Published Date: May 25, 2022
Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Camper Front
RV owners must know what the correct and safest way to chock is and the correct type of chock. At the same time, there are many different types of chocks available on the market. Some people also improvise and make their own RV wheel chocks.
In this article, we will take a look at the different types of RV chocks and what is the best way to use them. We are concerned with the RV users’ safety, so we will try to show you the best methods.
Investigate with us what the best type of wheel chocks is for your RV and trailer tires to improve your safety.
Table of Contents
What is an RV Chock
This question is for the benefit of the newbies out there who do not know what it is or know it by a different name. Tire chocks that are used to help assist the parking brake are wedges that are placed behind the wheels of your RV.
This will help to inhibit the natural movement of any wheel that tends to want to roll downhill, taking your RV with it. The safe way is to have a set for every RV wheel to place one in front and one behind the wheel.
If your RV has tandem axles, you need to have a set for all tandem wheels of your RV, meaning a set for every wheel. You do not need to use them on both sides of the RV. Just the wheels on one side will be sufficient.
It would be best to be careful when using chocks so they are not placed on surfaces that may change at any moment. One such example is when you park on snow-covered ground. For that, you can use the very innovative X-chocks.
You can use X-chocks on both sides for tandem wheels to balance the RV if you are using X-chocks. Ball x-chocks are especially handy when you park on a snow-covered surface, and the snow melts at some point.
Standard chocks and X-chocks can be used on any tow vehicle, such as a travel trailer or a tow vehicle.
How To Chock Your RV
To chock your RV is easy, and you may have done it by placing a piece of woodblock or brick behind the wheel. There are various chock options available on the market that are designed to make chocking easier and safer.
Durable and lightweight plastic chocks are available on the market, but they do not have a lot of grip and might slide. Rubber chocks are safe to use where they will not easily slide on the road top, as is the case with plastic chocks.
The best trailer chocks to use for your safety are solid rubber wheel chocks that come in various sizes and designs. When you park your vehicle and engage the emergency brake, you can slide the chocks under the wheels.
In the case of a trailer, it is always safe to chock the trailer wheels before you disconnect the tow vehicle from the trailer. Make sure the chocks fit properly under both sides of the wheels of the RV or trailer, and never park on an incline.
You should also not use the chocks on a gravel surface when it easily slides or else the RV will start rolling. In this case, it is safer to use the ball X-chocks to keep your RV safe and balanced while it is parked.
For safety purposes, you should identify the direction of the incline and drivers should place the chocks in that direction. It is also good practice to use a set of chocks and place them on both sides for the wheels to be safe.
See this Youtube video to feel safe and secure for complete instructions on chocking your RV. Always make sure you have additional chocks available if yours break or get misplaced or lost or even stolen.
Different Types Of RV Chocks
With so many chock options available on the market for RVs, it is essential to look at the different types. Camper wheel chocks are available in many different sizes but smaller than those used on heavier vehicles.
They are available in two different configurations: standard ramp-shaped wedge-style wheel chocks and X-chocks. X-chocks are, in most cases, used for larger vehicles, and a sizeable double-axle trailer is towed by these vehicles.
Standard chocks are primarily used with recreational vehicles such as RVs and travel trailers to keep them secured and safe. Both these types of chocks have the same purpose: to keep your vehicle safe when parked.
The larger chocks used by RVs are adequate to keep them from rolling down a hill, while smaller ones are used by standard passenger vehicles. These devices can keep your vehicle safe while preventing damage to your RV and even save the lives of innocent bystanders.
Difference Between Wheel Chocks And X-Chocks
Wheel chocks are made in the wedge style and are ramp-shaped to be easily placed behind the wheel of your RV. They are shaped to accommodate the round shape of wheels to fit in nicely and securely.
X-chocks and ball X-chocks are made to resemble the scissor jack that is used to lift a vehicle. They also work in the same principle and are expanded to press against the tandem wheels while it is placed between these wheels.
One can combine these types of chocks with standard wedge-shaped chocks to increase the security factor further. These X-shaped metal devices are also called wheel stabilizers and prevent the vehicle from rocking.
This is also an ideal way to prevent your RV from rocking and will help to keep it secured in one place. Before using X-chocks on your RV, you should ensure that the vehicle is leveled by using wedges and levelers.
Summary
It is easy and safe to chock your RV every time you park it for your safety and peace of mind. You should always consider using only the best types of chocks and invest in the best quality to prevent damage.