parking on asphalt

I just had my driveway asphalted and was wondering the best method of protecting the driveway. I used 10" boards about 8' long before. They worked pretty good but still left some depressions. Does anyone have a better idea? Maybe plywood, like 3/4 inch and 2 X 4?? Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks !! Duke

No direct experience (my driveway is concrete); but here are my thoughts anyway.

If the problem happened where your wheels and front stands made contact with the asphalt you need to dramatically reduce the pounds per square inch at each of those points. Use a large square or circle of 3/4 inch plywood, say 24 inches on a side or in diameter.

If the problem happened fom moving the 5er in and out of the driveway (the depressions were your wheels tracks) it may not be avoidable except by parking elswwhere unless you want plywood covering the whole area.

Just my 2 cents (probably overpriced at 1/2 the rate).

You could sawcut and remove the AC paving where the tires usually end up and pour some concrete strips that are reinforced.

The larger the surface area the better so yes to the plywood but double it up, I have done that on my driveway and no depressions for 4 years now, we have to drive heavy equipment over some very brittle indian sandstone at work and we havn't had anything cracking in 10 years using this method.

Thanks guys! Sounds like my best way for now is to use two 2X4 3/4" pieces of plywood on each side. That would be better than the 2X10 boards I now use? Thanks Again!! This sure would be easier to get the trailer wheels on a 2X4 foot of plywood when backing into the parking area. I have to back the trailer around a curve and then into the parking area, makes it a little tricky at times.

Duke wrote: I have to back the trailer around a curve and then into the parking area, makes it a little tricky at times.

Maybe tricky, but I bet you feel like a PRO when you have to back into a campground spot with all the practice you get at home!! I don't have that tricky of a spot to get into at home, but it is tighter than most campgrounds and has dramatically improved my backing skills!!

Out here on the farm we have one thing that does happen to tires on cement. Usually the tires rot from the cement before we wear them out. Batteries and tires do not like cement. I always put wood between the cement and the tires at home.

I do get a lot of practice backing the rig. I don't profess to being a pro. I felt it was easier backing my trailers. They responded to the movement of the wheel much quicker. The fifth wheel doesn't respond the same, and to me makes backing a little less responsive. I used to back aircraft while I was in the Air Force. I felt I could back anything, atleast then. The aircraft has three wheels and the tow bar was about 20' long. The tow vehicle was a short wheel base tug and both, the front and back wheels were movable. We could back the planes in some very tight spots, just inches apart. Of course I was about 50years younger. That might have something to do with it too! HA! Just happy to be able to go and enjoy the country.. Have fun camping!! Thanks for the feedback. This is a great web site. Everyone is so nice.. and helpful !

I got two 4x8 sheets 3/4" treated external plywood. I had both sheets cut in half and put one on top of the other making 1 1/2 in 2x8 for each side. Also did the front pads, 1' square by 1 1/2". Looks good , hope it will do the job.