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Have you ever seen a Facebook photo or Instagram reel of an RVer whose jacks were sunk into the ground? These unfortunate events happen more than you think. And you might have experienced this yourself.
One way to prevent this embarrassing and troubling situation is to use RV jack pads. Let’s look at the purpose, pros and cons, and best options for RV jack pads for your camper. Let’s dive in!
What Are RV Jack Pads?
RV jack pads help stabilize your rig by distributing the weight in a larger surface area. Instead of your jacks resting on the ground, a jack pad will extend the diameter of the surface area.
This can keep your RV from sinking when on grass or dirt. It can also limit the rocking motion once inside.
Are RV Jack Pads Necessary?
There are plenty of RVers who don’t use RV jack pads. In fact, unless you’ve had problems in the past, you probably don’t use them. They can seem like an added piece of gear that’s unnecessary.
But if you’ve dealt with your jacks sinking into the ground in a muddy dispersed camping site or had trouble getting your rig level in an uneven campsite, you’ve probably added jack pads to your RV accessory must-have list.
Because they’re multi-functional and make camping better in a variety of ways, it’s worth considering RV jack pads.
Pros of RV Jack Pads
Below are three significant advantages to having RV jack pads. These accessories could make or break your camping experience.
Help Stabilize Your RV
First, RV jack pads help stabilize the RV. This isn’t just important when setting up to ensure the rig is level. It’s also important when moving about inside.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re rocking on a boat, it’s because your RV jacks aren’t enough to keep your RV from moving around. Adding pads helps remove this rocking motion.
Distributes RV Weight
Along with keeping the rig stable, RV jack pads also distribute the weight better.
Your jacks only cover a small amount of ground. When you add jack pads, you’re increasing the diameter and surface area. This alone can help prevent your rig from sinking into sand or mud.
Protects Your RV Jacks and the Ground
Finally, when staying overnight in a Cracker Barrel parking lot or Harvest Host winery, you don’t want to damage the parking lot by putting your jacks directly onto the pavement.
The weight of your RV can damage the concrete in someone’s driveway if you’re staying at a friend’s house or a Boondockers Welcome home.
Adding jack pads prevents damage to both the ground and your RV jacks.
Cons of RV Jack Pads
But even with these advantages, there are also reasons people don’t use RV jack pads. From the added expense to the added gear, it’s not always convenient to have another RV accessory.
Can Be Expensive
RV jack pads are another accessory that you’ll have to pay for. This out-of-pocket expense can be burdensome for people with a tight budget, especially when they aren’t absolutely necessary.
Don’t worry, though; we’ve added a budget-friendly option below.
Have to Carry Them Around
Another problem with adding more camping gear is using precious space to store the pads. You’ll have to create storage space in the basement to carry them between trips.
However, SnapPads stay on the jacks. You don’t have to remove and put them away when leaving a campsite.
Have to Setup Each Trip
The flip side to having to store them after the camping trip is having to set them up during the camping trip. It’s another task on your to-do list when you arrive at a campsite.
Again, though, SnapPads remain on the jacks, so you don’t have to reattach them each time.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have your setup and teardown routine fine-tuned yet, we highly recommend checking out our RV Checklist for Camping to help you stay organized!
The Best RV Jack Pads
If you’re convinced that RV jack pads are a good product to add to your camping gear, we have three selections that provide the stabilization and protection you need. Each option comes highly recommended by different RVers, so you can’t go wrong. Assess your current needs and choose one of the below options!
Our Pick: RV SnapPads
RV SnapPads are permanent jack pads, meaning there is no more placing, retrieving, or storing plastic or wood blocks to level. They are a "snap" to install and stay on forever! We wouldn't have another RV without them.
Use the code “GETAWAY10” to save 10% off your order!
RV SnapPads are what we use, and we consider them the best RV jack pads for various reasons.
RV SnapPads are convenient because you don’t have to take them off or put them on each camping trip. Once they’re on, they stay on. There’s a reason these are rated 4.8/5 stars, too. They work, they last, and they’re easy to use.
These pads are durable and rugged, and built to resist UV exposure, water, heat, oil, tar, and mud. They also come with a 2-year manufacturer’s limited warranty.
Whether you have a fifth wheel, travel trailer, Class A motorhome, or Class C motorhome, SnapPads will fit on almost any rig. Use their cheat sheet to help determine which size pad is right for your RV.
While they are the most expensive option on the list, you will only buy them once. If you use and abuse the jack pads below, you might find yourself purchasing a new set every year or so.
Runner Up: Utility Blocks
If you’d rather spend less, then these utility blocks are another great option. They’re rated 4.7/5 stars and made of high-density plastic for a sturdy block.
They also have convenient grooves on the top and bottom that lock them together. So if you need to stack two for leveling purposes, they lock together.
In addition, the built-in ropes make packing up easy. Just grab and go.
Budget Friendly: Camco Jack Pads
- Solid Base for Trailer Jacks: This camper accessory delivers a stable, level foundation to prevent trailer stabilizer...
- Patented Design Made in the USA: Camco’s Stabilizing Jack Pads are proudly manufactured in the USA with premium...
Finally, one of the most budget-friendly options are the Camco pads. Even at less than $20, they’re rated 4.6/5 stars.
Made of heavy-duty, UV-stabilized polypropylene, each block has a built-in handle for easy application.
The interlocking design and storage strap make it easy to pack up and go when the camping trip ends.
Protect Your Camper with RV Jack Pads
Regardless of your choice, RV jack pads will make your camping experience more enjoyable.
You won’t be worrying about sinking into the ground at a Harvest Host alpaca farm or having to take Dramamine because of the nauseous feeling you get when moving about inside.
You may not have experienced any problems with your RV jacks yet. And that’s wonderful. You can keep it that way by adding some jack pads to your camping gear!
Do you have RV jack pads that you’d recommend?
Last update on 2024-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hi Rae,
Love your channel. My husband Mark and I were wondering what size Snappad would we need for our 2021 390RK?
Thank you
Our RV is on order and we probably won’t take delivery until Aug or Sept, but we are planning ahead. 🙂
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much! I believe you would want the SnapPad XTRA. These are the pads we have and they are for 9″ round landing feet, so just confirm the size of your jack’s feet and you’re good to go. Also, SnapPad is being impacted by COVID and is out of stock currently but they should have things up and running again in a few weeks 🙂 Here’s the link to the XTRA’s: https://rvsnappad.com/collections/xtra/products/xtra-6-pack/?utm_source=getaway_couple&utm_medium=affiliate