Travel Trailer Tip: Importance of Setting the chocks

**wallymann** · 06-06-2021, 07:21 PM

Recent weather event reinforced the safety importance of setting the chocks FIRST thing. We were at an RV park in Moab, UT. The level pad was too short for my 37' TT so I had to use blocks (2x10x10") to make up the difference on the downhill slope where the jacks were. I placed the chocks, but FAILED to load them...by loading I mean.... place the rear chocks first then backing up onto it and holding that position with the brake, then the front chocks are placed, brake released and the wheel loads the front chocks on rollback...success is when you cant kick the RUBBER chock out with foot. Weather was great, but this is the high desert. About 0100, we experienced what had to be initial gust to 70 and sustained 30-50 mph for a minute or so, and of course, BROADSIDE ON. Microburst from virga, not uncommon there, who would have known!! As soon as the initial gust overcame the sliding friction on the jack blocks, we were mobile and not in a good way...we slid about 2 ft downwind at the hitch, and then it stopped, wind still howling. In the AM, I discovered that the front chock on the right and rear chock on the left were very loaded suggesting the chocks and God's finger (i favor the latter) were probably responsible for arresting the slide and averting damage/disaster...another 2' of slide would have made hookup very interesting plus a costly power pole replacement. So, will I ever forget to set my chocks again? Of course I will!, I'll just try to make that occurrence increasingly rare . Setting chocks ( or wheel locks) not as much of a big deal with the 5th wheelers, but even for them it would add lateral stability, less motion when walking inside, ect

**FT4NOW** · 06-06-2021, 07:35 PM

That sure could have ended up much worse. Not sure why you would need rear chocks if you're on a downward slope site. Seems two front chocks would have been more appropriate.

The loading of chocks as you described probably only applies to TTs or 5th wheels without auto level. On my current and last 5th wheel, you can set the chocks, but after the auto level sequence is complete, the chocks most likely arent even touching the tire anymore, and you need to move the chocks. They are definitely loaded when you lift all your landing gear though.

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**Stealth13777** · 06-06-2021, 08:02 PM

Nice argument for the x-chock here too, although not as a total replacement for the rubber blocks

**wallymann** · 06-06-2021, 09:02 PM

Thanks FT4NOW!
That's the thing I learned here, as the hitch moved left, one side moves fwd and the other back, so setting chocks fore and aft counters any lateral movement at the hitch. I'd say try it, but you are 5W. With no chocks, front jack down, foot shove the TT hitch to the side and see the movement. Repeat with set chocks and the difference is not small.

**WhittleBurner** · 06-07-2021, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by Stealth13777

Nice argument for the x-chock here too, although not as a total replacement for the rubber blocks

The typical x chock is meant for stabilizing movement , they can and have sliped and are not for replacement of chocking the trailer. I believe the box states that . BAL does make one with a larger plate that says it is a true chock.

There was interesting conversation at the TN GD rally recently with JD from GD service , he mentioned that x chocks can be bad for the axles causing slight bends from the pressure they put on the wheels.

**Stealth13777** · 06-07-2021, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by WhittleBurner

The typical x chock is meant for stabilizing movement , they can and have sliped and are not for replacement of chocking the trailer. I believe the box states that . BAL does make one with a larger plate that says it is a true chock.

There was interesting conversation at the TN GD rally recently with JD from GD service , he mentioned that x chocks can be bad for the axles causing slight bends from the pressure they put on the wheels.

That’s good info. TBH we bought them thinking we would love them and find we use the rubber blocks and leave the x chocks off most of the time. Hadn’t thought about the axles. One of those ‘well, we already have them, might as well use them’ things when there is bad weather now. But I’ll probably leave them a little less tight from here on

**Ynot4me2** · 06-07-2021, 02:35 PM

Wow, that could of ended up real bad. We started using the one step from fast fastway and love them so far.

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**Oldcow** · 06-07-2021, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by WhittleBurner

The typical x chock is meant for stabilizing movement , they can and have sliped and are not for replacement of chocking the trailer. I believe the box states that . BAL does make one with a larger plate that says it is a true chock.

There was interesting conversation at the TN GD rally recently with JD from GD service , he mentioned that x chocks can be bad for the axles causing slight bends from the pressure they put on the wheels.

I bent my rear axle on my TT with x chock.

Oldcow

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**Dakota** · 06-11-2021, 01:47 PM

Wow! Thank you for posting that. I never heard about setting chocks. I’ve worried a few times if mine would hold if the trailer shifted. Learned something new and it could save a lot of grief over damage or injury. Thanks again!

**Buckskin** · 06-11-2021, 02:24 PM

We use X-chocks and key is having them tight enough but not over tight. I think that is why they come with short 6-8 inch wrench so that that you can't over tighten them. Heard of people blowing tires from over tightening them and just now in post above of bending axle. I always carry 4 rubber chocks in case we are at site with steep incline or one with large drop off in back. We've been in some very strong winds and know how wind will move camper around and some times wish we had went to bathhouse for shelter. After last storm we were in, we will always go to bathhouse.