you moved in the trailer. No, they were not under or over extended, they were the same as always and per the instructions. I put the wood blockage under them and the pinging went away. I'm an retired IT engineer not a mechanical engineer so I can't explain what was happening, but all I can think of is there is some slight movement of the pad where it touches the ground and on asphalt, that movement transfers thru the system somehow creating a ping but when on wood pads, the tiny movement is perhaps absorbed by the wood.

I dunno. But I'll be continuing to use my wood pads cause little noises like that drive me nuts. Esp with 120 and 80 pound dogs moving around the trailer all the time.

Terry

[familytruckster4]

I have some nice 2x10 pieces that were left over from the house construction, painted them all nice and red for visibility. Mostly I use them because my wife told me that I wanted to and its just easier that way.

[TucsonJim]

I originally missed this thread, but need to weigh in. I live in Arizona. It rained here once, and I actually put wooden blocks under my stabilizers on the hopes that the ground would actually get soft. But no such luck.

Jim

[Jlawles2]

Sad truth is, it's because that's what is engrained into our brains. Anything provided by an OEM does not have enough load spreading to keep from sinking. Also it's another way to spend Keiths money on those Andersen or Daystar style blocks or the snap pads.

Yoda Sorry Keith just had to say it.

[OffToHavasu]

Never used blocks with this trailer. The last trailer, I had to all the time because the "scissor jack" stabilizers would never reach the ground otherwise. And for that, I have a friend who works for Edison, so we brought home a bunch of cross arms that we cut down to appropriate sizes.

[Yoda]

Sad truth is, it's because that's what is engrained into our brains. Anything provided by an OEM does not have enough load spreading to keep from sinking. Also it's another way to spend Keiths money on those Andersen or Daystar style blocks or the snap pads.

Yoda Sorry Keith just had to say it.

LOL
Don't worry Joseph.

I already have a set of blocks - used then once for leveling and a second time at my FIL on his soft grass to keep the landing gear from sinking in (also the stabilizers.. I told him he needs to build me a concrete pad with utility's for future visits. LOL I got the look and a reminder to move closer to them so they could see SWMBO. - thier Daughter

Keith