We’ve had our Utility Blocks long enough to be really happy customers and wanted to share what we think are the best RV leveling blocks we’ve ever seen.
Every RVer has to deal with unlevel campsites from time to time. Even if your RV is equipped with a leveling system, some sites are so sloped you just can’t get your rig level. This is why RVers carry RV leveling blocks, also referred to as jack pads, stacker blocks or stabilizer pads. Whatever you call them, they all serve the same purpose: allowing you to level your RV on a sloped campsite. They also help keep jacks from sinking into soft surfaces.
Some of the most common stacker blocks are the yellow or red plastic levelers typically found at RV or camping stores. A little Googling will reveal a wide array of other options too. If you have a circular or table saw, you can even home-make your own from blocks of wood. Unfortunately, for us full-timers, who are conscious of space & weight (and of course quality & cost too), nearly all of these options have their drawbacks.
Homemade Wood blocks are inexpensive, but they’re heavy and can crack or rot over time. They require tools and raw materials to make them, plus you also need to be at least a little bit handy.
Basic plastic stacker blocks are reasonably priced, lightweight, and compact for easy storage, but they have a waffle-like grid bottom that allows them to sink into soft surfaces, and they’re not always strong enough to support a heavier RV without cracking, especially on soft or uneven surfaces.
The wide assortment of higher-end jack pads we’ve found mostly suffer from one or more of the following problems: too thin to provide enough height; too flexible, allowing them to deform on uneven surfaces; too large and heavy to be easily stored; too smooth, allowing them to slide on each other when stacked. Worst of all, most of the higher-end jack pads are what we consider to be extremely expensive.
After 10 years of full-time RVing, Utility Blocks are perfect for about 98% of the places we camp. They’re the perfect balance of size, weight, strength, and cost. They’re big enough to provide a good surface area and thick enough to provide good lift, without being too large and heavy. Even though they weigh slightly over 3 pounds each, they seem indestructible, and the price for what you get is really reasonable compared to anything else we’ve found.
That’s why we think that Utility Blocks are the best RV leveling blocks around.
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Lisa Nunn
Thursday 13th of January 2022
I realize this is an older video, but I'm still learning. Do you still recommend these blocks, or do you use something different now? thank you!
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 13th of January 2022
Hi Lisa. We absolutely still recommend (and regularly use) Utility Blocks. Because we have such a large & heavy (38,000+ pounds) RV... and because we've been spending even more time boondocking... we've added a set of BigFoot pads (https://amzn.to/31Zi87i)... because they provide a larger area to distribute our weight when we're parked on soft ground. So we'll use the Bigfoot pads alone if the ground is soft, but the site is pretty level. Or we'll use the BigFoot pads underneath Utility Blocks if we're on soft & very unlevel ground. When the ground is firm, we use the Utlity Blocks by themselves (smaller, lighter, etc).
If you have a smaller RV... the Utility Blocks can't be beat for practicality, durability, and functionality for the price (in our opinion)!
Philipclopez
Wednesday 5th of May 2021
For me, Quality PX1KITE Utility Blocks is a versatile pick for several uses and applications. I use this utility block for my travel trailer leveling jack and fifth wheel truck. Given its sturdy construction and build, I am 100% confident that it will remain fail-proof for other large vehicles as well.
Philipclopez
Sunday 30th of May 2021
However, one negative aspect of these rubber motorhome jack pads is that the smell of the rubber is intolerable, especially during the first couple of uses. So, I have to store it in my shed and only take it out when I am out with the trailer.
Dave
Monday 18th of December 2017
What is the recommended maximum stacking height of the utility block on a fairly level solid surface? The
TheRVgeeks
Monday 18th of December 2017
I don't think they have an official maximum, but since we have hydraulic jacks there's usually no room for more than about two high, and occasionally three high, if there's a dip where the jacks are.
Mark V
Thursday 8th of June 2017
Hello Geeks!
Our first trip with our new SnapPads is in the book. I must say they worked great. 1st was the installation. Done on a fairly level asphalt driveway it took my 16 yr daughter and I about 15 minutes for the install. No need to remove. The snug fit keeps them in place while driving. Once at the site, I hit the auto level button and curiously watched. The terrain was small pebbles, pretty solid dirt underneath but certainly not level. The coach leveled itself like they weren't even there. No sinking what so ever despite the rain and damp soil. They are solid and weigh about 4 to 4.5 pounds each. The next test will be on a asphalt pad at the end of June. Should anything change I will let you know. Keep an eye on their website as they did say they have a few different pads in the works.
Coach Specs: 33' Class C Jayco with 9" diameter pads.
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 8th of June 2017
Thanks for the great update Mark! Sounds like these pads are pretty awesome. We'll keep an eye on upcoming types that they'll be offering.
Mark
Tuesday 16th of May 2017
You have no idea how helpful you've been. We are into our 2nd full summer of RVing. Our motto has become if it's good enough for the geeks, it's good enough for us. This is my first coach with auto levelers. I was told that I should carry a set of blocks for the front tires just in case the slope is so bad the system won't work. Most places we stay have concrete pads with the exception of one and that has gravel/stone.
I was going to purchase a set of the Utility Blocks and a set of this new product called the RV SnapPad.
I was wondering if you could take a look at it and give me your honest opinion.
It would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Mark
TheRVgeeks
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
Hi Mark! We've seen the RV SnapPad advertised, and it looks like a pretty clever product. But since it's designed for round landing gear, it won't fit onto our jacks, so we have no experience with them. That said, they look interesting enough that if they fit our RV, we probably would have picked up a set by now. If you see good reviews for them, and decide to get them, please let us know how you make out... and how you like them.