How to build a gravel RV pad?
By
Elaine Knight
Page last updated:
10/08/2023 |
Next review date:
10/08/2025
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to build a gravel RV pad?” We will discuss the steps to successfully build a gravel RV pad in detail. We will touch upon the required materials and the essentials. Additionally, we will discuss the various types of gravel that are used to build an RV pad.
How to build a gravel RV pad?
To build a gravel RV pad, the steps described below need to be followed.
- Clean the area
- Level the ground
- Add edging
- Add weed killer
- Add the gravel
- Landscape the area
Clean the area
- First, you will need to clean the area where you plan on building a gravel pad for the RV. Make sure that there is enough space to park your RV comfortably. You can also measure the space before you plan on starting this project.
- The gravel area should be larger than the RV. The gravel pad must extend for a minimum of two feet around the RV. Make sure to clean the entire area and ensure that there is no grass or any other objects in the area where you plan on building the gravel for your RV.
Level the ground
- Next, you must start to level the ground. This is the most important task since your RV will need to be parked on a flat surface. Most people refer to leveling as “grading”.
- You must flatten all the rough surfaces and remove any unnecessary stones or debris if there are any. The surrounding area must be flat and you might need to use some tools to get this task complete. Hire a professional if you are unable to complete this task on your own.
Add edging
- Building a gravel pad will require edging. However, some people avoid edging and stick to just the gravel pad alone. It is always good to have an edging since it can help in landscaping.
- Building an edge around the gravel pad will also help to keep the gravel and all the other loose objects intact. It also provides a good appearance and adds to the finish. You can use galvanized steel since it is a durable and traditional option. Some people also use pressure-treated wood, bricks, or cobblestones.
- Mark a border surrounding the gravel pad and the easiest way to start this process is by using bricks. You can place the bricks along the border and use cement to secure them. You can also simply choose to place the bricks throughout the border without using cement.
Add weed killer
- It is also important to consider adding some weak killer before you place the gravel. Despite having gravel for the RV camper pad, you will still need to add weed killer or weed mats to prevent the weed from popping up.
- Weeds can pop up from the gaps within the gravel and it can eventually cause damage. It can also be a tedious task to clean the weed that grows above the gravel. Be sure to use week killer or lay a foundation of week mats.
Add the gravel
- Unlike pavers or concrete, adding gravel to the RV pad is slightly different. Be sure to have class 13 or class 5 gravel. You can also use any type of crushed rock, recycled asphalt, or pit run. Just make sure that the gravel is not too sharp and it should not cause damage to the RV tires.
- Make sure that there is enough gravel to cover the whole area. You will need to add an extra layer of gravel on the RV pad. Hence, you will need double the amount of gravel.
- Unload the gravel into the edging and start leveling them out with the help of a rake or shovel. Try not to fill up the edging but make sure that they are half full. Double-check and make sure that all the gravel is distributed equally. Do not worry about ups and downs, you can get it fixed in the next step.
- With the help of a hose, spray enough water over the gravel. You can do this step twice before moving on to the next step.
- Use a small motor grader to bring all the gravel to a level. This will also keep the gravel intact and help them stick together. If you are unable to use a motor grader, you can use a heavy object to jam the gravel into the earth. The gravel should not be loosely packed and it must be tight enough to bear the weight of the RV.
- You can still choose to add another layer of gravel if necessary. However, they must be flatted out and compressed properly.
Landscape the area
- Now that you are done with adding the gravel, the next step is the most interesting one. You can either choose to leave the RV pad in the same manner or choose to landscape the area.
- Landscaping the area is going to make your RV gravel pad look more appealing. You can start by adding a couple of flower pots, small trees, etc. Add a few interesting objects for the finishing touch to give you a beautiful look.
- You can also add a chair and a small coffee table to relax during the evening. Some people add lights or a bench to make the area look great.
Types of gravel used to build an RV pad
Building a gravel RV pad is easy if you follow the steps described above. There are no limitations when it comes to installing gravel for your RV pad. However, there are a few types of gravel that are used for this particular purpose.
Marble chips
- Marble chips are pretty common and they can even be purchased online. These marble chips are used as gravel for an RV pad. Be sure to purchase marble chips that are round and not too pointed.
Pea gravel
- Pea gravel is another common material that is used for RV gravel pads. These are usually found in playgrounds, pathways, patios, plumbing pipe beds, etc. One of the major advantages of pea gravel is that they have a smooth texture. They also provide a good look due to the smooth quality.
Crushed stone gravel
- Crushed stone gravel can be found easily and they are made up of loose stone chunks. Ensure to get crushed stone gravel that has rounded edges. These are one of the most common types of gravel that are used for RVs and they are not too expensive.
Brick chips
- Brick chips are mainly used for construction or design, but they are also found in many gravel pads. However, this is not the best option among the others.
Lava rocks
- Lava rocks are mainly used for landscaping and one of the major advantages is that they are extremely durable. Lava rocks are also black in color and they provide a unique appearance to your RV gravel pad.
Decomposed granite
- Decomposed granite is yet another form of crushed stone and they are commonly used for pavements and various building materials. Decomposed granite can also be used for walkways and paths that have heavy use.
Those were the most common types of gravel that are used to build RV pads. Building a gravel RV pad is an easy task if you follow the above-mentioned steps. You can easily build a gravel RV pad in less than three days. You can also get in touch with an expert to get this task complete without any hassle.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to build a gravel RV pad?” We have discussed the steps to successfully build a gravel RV pad in detail. We have touched upon the required materials and the essentials. Additionally, we have discussed the various types of gravel that are used to build an RV pad.
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