TenOC
On the road -- Full time
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We have just purchased a new-to-us 5th wheel trailer with six-point leveling system. Watching videos on how to use the six-point leveling system it states that there is no longer any need for wood or plastic blocks underneath the wheels to level from side to side.
What is your real-life experience on the need for some type of block under the wheels to aid the six-point leveling system?
Do you carry any blocks with you?
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TXiceman
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The jacks have a limited travel range and if you are too far off level, the system may not even energize. We carry a few wood boards to get closer to side to side level. We have also found that if you use blocks under the jacks to keep them from extending so far, the trailer is more stable.
Ken
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2013 HitchHiker 38RLRSB Champagne, toted with a 2012, F350, 6.7L PSD, Crewcab, dually. 3.73 axle, Full Time RVer.
Travel with a standard schnauzer and a Timneh African Gray parrot
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joelc
Cedar Point, NC
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Joined: 02/23/2004
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Yes. I have 6x6 blocks. Sometimes the ground is so far off the levers can't do their job. The less travel you have, the shorter the shaft the more stable you will be. If for no other reason, I use the blocks to help keep the landing pads clean and out of the dirt.
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JAC1982
Colorado
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If you camp on paved driveways with no slope, you won't need blocks. But we've needed them on several occasions when parked on dirt, in fields etc. We keep a storage bin full of them in our basement storage. We had a trip this year where we were on a site so unlevel, we ended up with the front jacks nearly retracted all the way, and our rear drive's side needing to extend all the way, plus some blocks under it.
2020 Keystone Montana High Country 294RL
2017 Ford F350 DRW King Ranch
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Travlingman
Jonesborough, TN
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We still carry the plastic blocks. We have ran into sites sloping so much the blocks helped the jacks from extending so far out or not having enough travel. We have also ran into campgrounds who require something to be placed under the pads.
2017 F-350 King Ranch DRW
2014 Landmark Savannah
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MNRon
Tennessee
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We don’t carry additional blocking, nice to have more room in the basement. Initially carried 10x10 pads, but stopped doing that when we put snap-pads on (highly recommended), again nice to have more basement space now and great/quick setup without placing pads.
We usually stay at state or city parks, very seldom paved, and haven’t had a problem in two years of traveling halftime (30+k miles, throughout NW, SW, Midwest, South and Canada)
Ron & Pat
2013 Silverado 3500 Duramax SRW
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ford truck guy
Pennsylvania
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In the last 5 years, I have been in maybe 3 sites that were un level to the point I had 1 side of wheels off the ground for the weekend while leveled.
I do carry a couple of 6 X 6 pieces with me so I don't over extend a leveling pistons on that side...
Me-Her-the kids
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Michelle.S
Western NY till fall, then Sebring, FL
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I carry some blocks to put under the Jack Pads when needed to prevent an out of stroke error. Haven't pulled the wheels up on any blocks in years. When setting up for long term stays, I add blocks under each of the six jacks to minimum stroke, the shorter the jack is extended the less inside movement is felt.
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country Crew Cab DRW, D/A, 2016 Redwood 39MB, Dual AC, Fireplace, Sleep #Bed, Auto Sat Dish, Stack Washer/Dryer, Auto Level Sys, Disk Brakes, Onan Gen, 17.5" "H" tires, MORryde Pin & IS, Comfort Ride, Dual Awnings, Full Body Paint
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RobWNY
Jamestown, NY
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I found that I would lift my tires off the ground on many occasions when on uneven ground without using the leveling blocks. I don't want my tires off the ground EVER!
2020 Silverado 2500HD LT, CC, 4X4 6.6 Duramax
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Super_Dave
Harrisville, UT
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RobWNY wrote:I found that I would lift my tires off the ground on many occasions when on uneven ground without using the leveling blocks. I don't want my tires off the ground EVER!
The site we stay in each summer is pretty uneven side to side. If I don't back the one side onto a couple of 2 x 10's the tires come off the ground. FWIW, I put blocks under each jack for shorter leg extension, thus more stability as well.
Truck: 2006 Dodge 3500 Dually
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Boat: 21' North River Seahawk
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