The Best RV Jack Pad (Review) in 2020

There are quite a few different types of jack pads on the market and it can be confusing which one to buy for your RV. Below we have written a buying guide, aimed to help seasoned RV drivers and beginners choose the right type of RV jack pad for their needs. We look at why it’s best to use an RV leveling jack and how to install it once you’ve made the purchase.

What to Look for in an RV Jack Pad 

Below we look at what we believe are the most important features when buying a jack pad:

• Type of Material Used

There’s absolutely no point in buying a cheap jack pad that is only going to last a few months. When it comes to rv stabilizer pads, the material used is everything. You will find that some pads are made from plastic whereas others a more durable rubber. Look out for the Camco products which have been designed from environmentally-friendly materials (recycled American tires!).If you are using your jack pads for an RV then make sure that the material used is durable and hardwearing.

• Weight Load Distribution

Again, unless you want to waste your money then it’s silly to buy a jack pad that won’t hold the weight of your vehicle. As an RV driver we’re guessing you know the weight of your vehicles (including contents) but if not then you can refer to your user manual. Some jack pads will crumble under 20,000 Lbs of weight whereas others can handle 50,000 Lbs easily. Always double check the materials used and maximum weight load.

• Is it Non-Slip and Stackable?

A non-slip surface is pretty handy when it comes to a jack pad as it means that you are going to get a more stable surface. Here’s where texture is important: can you piece the pads together like Lego? If so, then you have a more versatile product that will be stackable. Not only is this really handy when it comes to the height that you want to achieve, but it’s also really neat for storage too, as the pads will take up less space.

• Easy Storage & Transportable

If you want something that will tuck into your RV neatly then look for slimmer designs that are stackable and with handles. This means that you can store them easily and carry them when needed.

• Heavy Duty Design

How robust is the product in question? Have you had personal experience using that particular product? Look for heavy-duty materials that are resistant to corrosion and weather-proof. These will give you more life in the long run.

• Warranty Included

If you buy a product with a warranty included then you have a safety net to fall back on if the product fails you for whatever reason.

Why You Should Use an RV Jack Pad 

There are many reasons why it makes sense to use an RV jack pad when using a jack with your vehicle.

Here are just a few reasons:

• They Give You an Even Surface

Attempting to use your jack on an uneven surface is not only difficult but it can be dangerous too. Even fine gravel can create an environment which can be a nightmare for your vehicle. Using a jack pad or a number of stacked jack pads can even out your floor surface, giving you a safer base.

• They Offer Additional Weather Protection

Want to get under your RV in strong winds and rain? Good luck with that! Jacks can easily slip out of place in extreme weather conditions and this can be extremely dangerous. Most jack pads are weather-proof and UV proof so can withstand any adverse weather conditions as well as providing you with a secure non-stick surface.

• Easy To Install

Jacks pads are very easy to install and remove. In fact, most can be installed in just a few minutes.

• Inexpensive

We understand that lots of products for RVs are expensive, but luckily, when it comes to jack pads, most products are inexpensive. They really do make a wise investment for any RV or Camper owner.

Types of RV Jack Pads 

There are a few different types of jack pads on the market. Most jack pads have been manufactured from either rubber or plastic. Let’s talk rubber first…

• Rubber Jack Pads

Widely recognised as the more durable option, most big brands use a type of rubber to make their jack pads. This is because the material can withstand some serious weight without cracking or breaking. There are a few brands that use recycled materials too such a recycled tires. It’s easy to imagine how this material can handle the weight of an RV.

• Plastic Jack Pads

Generally speaking, there’s nothing wrong with using a plastic jack pad, and there are lots on the market that will claim to be unbreakable. The problem with some types of cheaper plastics, is that they will indeed crack or shatter if the weight load is too high.

• Permanent Jack Pads

Most jack pads have been designed to be used as and when needed, but you can get permanent jack pads on the market that are really simple to install and stay on your RV jack like feet!

How to Install Jack Pads 

Each type of jack pad is very different from the last in that they have all been designed with slightly different features. Most jack pads are simple to install, taking just a few minutes to add to the jack. You will need to refer to your user’s manual to check how your individual jack pad is installed and removed. Call in the help of a friend if you feel it’s a little tricky.

Best RV Jack Pad Buying FAQ:

Q: What is an RV jack pad and how does it work? 

A: Whilst everyone is aware of the purpose of a jack, not everyone is familiar with a car jack pad and its purpose. An RV jack pad is an RV accessory that is usually manufactured from a type of robust rubber or plastic. This is an important thing to use as it serves several purposes. Firstly, it can really help even out the weight distribution safely when using a jack on your RV. The main reason people use an RV jack however, is to provide a strong, stable and level foundation for your vehicle. The design concept is pretty simple: they work by preventing jacks from sinking into the ground. If you visualise using an RV jack on gravel or a grassy foundation then you can imagine how this can become problematic. Using a flat pad which is stackable means that you can create a strong and level surface. Most jack pads have an interlocking almost Lego-style designs which means that you can slot them together to make a base which suits your needs. They’re made from extra strong materials that can withstand some serious weight and they’re often weather-proof too, so rain and wind won’t cause them any corrosion or harm.

Q: How many jack pads do I need? 

A: This will be entirely dependant on your situation and vehicle! Also the product used will determine how many jack pads you will need. You will find that most jack pads have a special interlocked design that means that they can be easily slotted together or stacked under the jacks. The purpose of this is to create a level ground for your vehicle. There are lots of jack pads on the market and some of the products come in packs of x 10 or packs of 4 or 6. Some jack pads are also individually purchased. How many RV stabilizing pads you use is entirely dependent on the foundation and for this reason we recommend having at least four RV jack pads in your tool kit.

Q: What is the max weight capacity of RV jack pads? 

A: This is, without a doubt, the most important feature of a jack pad. If you buy a jack pad that cannot withstand the weight of your vehicle then you are going to find yourself with a useless product that is crushed and broken. RV jack pads vary when it comes to the amount of weight that they can handle. Some pads can take tons of weight, whereas others can handle up to 60,000 Lbs of weight. This means that the pads can take 15,000 Lbs per wheel. It’s important to check with the manufacturer before you purchase and make sure that you buy a product that can handle even more weight than you need. Not only do you need to take into consideration the weight of your vehicle, but also the contents. If your RV has a lot of furniture inside then obviously this is going to add quite a lot of additional weight to the total!

Our Top Pick 

When we looked at RV jack pads for this review piece we wanted to recommend a range of products which offered excellent quality, a good price, and positive user reviews. In the end we concluded that the Tri-Lynx 00019 Lynx Cap - 4 Pack was our favorite. Not only is this product strong and durable but the price is insane too. For under $15 you get x 4 jack pads which can be stacked together to give your vehicle unbeatable stability. For use in conjunction with the original Lynx Leveler, the lynx cap has a special design which doesn’t increase the stack height.