Leveling Block Recommendations (Home made or ?)

[Inthewind]

So, we found out the one and only (So far) downfall of the Reese Airborne Sidewinder; it sits low when the rig is parked. So low we can't get our tripod under it. The only way to get it up high enough is to raise the whole rig up higher and that means the tires will be off the ground. Using the auto leveler to maintain that for any length of time is no bueno.

Thats the reason for this thread. We're looking for some leveling block recommendations. We have plenty of 2x6s but those are a weight that we don't want to incur as we're currently living FT and plan on moving frequently.

We've seen the Ultra-fabs and the Camcos, but they're pretty pricy, even on Amazon they're ~$35 for 10 blocks. That X 4 tires = the reason for this thread! Any home made or less expensive solutions/ideas?

Thanks!

[Jagiven]

How much more clearance do you need?

Couple things that come to mind are the Anderson leveling block system. 4 of them should work nicely. I use wood blocks that I store in a wood box that doubles as an added step.

[Screwby]

Andrersons were worth every penny and I carry a couple extra 2x4s for extreme cases.

[Fishermanbb]

I purchased 1 4'x6' stall mat and cut it into 24 12"x 12" squares. It is made from recycled rubber tires and they are very sturdy. The mat was $49. I have 4 tires so I can stack 6 on each or any combination. Each piece is about 1/2" thick. No cracking, holding gravel, and they are slightly pliable to account for slight ground depressions and I think they will last forever.

Disclaimer: I totally stole this idea from someone on one of the forums.

[Cdash]

I realize that this doesn't answer your question, but can't you cut some length of the bottom of the tripod legs? I'm sure a welder or a handy neighbor could do it in short order. I'd do it for a six pack if you were close.

Long term it would be less work.....

But, to answer your question, I have 3 bags of Lynx leveler blocks bought at Wal-Mart.

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by Cdash

I'd do it for a six pack if you were close.

I don't think there's much most of us wouldn't do for a 6-pack and a meal (with in reason now!) LOL

[Inthewind]

Thanks for all the replies! We need to have about 4-6" more under the pin so I think I'm going to look into the stall mat idea first for the cost and the Andersen blocks next, but four of those will be a little pricy.


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[Fishermanbb]

If you decide to go with the stall mat here is a hint for cutting:

Put the mat up on a STURDY table (They are heavy).

Measure where you want to cut. I cut 4 long ( 6' x 12") strips and then cut each strip into 6 squares.

Using a box cutter - Score the line you want to cut. Do it twice. Then, slide the mat so that the "Line" you are cutting is just hanging off the table. Continue to score the line and the weight of the mat will help it to separate. This method makes it quick and easy. I did an entire mat in an hour or less.

One more tip: When you are done, leave the "Squares" outside in the open air for a few days to rid them of the "Tire" smell.

[Fire_Instructor]

I took some 2x 10 pressure treated, and cut them to length or match the width (9¼"). I cut some ¾" plywood squares the same size, them sandwiched the plywood between two pieces of p/t, with the p/t pieces turned so that they were perpendicular to each other. The three pieces were glued and screwed together, and I attached a rope handle to each, for ease of carrying and removal. About $30 total investment, and it gives me 3¾" lift at each jack.

[jamer]

The stall mat may be cut with a knife blade in your jigsaw. Use a long wood or metal guide to guide the saw as you cut.