What to fill this in with?

[Shenandoah MF1760]

I have this set of concrete strips that used to support a doublewide.

I've considered having cement poured between the strips, but that seems like it would cost too much and be too much work for what I'd gain.

I intend to put my 5th-wheel RV trailer on the left two strips where the septic inlet is, and my shipping container on the right two strips. I could possibly get away without filling anything in if I had the ability and willingness to attempt backing the RV in, but I'm unwilling to take the chance and have to listen to the wife for the next few years if I messed up.

I'm considering having a dump truck full of something brought in, but I'm unsure of what would be best; gravel, fill dirt? I'd want something that could be driven over should the RV run off the strip when back in.

This is East Texas and the ground is sandy loam and red dirt. Everything is stable, those stips were put in in '98 and are still level. The strips start out at ground level at the bottom of the picture and rise to about a foot high at the end over by the truck 68 feet later.

Red dirt when dry is as hard as the iron oxide that gives it its color, when wet it's as slick as an ice skating rink and is muddy and loose.

So, what does the hive mind think would be the best solution? I appreciate any an all comments - educational and entertaining!

 

[gstrom99]

gravel

 

[thclimer]

If you don't want to pour concrete that would be perfect application for what we call "crush and run" Around here it is crushed limestone 1" and smaller along with a good portion of dust. When it gets wet and then dries its very hard.

 

[ChiefBodie]

3/4 gravel?

 

[KennyG]

Crushed Concrete might be a cost effective solution.

 

[texas42]

Do not use "gravel" - that would be like putting marbles in there

 

[Rockbadchild]

I would put 3/4 inch minus gravel, or what they call crusher reject... I would be against pure stone or wash stone as it doesn't compact, sand is dirty and gets in everywhere so yes 3/4 minus gravel.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

I would dig it out, add a bit of road-base gravel, and then lay in cmu, with the cells vertical, add soil to the cells, and seed it with grass. Quick easy solution permeable, green like the surrounding turf, and able to support loads.

If you go with gravel, a 3-inch layer of 1/4 or 3/8-inch pea gravel, (98% 3/8 minus, 95% 1/4 plus) treated with a pre-emergent herbicide, deters mice, and most snakes. They don’t like walking on it, and can't burrow through it.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

If you don't want to pour concrete that would be perfect application for what we call "crush and run" Around here it is crushed limestone 1" and smaller along with a good portion of dust. When it gets wet and then dries its very hard.

I've read that Roman roads used limestone as part of the composition which is why they've lasted so long.

They call it "crusher run" here and it's not readily available although 1" crushed limestone is.

I'll have to see what a truck load would cost.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

I would dig it out, add a bit of road-base gravel, and then lay in cmu, with the cells vertical, add soil to the cells, and seed it with grass. Quick easy solution permeable, green like the surrounding turf, and able to support loads.

If you go with gravel, a 3-inch layer of 1/4 or 3/8-inch pea gravel, (98% 3/8 minus, 95% 1/4 plus) treated with a pre-emergent herbicide, deters mice, and most snakes. They don’t like walking on it, and can't burrow through it.

Digging it out would be a lot of work. This was the level foundation for the double-wide which they then raised and supported with blocks and skirted. Meaning that since no one would see it after installation, it was a good place to put excess concrete and hide anything else they weren't taking with them.

Also, it sometimes rains to excess. I got almost 30" in one month this year.

 

[gstrom99]

gravel

What I meant by "gravel" is "road gravel" or 3/4 or "with fines/screenings". Whatever your local quarry guys call it there. Pure 1" "loose" is not what I meant...

 

[Engineer42]

Figuring that you are intending to clean up the debris left on top, you should smooth the exposed surface as best you can with your tractor. Then place crusher run or crushed concrete between the slabs. Track it in with the tires, make sure it is as level as the slabs when done.

Worse case it that's too much money, it looks like you have room to swing the Rv around and drive it on the slabs going forward. Have your wife guide you, and follow her directions. Just ramp up to the high end of the slab to save your tires.

 

[rScotty]

You '"red dirt" sounds like clay. If so, the reason those strips are still level has to a lot to do with decent drainage and maybe the double wide was spreading the load & keeping the area dry.
You could try pitting some small as you can get type of crusher run down between the slabs. buy the crusher With the fines. Place it in small one inch lifts compacted with your tractor tires while slightly moist until level. At least that will make it look better. With luck it might even keep the clay stable. Put some thought into perimeter drainage when done. All that wouldn't cost much and might even work.
I would NOT just try to fill in with concrete. If you want to go to that much trouble, a better way would be to prepare the ground, place some steel, key to the slabs, and then pour a sab right over the top of the existing.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'd spend the money and pour concrete. Nothing will be nicer then a big flat, smooth concrete pad. But then after the concrete is poured, I'd build walls and put a roof over it!!!!