When you use the plate compactor on that stone, how long does that usually hold up for? I know depends on how much you drive/turn on it but in general. Does it just give a smoother surface or do you think that helps prevent pothole / low area formation also? I've always wondered
It does give a nice firm surface, but the turning or tire slipping when starting out will certainly cause the pothole opportunity(s).
There are basically three layers to the parking spot I built:
1st: 2-4 Rip Rap (Tailings) to give a firm base locking into the existing dirt/rock
2nd: Fill....which the owner arranged....not my standard, but it's his property, and he went with material I thought was from a abandoned wrecking yard! Horrible stuff. I usually use pit-run stuff, compactable, and usually nothing toxic for the ground.
3rd: Either 1.25 minus or 5/8 minus about 4-6 inches thick compacted.