How to build a concrete RV pad?
By
Elaine Knight
Page last updated:
09/08/2023 |
Next review date:
09/08/2025
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to build a concrete RV pad?” We will discuss the steps to build a concrete RV pad along with the required materials. We will also talk about the concrete thickness that is required for the various types of RVs. At the end of this post, you will get to know how to build a concrete RV pad with ease.
How to build a concrete RV pad?
To build a concrete RV pad, you need to follow the steps described below.
- Clean and level the area
- Mark the concrete part
- Add the edging
- Add concrete reinforcing bars
- Mix the concrete
- Pour the concrete
- Landscape the area
Clean and level the area
- First, you must clean and level the area where you plan on building a concrete RV pad. Select an area that is appropriate to park your RV. You need to remove all the obstacles like stones, bushes, etc. Make sure that there is nothing else in the surrounding area.
- Once you move everything away and clean the area, you will be required to level the ground. You need to make sure that you have a flat surface on the ground before building a concrete RV pad. You can also dig the ground to 5 or 6 inches deep before laying the concrete. Just make sure that the ground is level at any cost.
Mark the concrete part
- It’s time to understand how big you want the concrete pad to be. Depending on the size of your RV and the area that you have, you can go ahead and start the marking process.
- Use a measuring tape if necessary to get the dimensions of the concrete pad. Measure the length and width and be sure to consider the path to bring the RV onto the concrete pad.
- Before digging the ground, you will be required to start the marking process. With the help of a shovel, mark the area where you want to build the concrete pad. Dig a small trench around and form a marking.
Add the edging
- In the next step, you need to add the edging around the area that you marked. Edging is like a barrier that will hold the concrete together. It will also prevent the concrete from overflowing out of the pit.
- There are many simple ways to get the edging done. One of the simplest ways is to just place bricks that are six or seven inches. Ensure that the bricks are placed just along the surface that you allocated for the concrete RV pad.
- Another way of adding the edging is by using thin sheets of wood. You can use plywood as well as long as they sever the purpose. On the other hand, you can just leave the dug-up ground the way it is and fill it up with concrete.
- Edging is also widely used for gravel and normal RV pads. It also creates a sleek look when completed.
Add concrete reinforcing bars
- Not many people follow this step, but adding concrete reinforcing bars is going to be a huge benefit in terms of strength. The bars will merge with the concrete and it will provide more strength.
- You can add concrete reinforcing bars on the ground horizontally and vertically. Form boxes with bars and try to fix them in the earth at the side so they are suspended.
- The bars need not be sturdy since they are going to merge with the concrete. However, make sure that they are at least a little straight.
Mix the concrete
- In the next step, you will be required to mix the concrete. Ensure that you have the right proportions for the concrete and make sure that you use enough to fill up the area. You might need help from another person with this step. Be sure to get in touch with an expert if you are not aware of working with concrete.
- The thickness of the RV concrete pad also depends on the type of RV that you have. Class A RVs are heavy and it is essential to have a minimum of five or six inches of concrete. To be on the safer side, it’s always good to add one inch of extra concrete since all RVs have a dead weight that can be heavy.
- For Class B RVs, it is essential to have a minimum of four or five inches to bear the weight. As for Class C RVs, they are lighter than Class A and Class C RVs. However, the minimum thickness for the concrete is supposed to be five inches.
- While this is just the basic understanding, the thickness of the concrete can vary according to the various RV brands, sizes, and lengths.
Pour the concrete
- In the next step, you will be required to pour the concrete into the allocated area. Start by adding the concrete from one corner. Work your way horizontally and fill up the areas slowly. Make sure that you level the concrete before it starts to dry.
- You will be required to use a board or wooden piece to level it out. Try not to fill the entire area at the first shot. Fill a quarter of the area and then level it out. Repeat the process until the entire area is covered.
- While adding the concrete, make sure not to bring it out of the area. You can fill up the area or even add one more inch of concrete about the ground level. However, you can keep it exactly to the ground level.
- Wait for the concrete to dry properly. The concrete might take a day to dry and it is advised to wait for a couple of days before parking the RV on the pad. Your RV is heavy and it is advised to give the concrete some time to set.
- Finally, it’s time to test the RV concrete pad. Double-check if the concrete is dry and secure. Check the edges if there are any mistakes. If you are unable to fill the concrete in one go, wait for the first layer to dry and add another layer after a couple of days. The most important part is allowing the concrete to set.
- Once you are confident about the concrete RV pad, you can take your RV for a drive and bring it onto the concrete pad.
Landscape the area
- Landscaping the area is going to give a good appearance to your concrete RV pad. With the edging and the concrete in place, you can go ahead and start the landscaping process.
- This is an interesting process as you get to add a few things to make the RV pad surrounding interesting. You add a couple of flower pots or a bench to sit down and relax. You can also add some lights on the floor or build a small RV carport above the concrete.
- Building a concrete RV pad is an easy process as long you have the few items that are required for this process. Remember to have enough space around the RV parking pad. The most important part is to add the right thickness of concrete. There are plenty of options when it comes to concrete, including ready-to-use concrete.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to build a concrete RV pad?” We have discussed the steps to build a concrete RV pad along with the required materials. We have also talked about the concrete thickness that is required for the various types of RVs.
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