Storing a heavy trailer in the driveway - can it be done?

[serban]

I have just sold my bumper pull travel trailer and purchased a much larger 5th wheel GD Momentum 336M. I stored the old travel trailer in the driveway with no issues (no damage to the driveway), however the new trailer is significantly heavier (going from 7,000 lbs to 17,000 lbs). Are there ways to distribute the load to prevent sinking (plywood, 2" PT lumber etc) ? Also, how much of the load is taken over by the levelling system once deployed? My driveway is the typical residential asphalt driveway (4" thick). Thanks

[trailrydr]

Just a read on the interweb for a standard 4" pour:

"Concrete driveways are typically poured four inches thick, giving the concrete driveway enough strength to withstand loads of regular vehicles (up to approximately 8,000lbs)."

[Mannyjt]

Safe bet is always to spread the load. When we move a heavy machine over questionable concrete we throw down a plate to distribute the weight. Boards under the levelers wouldnt hurt.

[DougW9876]

Putting pieces of board under the feet of the levelers will help prevent marring the driveway surface, over time those steel feet will leave permanent marks. The boards will also prevent rust stains on the asphalt. Larger boards will mean less chance of marks in the asphalt. Boards under the trailer tires is also a good idea. I would use 2X12’s a couple of feet long under the jack feet and a longer piece under the tires on each side.

[daltontrio]

Is your driveway concrete or asphalt? The answers above are all correct for concrete, but your post states your driveway is asphalt which much softer, particularly in the summer in direct sunlight.

[SGT ROC]

I stored my rig in the driveway for a couple of years, as close the edge as possible so as to give clearance to the middle garage bay. I did use wood under the curb side (edge of the drive way) tires and under all leveling legs. The board under the tires was two 2x10's about 10 feet long to level the trailer side to side. I now store the trailer out back under its carport. Where it was parked in the driveway caused the asphalt to sink almost 2 inches and crack about 16" in from the edge. More than likely the asphalt is not thick enough along that edge (although I was 6" in from the actual edge)causing the issue. Just be aware of the possible ramifications. A wider wooden base may have, probably would have, prevented my issue. I like it better out back anyway - it's protected.

[WhittleBurner]

When we had our driveway poured for where the trailer goes we had 6" of concrete put down and haven't had a problem with it.

[LMagelitz]

I’m not a civil engr…all I can give you is some “life experience” hauling grain and heavy equipment. It’s likely going to depend on your base under the asphalt and soil type where you live. If you are rocky, you might be fine. If your topsoil is deep over clay, and the asphalt was laid on top, you are probably doomed to crack it. The driveways for grain bin sites where I put down a 2” rock base with CA6 roadpack to lock it in place have been perfect for 20+ years. CA6 by itself is a disaster.

[serban]

Is your driveway concrete or asphalt? The answers above are all correct for concrete, but your post states your driveway is asphalt which much softer, particularly in the summer in direct sunlight.

It's asphalt with an interlock edge. In order to allow access to the second garage bay, the left side wheels and stabilizers will be placed partially on the interlock stone.

[DECelt]

I have just sold my bumper pull travel trailer and purchased a much larger 5th wheel GD Momentum 336M. I stored the old travel trailer in the driveway with no issues (no damage to the driveway), however the new trailer is significantly heavier (going from 7,000 lbs to 17,000 lbs). Are there ways to distribute the load to prevent sinking (plywood, 2" PT lumber etc) ? Also, how much of the load is taken over by the levelling system once deployed? My driveway is the typical residential asphalt driveway (4" thick). Thanks

My experience is that you will damage the asphalt without laying down something to spread the weight.