Why do we ask about your rig's jacks?

Getting the right SnapPads for your RV depends on one thing, and one thing only - finding the right match between your jacks and our pads.

It seems pretty simple but is more complex than most people realize. You see, there are A LOT of different foot sizes on the market, and RV brands switch up their configurations all the time. In addition, it is possible for RVers to switch up their landing feet or entire leveling system as an aftermarket upgrade.

Here are the 5 main reasons why we ask about your jacks (and often for a picture of them!) when we’re trying to find the right SnapPad package for your rig:

1. Basic package/leveling system match

At RV SnapPad, we have a big database of leveling systems according to RV make, model, and year. Even though we have thousands of entries in our database, it still only scratches the surface of all of the different RV types there are on the road.

Also, as mentioned, there are some brands that change up their leveling system every season or split leveling system commitments in the same model year. Meaning - sometimes an RV of a certain type can have different leveling systems entry in our database. Even sometimes in the same model and year! In response, we will ask you to confirm your leveling system type and configuration, even when we “know” what you (probably) have on your rig.

2. Foot measurements

RV leveling manufacturers occasionally have slightly different measurements on what seems to be the same product. While the difference seems minor to the naked eye (5.6 inches versus 6 inches across, for example), it makes a very big difference to a product like SnapPad, which needs a very secure fit in order to work.

If you are dealing with our Customer Service team and they ask for a measurement of your jacks, this is likely the reason why.

3. Front and rear jack combinations

Some leveling manufacturers will mix up their foot combinations from model to model and year to year, meaning sometimes we must ensure we are sending you the correct combination of front and rear pads. One main determining factor for this is trim or RV length - bigger diesel pushers are more likely to have a different combination of jacks, for example, mostly to support the larger weight in the back of the rig.

4. Jack damage

Sometimes jack feet can be bent or damaged through usage. Because SnapPads are designed around the factory version of every jack foot in our catalog, any bend or bowing of the jack that is too severe will impact installation. We’ve also learned that certain jacks on certain RVs have a greater tendency to bend or bow, so we will tend to ask for pictures for these rigs.

5. Aftermarket

Finally, for any RV that isn’t brand new, we want to ensure that your rig’s leveling system hasn’t been altered or upgraded. Although we can usually make an educated guess about an RV’s factory leveling configuration, we obviously can’t predict what changes owners may have made once it rolled off the lot.

As we often say “the only way to be 100% certain of SnapPad compatibility is through a visual inspection of your leveling system.” That’s why we encourage you to take a look, and, frequently, send us some confirmation pictures along the way. It’s the best way we know of to get the perfect SnapPad match for your RV.

6. Clearance Check

It is vital to do a full clearance check of your jacks and jack feet prior to ordering or installing SnapPads to ensure the addition of SnapPads is a safe option. Below are some important checks. Some of these are model specific.

General Clearance Check: Standard clearance check for 2” to the side and ¾” from the top edges of the jack feet to anything in close proximity is advised for both front and rear jack feet. These pads require at least 2” of full clearance with the jacks fully retracted, airbags expanded, travel mode activated, and for dual axel Class A models. Turning the wheels fully in both directions during the clearance check is advised, as the jack assembly and placement can be close to the tires on some RVs, which can lead to SnapPads rubbing on the tires or being pulled off of the rear feet completely when in transit. The front jack feet should also be checked for proximity and position to the above crossbeam or metal crossbeam end plate under Class A or Super C models.
Ground Clearance Check: Class C, Fifth Wheel, and Travel Trailer models could have ground clearance issues where the full retract position of the jack is closer to the ground. This could be very different from jack to jack. We recommend no less than 6-7" from the bottom of the fully retracted jack foot to the flat, even ground below. Lower lying jacks could cause SnapPads to be scraped or knocked off when navigating over areas like curbs, speed bumps, potholes, or rough roads. If navigating areas like these at speed, the suspension of the rig can force the jack feet further down into these culprits, resulting in damage or loss.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our Customer Service Team for assistance. You can reach us via email at [email protected] or via phone at 1.866.923.9538.