Which between wheel chocks??

[mtofell1]

In researching these I'm finding basic plastic ones for $20/side up to elaborate metal clamping ones for $50+/side. Do the cheapies work just as well? I'm not opposed to spending the $$ if I need to. I'm somewhat wondering about theft since they're just sitting there.

[Memphisdoug]

phillyg wrote:

downtheroad wrote:
On this topic...anyone have any experience with these?

Fastway Chocks...LINK

Yes, I use a pair. My old BAL X-Chocks wouldn't fit between the tires on my current FW. The Fast ways are great and easier to use.

Do these chocks work if you have one wheel up on a 2x8 and not the other? There are times when I level the trailer and only have one wheel on a board and not the other

[SoundGuy]

downtheroad wrote:
Yes, I use a pair (Fastway One Step Chocks). My old BAL X-Chocks wouldn't fit between the tires on my current FW. The Fast ways are great and easier to use.

The adjustable BAL Standard Tire Locking Chocks (Model 28000A) which I much prefer for firmly chocking any dual axle trailer would as I recall shorten to about 15.5" which ufortunately is just a touch too long to fit easily between the tires on our current Freedom Express trailer. :M Could you tell me the minimum length of the Fastway chock when adjusted to it's shortest length? ... and if greater than 15.5" would it be practical to drill a couple more holes in each chock shaft so the overall length of the assembled chock could be shortened by an inch or so? If so, I'd probably invest in a pair to replace the rubber chock system I'm currently using to chock our trailer.

[3oaks]

klassic wrote:

Goostoff wrote:
I was lucky enough to get my rotochoks before the company closed. My next trailer purchase will be partially decided on wheel spacing so I can keep them unless I get a 6 point auto level.

Yep.. Mine are too small for my new wheel spacing. Can't use them anymore.
But I do have 6 point now and haven't used any chocks.

That is currently my problem now, too.

My RotoChoks were for the 3" spacing between the tires on our Sunline TT which we just gave up for our new Arctic Fox which has a wheel spacing of 5". I am going to attempt to fabricate larger side plates from hardwood (oak) so that I can still use my RotoChoks. It's a shame some manufacturer didn't pick up the RotoChok design or patent for the product.

I would not and obviously did not base my decision for a new TT on the basis of wheel spacing. That rules out too many choices.

[phillyg]

downtheroad wrote:
On this topic...anyone have any experience with these?

Fastway Chocks...LINK

Yes, I use a pair. My old BAL X-Chocks wouldn't fit between the tires on my current FW. The Fast ways are great and easier to use.

[downtheroad]

On this topic...anyone have any experience with these?

Fastway Chocks...LINK

[GoPackGo]

I copied the following directly from the BAL FAQ section. Please note the last line.

"NOTE: BAL's chocks are designed for locking trailer tires when camping. They should be put in place after disconnecting from your tow vehicle and after putting down your stabilizing jacks. They should be removed prior to hooking up to your tow vehicle. Failure to do so may damage your chocks. To avoid undesired trailer movement when disconnecting or hooking up to your tow vehicle, a tire "wedge" should be firmly placed behind one, or preferably both rear trailer tires."


I know BAL products have a great reputation for adding stability, but there is no way I will unhitch my fiver without REAL wheel chocks in place (BAL calls them "wedges"). Semantics.

[kennethwooster]

I traded trailers once and found my wheel spacing was not right for rotochocks. Called Pearl (probably not long before they died) and got another size. Thus I now have an extra size of side plates. Should be good for life. Try to find a used set. I definitely put chocks on soon as I park, and they are the last thing to come off. I have had a trailer move on me soon as hitch released. My repair shop has really hard ground, and if I don't chuck trailer will slide backward rather then hooking. I think chocks of some sort are very important.

[SoundGuy]

fly-swatter wrote:
I have the BAL X-Chocks and they work great. You can lock them as well if you are worried about theft.

SoundGuy wrote:
Yeah, great for helping to reduce rotational movement about the axles which results in "camper wiggle" but X-Chocks are not intended to actually chock the trailer ... for that you'd still want to chock the trailer by some other method. Of course you'd know that if you read the warning note from the manufacturer Norco which is included in every box of X-Chocks. 😉

GoPackGo wrote:
What he said ! Read the box on all these between-the-wheel devices. Remember the old rule that chocks go on first and come off last.

I have 4 of the 'trucker's chocks' that I use. Go to the Camping World site and take a look at catalog #77819. I got mine on Amazon.

I always firmly chocked our previous KZ Spree dual axle trailer with a pair of BAL adjustable Standard Tire Chocks which absolutely prevented the trailer from inadvertently shifting but was dismayed to discover the axle spread on our current Freedom Express is so narrow, just 29", that these chocks just wouldn't fit even when adjusted down to their shortest length. Not quite as convenient but I solved this by instead using a set of heavy rubber chocks, a pair locked in place between each set of tires with hardwood spacers that prevent the chocks from shifting. Works like a charm - pics are in my gallery for anyone interested.

[GoPackGo]

SoundGuy wrote:

fly-swatter wrote:
I have the BAL X-Chocks and they work great. You can lock them as well if you are worried about theft.

Yeah, great for helping to reduce rotational movement about the axles which results in "camper wiggle" but X-Chocks are not intended to actually chock the trailer ... for that you'd still want to chock the trailer by some other method. Of course you'd know that if you read the warning note from the manufacturer Norco which is included in every box of X-Chocks. 😉

What he said ! Read the box on all these between-the-wheel devices. Remember the old rule that chocks go on first and come off last.

I have 4 of the 'trucker's chocks' that I use. Go to the Camping World site and take a look at catalog #77819. I got mine on Amazon.

I just tie a short length of rope to the eyes and throw them in the back of the truck where they are easy to grab.

[SoundGuy]

fly-swatter wrote:
I have the BAL X-Chocks and they work great. You can lock them as well if you are worried about theft.

Yeah, great for helping to reduce rotational movement about the axles which results in "camper wiggle" but X-Chocks are not intended to actually chock the trailer ... for that you'd still want to chock the trailer by some other method. Of course you'd know that if you read the warning note from the manufacturer Norco which is included in every box of X-Chocks. 😉

[fly-swatter]

I have the BAL X-Chocks and they work great. You can lock them as well if you are worried about theft.

[klassic]

Goostoff wrote:
I was lucky enough to get my rotochoks before the company closed. My next trailer purchase will be partially decided on wheel spacing so I can keep them unless I get a 6 point auto level.

Yep.. Mine are too small for my new wheel spacing. Can't use them anymore.
But I do have 6 point now and haven't used any chocks.

[Goostoff]

I was lucky enough to get my rotochoks before the company closed. My next trailer purchase will be partially decided on wheel spacing so I can keep them unless I get a 6 point auto level.

[BB_TX]

Been using the basic cheap yellow plastic chocks for years. Work fine for our 35' 5er.

[kennethwooster]

I also say look for some used rotochocks. I've had mine for a number of years, and the still work great. Can't even see any wear of any kind.