X-chock

[Silverpuller]

The BAL chocks were a godsend when we had both curb-side tires blow out (the result of a spilled box of nails). This was was on Hwy 318 in the middle of Nevada. The road-side wheels were on asphalt, curb side on a narrow shoulder with soft dirt. Just couldn’t stabilize the trailer enough to use the jack. So I installed a BAL chock on the road side, and WOW, that really locked the trailer into place so I could mount the spare and creep the 70 miles to the next town.

[ghaynes755]

The difference between the two types is the minimum distance between the tires. New style with the smaller pads goes to 1 3/8 vs the 2 1/2 inches minimum for the full pad type.

[drbrick]

Use the BALL XCHOCKS along with Beech Lane Levelers + Chocks never leave home without them.

[kbmwrs]

To me X-chocks are just to stabilize the possible rocking movement of the trailer. I do NOT depend on them to 'chock' the trailer. For that I use...well chocks.

Rather than cranking in that upper nut on the BAL unit I have the type with a lever you just pull down (after you have adjusted it properly). very fast and simple.

As with anything if you leave it on while trying to move the trailer...well don't blame the tool.

[NoResults]

Chock the wheels, put the stabilizers down. Just another piece that takes up space and weight.



Can't remember why I bought them. They stay at home in the box they came in.

[Hiho Silver]

My concern with using the x-chocks is that they could damage the tires. I guess, since many are using these, that I should NOT worry about leaving a flat spot on my tires from extended usage of the x-chocks. Any tire experts want to help calm my concerns?

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by AlanMcD

Just a word of warning, I was parked on wet leaves (don't do that!) on a slight grade and the Airstream slid and the X-Chocks popped right out. Luckily I was still chained to the tow vehicle so no major nightmare. But since that incident I do not use them as the sole source for chocking. I use them occassionally as a back up with regular wedge chocks when I have the tires up on blocks for leveling or occassionally I will use the Anderson levelers ( say it ain't so!) if the ground conditions are right for those. Have heard of those failing, too, so ground has to be right for them. I told my story of the X-Chocks to several friends and one of them said he had the same thing happen, trailer slid on a hill and X-Chocks popped right out. Now don't flame me, all you X-Chock lovers, I'm just relaying my experience with them. And I do still use them, just not alone.

I too use the Bal X-Chocks and have had an incident last fall while in Tetons when we set up. Wife installed the X-chocks after backing into our site, but it was raining a little and tires were wet. Also, right side was a little sloping so we had put 1 set of lego-chocks under that side. When I raised the power jack to unhook the hitch, the trailer started to slide backwards and slid off the 8x8 wood block I use under the power jack foot! Scarred the heck out of us...fortunately, still had the chains hooked up and they stopped the slide, although very tight. I was able to tighten the X-chocks very tight and hook back up, but what an eye opener! If I had not left the chains on, the trailer would have gone down a lot farther.

I now double check the tightness of the X-chocks and try to also use the wedge style wheel chocks when not on lego-blocks.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Hiho Silver

My concern with using the x-chocks is that they could damage the tires. I guess, since many are using these, that I should NOT worry about leaving a flat spot on my tires from extended usage of the x-chocks. Any tire experts want to help calm my concerns?

Your tires sit on flat ground when parked, right?? X-chocks aren't going to hurt your tires...improper air pressure and exposure to sun will, however!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by NoResults

Chock the wheels, put the stabilizers down. Just another piece that takes up space and weight.



Can't remember why I bought them. They stay at home in the box they came in.

If you get "twin beds" next time, you will have more outside storage space in your AS; the weight is negligible with your 27'; space for storing anything outside if you don't have twin beds, I agree.

[Howard L.]

Xs are the best. Will not move, be knocked out. Stress the axle? Your Airstream is built a bit tougher than that.

[Life is a Highway]

We use them have no problems. Bought a small tool bag at harbor freight $5:99 on sale. Works well to store and carry them in and out of the truck.

QUOTE=GMFL;2219025]Mine are in place and in the job right now. They work great at preventing forward-aft movement of the trailer.[/QUOTE]

[hshovic]

Used them successfully for a decade. I am on my second set (because I did not have a red ribbon on them per turk123's recommendation)!

[sparkymark]

Love mine, ribbons are an excellent idea

[fubar201]

I use them, but only in conjunction with Anderson levelers and/or rubber chocks.

[Bob49]

I like the fact you can run a pad lock through them. Not a fail safe but would slow a hijacker down.

[january2022]

I use the X-Chock as a back up/stabilizer, but my favorite chock to prevent trailer from rolling is this one:

https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/onestep-chock

[kbmwrs]

Originally Posted by january2022

I use the X-Chock as a back up/stabilizer, but my favorite chock to prevent trailer from rolling is this one:

https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/onestep-chock

See ....a better mouse trap. Nice.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by kbmwrs

See ....a better mouse trap. Nice.

They look pretty nice on flat ground, but how do you use them when wheel's need to be on lego-blocks for leveling?? Seems you still would need the X-chocks?

[ghaynes755]

Gypsydad, you got the bingo for today and a full moon...

[kbmwrs]

Duhh (on my part)...yep you are correct.