If you’re new to the world of RVing, you may not be familiar with wheel chocks. These handy devices are used to prevent your travel trailer from rolling away when parked. So, how many wheel chocks do you need for a travel trailer?
You should use at least two wheel chocks, one for each side of the RV. However, if you have a larger or heavier RV, or if you’re parked on an incline, you should use four wheel chocks to ensure maximum stability and safety.
Using wheel chocks effectively is essential to keeping your travel trailer safe and secure. In this article, we’ll explore how many wheel chocks you need for your travel trailer, why you need them, and how to use them effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Use at least two wheel chocks, one for each side of the RV.
- Larger or heavier RVs or parking on an incline may require four wheel chocks.
- Using wheel chocks effectively is essential to keeping your travel trailer safe and secure.
How Many Wheel Chocks Do You Really Need?
So, you’re getting ready to park your travel trailer and wondering how many wheel chocks you need. The answer is simple: it depends.
First, let’s talk about the number of wheel chocks you need. As a general rule, it’s recommended that you use at least two wheel chocks, one for each side of the trailer.
This will help keep your trailer stable and prevent it from rolling away.
If you have a larger or heavier trailer, or if you’re parked on an incline, you should use four wheel chocks (one on each wheel) to ensure maximum stability and safety.
Next, let’s talk about the size of your wheels. The size of your wheels will determine the size of the wheel chocks you need.\
Make sure to choose wheel chocks that are appropriate for the size of your wheels.
The weight of your trailer is also an important factor to consider.
If your trailer is heavier, you may need to use more wheel chocks to keep it stable.
The grade and width of the parking spot should also be taken into account.
If you’re parked on an incline, you may need to use more wheel chocks to prevent your trailer from rolling.
Additionally, if your parking spot is wider, you may need to use more wheel chocks to cover the distance between the wheels.
Finally, make sure to place your wheel chocks in the direction of the grade.
If you’re parked on an incline, place the wheel chocks in front of and behind the wheels on the downhill side. This will help prevent your trailer from rolling.
Why You Need Wheel Chocks for Your Travel Trailer or RV
So, you’re all set to hit the road in your travel trailer or RV.
You’ve got your bags packed, the fridge is stocked, and the gas tank is full. But have you thought about the importance of wheel chocks?
Wheel chocks are an essential safety accessory for your travel trailer or RV.
They help provide stability and support to your vehicle when it’s parked, preventing it from rolling away unexpectedly.
Even if your travel trailer has parking brakes, they are not always reliable on their own.
Wheel chocks, on the other hand, are much less likely to fail when used in combination with parking brakes.
If you’re wondering how many wheel chocks you need, a general rule of thumb is to use at least two wheel chocks, one for each side of the travel trailer.
If you have a larger or heavier RV or if you’re parked on an incline, you may need to use more than two wheel chocks to ensure maximum stability and safety.
Using wheel chocks is not only important for safety but also for legal reasons. In some states, it’s even required by law to use wheel chocks when parked.
Now, you may be wondering what kind of wheel chocks to use.
There are various types of wheel chocks available in the market, such as wedge chocks, block chocks, and even electronic chocks
It’s essential to choose the right type of wheel chock for your travel trailer or RV, depending on its weight and size.
See Related: How to Fix A Camper With Wheels Off The Ground
How to Use Wheel Chocks Effectively
When it comes to chocking the wheels of your travel trailer, it’s important to do it properly to ensure safety. Here are some tips on how to use wheel chocks effectively:
- Always use wheel chocks on both sides of the trailer, even if you’re parked on a level surface. This will prevent the trailer from rolling in case the parking brake fails.
- Make sure the wheel chocks are snug against the tires and that they’re positioned at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the trailer’s movement. This will maximize the friction between the chocks and the tires, making it harder for the trailer to roll.
- If you’re parked on an incline, use leveling blocks or blocks of wood to level the trailer before chocking the wheels. This will prevent the trailer from rolling due to the force of gravity.
- If the terrain is soft or uneven, use larger blocks of wood or leveling blocks to provide a stable base for the wheel chocks. This will prevent the chocks from sinking into the ground and losing their effectiveness.
- Always engage the parking brake before chocking the wheels. This will provide an additional layer of safety in case the chocks fail.
- If you’re parking the trailer for an extended period of time, periodically check the wheel chocks to make sure they’re still snug against the tires. Over time, the chocks may become loose due to the movement of the trailer or changes in the terrain.
Remember, using wheel chocks effectively is a simple but important step in ensuring the safety of your travel trailer.
See Related: How To Level a Camper and How To Prevent Tire Dry Rot On RVs
So don’t forget to chock those wheels before you hit the road!
