Blocks under snappads?

[M and E]

I feel like an absolute idiot asking this question. What blocks can be used under SnapPads? The pads are 11” and I can only find 10” blocks…which may be fine, I don’t know enough to say one way or the other. Wood is my last choice. Anyhow…I’ll take my flogging if this qualifies as the dumbest question of
2025.

 

[BryanValRox]

I feel like an absolute idiot asking this question. What blocks can be used under SnapPads? The pads are 11” and I can only find 10” blocks…which may be fine, I don’t know enough to say one way or the other. Wood is my last choice. Anyhow…I’ll take my flogging if this qualifies as the dumbest question of
2025.

Hi Mike,
Let the flogging begin!
Only kidding my friend!
You know what they say, the only stupid question is the one that is never asked.

I am sure everyone takes a different approach regarding leveling.

So, I have had very good success using Stromberg Leveling buckets under my snap pads.
I also just purchased the snap pad base, that goes between the ground and the bucket. They work well insulating the bucket from any damage from stone based sites.

After two seasons, I have had no issues and only ever had the need to use 2 of the 6 I purchased and carry.
I use them under the front landing gear.

 

[M and E]

Hi Mike,
Let the flogging begin!
Only kidding my friend!
You know what they say, the only stupid question is the one that is never asked.

I am sure everyone takes a different approach regarding leveling.

So, I have had very good success using Stromberg Leveling buckets under my snap pads.
I also just purchased the snap pad base, that goes between the ground and the bucket. They work well insulating the bucket from any damage from stone based sites.

After two seasons, I have had no issues and only ever had the need to use 2 of the 6 I purchased and carry.
I use them under the front landing gear.

Thanks Bryan!! I’ll look them up.

 

[Lantley]

My thought is the snap pads are there to protect the steel pad of the leveling jack. Now I need to be concerned about protecting the snap pad? When does it end? Do I need all weather pillows beneath my snap pad to protect them from the hard ground?

For the record I use 6x6 blocks beneath my Velvor snap pads. (note I have the cheap knock off snap pads that are 1/3 the cost of brand name snap pads)
Yes the pad is wider than the 6x6 but does it really matter as long as the jack leg leg is centered on the 6x6 wood block.

 

[Bozo]

My thought is the snap pads are there to protect the steel pad of the leveling jack. Now I need to be concerned about protecting the snap pad? When does it end? Do I need all weather pillows beneath my snap pad to protect them from the hard ground?

For the record I use 6x6 blocks beneath my Velvor snap pads. (note I have the cheap knock off snap pads that are 1/3 the cost of brand name snap pads)
Yes the pad is wider than the 6x6 but does it really matter as long as the jack leg leg is centered on the 6x6 wood block.

I use wood under mine as well. But I bought my pads before vevor had them, but at least I got them on special.

 

[M and E]

My thought is the snap pads are there to protect the steel pad of the leveling jack. Now I need to be concerned about protecting the snap pad? When does it end? Do I need all weather pillows beneath my snap pad to protect them from the hard ground?

For the record I use 6x6 blocks beneath my Velvor snap pads. (note I have the cheap knock off snap pads that are 1/3 the cost of brand name snap pads)
Yes the pad is wider than the 6x6 but does it really matter as long as the jack leg leg is centered on the 6x6 wood block.

I see snap pads a bit differently in that they displace weight over a slightly larger area. I just don’t want the legs fully extended when I don’t need the displacement. I honestly don’t know the answer as to whether or not it matters as long as it is centered. I guess that is the question I ultimately have. I’m going to probably try Bryan’s solution.

 

[Lantley]

I see snap pads a bit differently in that they displace weight over a slightly larger area. I just don’t want the legs fully extended when I don’t need the displacement. I honestly don’t know the answer as to whether or not it matters as long as it is centered. I guess that is the question I ultimately have. I’m going to probably try Bryan’s solution.

I agree I think full extension or amount of extension a bigger issue than displacing the weight. The force of the weight is transferred straight down the leg. Now I agree that if the pad is wider than my 6x6 block you may not get full displacement but I don't consider that critical.
However maybe where we disagree is that the pad actually helps with displacement. The pad is a flexible rubber. I can't see how that rubber pad can add any significant support to the steel foot of the jack leg.
On uneven ground the pad helps the legs sit flatter against the ground and allow for better support and weight transfer. But this is really only for lab or paper analysis only. In the real world you can park on gravel without any issues without snap pads.
If the ground is really soft and the grass is wet or muddy from a heavy rain, snap pads are not going to save you. But boards beneath your jack feet will.
Ultimately the snap pads protect the feet from scratching and denting and ground the foot lands on. But I don't believe they provide any significant structural support
In the end I don't think snap pads are really necessary. Sure they are nice to have but not critical. I consider blocks on the front legs much more critical to stability by reducing the extension of the legs vs. snap pads that may reduce extension by 1/2".
I camped 10 years with my last 5'er with no snap pads without issue. The only reason I have them now is that I have been to a couple of CG's that require them. (its a rule but not really enforced). There are also cheaper knock offs now available that are reasonably priced vs. the official snap pads.

 

[M and E]

However maybe where we disagree is that the pad actually helps with displacement.

They do. If all weight was on the jacks, it’s not, I’d have about 2700 pounds per jack. With 9” feet it’s about 42PSI, with 11” feet it’s about 30PSI. But you’re right.., presumes it’s full and relatively consistent contact. But, generally it’s a reduction.

In the end I don't think snap pads are really necessary

Agreed. But I have them now and just don’t want to screw up something else by blocking the legs. Sounds like I’m good.

But boards beneath your jack feet will.

Much better than snap pads for sure.

I camped 10 years with my last 5'er with no snap pads without issue.

This is why I come here…advice from experienced owners.

I enjoy our exchanges! We’d be good business partners as no idea would be underdeveloped!

I consider blocks on the front legs much more critical to stability by reducing the extension of the legs vs. snap pads that may reduce extension by 1/2".

Agreed. That’s my goal…reduce extension of the jacks.

 

[Midnight Rider]

I put buckets under the jacks in all 4 corners. No snap pads needed as I see it?
Jack pads never touch the ground?

 

[Bozo]

I see the only use for my snap pads is on paved surfaces, otherwise, I put wood blocks under them. I used buckets for years but the gravel spaces tore those up. I use wood blocks screwed together. 2x12, 4 boards thick with hand ropes. Keeps jack legs short when deployed.

 

[Lantley]

I see the only use for my snap pads is on paved surfaces, otherwise, I put wood blocks under them. I used buckets for years but the gravel spaces tore those up. I use wood blocks screwed together. 2x12, 4 boards thick with hand ropes. Keeps jack legs short when deployed.

Your method is certainly the best using 2x12 which is as wide as the foot. While I have an aversion to carrying a lumber yard full of wood.
I may consider screwing 2 -6x6 scrap timbers together to create a wider block of wood. I currently use 1-6x6 block which gives me adequate height but is not as wide as the 9" jack foot.
My Buddy "M and E" has me feeling negligent for not supporting the entire jack foot .
I have the scrap wood so I think I'm going back to full lumber yard mode.
I already carry enough stuff for.... just in case, why not add a couple of king size wooden jack blocks

 

[7ACMike]

Built 2, 12" X 12" boxes from left over scrap deck material. full 1"x6" couple pcs of 3/4" scrap plywood and used an extra 1X6 in the middle for a joist/center support. added a pc of old converyor belt to both sides, painted and added a rope handle. I have a full 12" 7" tall block, lighter wt. and works very well on all surfaces. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the thoughts guys.

 

[Flyer32RLS]

I put buckets under the jacks in all 4 corners. No snap pads needed as I see it?
Jack pads never touch the ground?

Agreed! Use the Anderson buckets mainly on the front as very seldom do I have the room on the rear legs. Whole idea is to reduce the amount that the front legs are extended thus increasing stability. I also use the king pin stabilizer however, not real sure how much that helps but hey, doesn't hurt! Also use the wheel x-chocks. Now if I could only remember to install them BEFORE I extend the slides it would be awesome!!!

 

[RoadJunkie]

I have had Snap Pads on my previous rig for almost 9 yrs and never put anything under them. They are made of tough rubber.

 

[M and E]

Now if I could only remember to install them BEFORE I extend the slides it would be awesome!!!

Same. I staged them by my chcocks and still....