wheel chocks

When I took delivery of my new 5th wheel, I decided to get real, no kidding wheel chocks. I bought 4 of these and added a short length of rope to each eye. They are made out of super grippy rubber and weigh 8 pounds apiece.

http://www.amazon.com/IWI-60-7204-Rubber-Length-Height/dp/B004V5FIXY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XHJ5MQS1KX942M541WH

The simple possibility of a tire going flat overnight should be all the reason one needs to use ground chocks first. Anything else second.

For 7 yrs. I used X-chocks only. 2 sets--one on each side.

First ON......Last OFF

Been in some fairly unlevel sites.........5vr never moved.

I did cinch them tight when first set and then checked them the next AM.
Rarely did I have to re-tighten.

I don't know.......just passing on what worked for me.

X-Chocks need to be used in conjunction with blocks or wedges on the ground. I never believed this until my rig rolled back a little on me. I wasn't parked on much of an incline either.

A word ( or two )of warning to folks parking on steep sites.
I watched a camper who accidentally left one Balchock on one side of his camper, pull out of a campsite.
The Balchock bent & twisted, instead of jamming the wheels to keep them from moving.
Now I don't know if some other brand of X type chock would have held the wheels, but I doubt it.
I also don't think that having two Balchocks would have made a difference. Or maybe he didn't have them tight enough. Who knows ?

The lesson I took from this is "Don't rely on Balchocks to keep the wheels from moving under serious strain ".

Another time....I watched a commercial boat launcher back down a ramp with a 27' boat on his adjustable trailer.
Once the trailer wheels were in the water, he got out of the truck, put a serious wedge behind the driver side wheels, and maneuvered the trailer controls to begin the launch. That is when the truck started drifting backwards down the ramp.
I watched the drivers side rear wheels climb up over the wedge, and drop down the back side, as the driver scrambled back into the truck and jammed on the brakes.
Crises averted. But the lesson I took from this is Don't rely on a wedge (or two ) to keep your vehicle from moving on a really steep slope.

Balchocks work great on nearly level sites. I use mine every time I set up. First thing put on, last thing I take off. They have never failed to work.
But I would not set up camp on a steep slope. Go somewhere else, or leave the truck attached, in park, e-brake on.

45° angle?! Yeah I'd be putting down some chocks, and probably an anchor too. :)

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A little CYA never hurts - no matter what chock you prefer.

Never had a problem with Rotos, but always put a wood chock in front and behind a wheel.

About that 45 degree angle.......campground in Redmond, OR - had some sites with *serious* slopes. You bet it got additional chocks - all the way 'round!..:W

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My trailer has the secure stance axles. Does anyone know if these will expand far enough to work with the tires further apart?

X-chocks needs wedges at wheels. I know from first hand experience X chock will allow wheels to roll.

Just bought pair of x-chocks...don't see how wheels will roll if they're extended and are tight against the tires. The instructions do say not to raise or lower landing gear with them on. So I guess the best thing is to use wedge chocks when unhooking and leveling, then put x-chocks on.

Lantley wrote:
The OP mentioned X chocks not Roto Choks.
X-chocks needs wedges at wheels. I know from first hand experience X chock will allow wheels to roll.
I cannot speak for Roto-Choks.

Very true, but he should know there are options instead of the X Chocks and he might not need the other wheel chocks with those other options. Just letting him know there are choices.