BAL X-Chocks

[dbailey]

Easily arranged...

The first photo is of the x-chock inserted and tightened in the nut-up orientation. I placed the wrench in there for size reference. As you can see, it's close. There's a bit of room -- *almost* enough to get the wrench in, but not quite.

The second photo I've loosened the x-chock and inserted it nut-down. The screw is touching the fiberglass, and I haven't tightened it down at this point. The chock is definitely not seated (gaps between the arms at the bottom, but not at the top). Tightening at this point would break the fiberglass.

Another likely possibility for why I don't have enough room to get the wrench in but Jim does: the x-chocks themselves might have changed slightly in the intervening years.

[Jim Bennett]

Those photos explain the difference, Doug. What I have is just a V shaped skirt that is attached to the trailer body. Yours looks way more beefed up. I have to run out now, but will post a wider shot later of how mine looks for comparison.

[escape artist]

Hi: dbailey... The mold for the trailers has evolved. There are now two defined wheel wells per side, instead of one big elongated one with a skirt cover in the Vee shape. That's the diff. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Jrn56]

When I look at Jim's photo it appears it would work either way. Are there different models of them, one longer than the other?

[Jrn56]

Nevermind, the mystery is solved!

[dbailey]

Jrn56: I don't think the x-chocks have changed or come in different sizes. I think that it's as Jim and Alf say: the Escape itself has changed. It kind of surprises me -- a change like that to the trailer is pretty significant. It means a new set of molds was developed.

[Jrn56]

Originally Posted by dbailey

Jrn56: I don't think the x-chocks have changed or come in different sizes. I think that it's as Jim and Alf say: the Escape itself has changed. It kind of surprises me -- a change like that to the trailer is pretty significant. It means a new set of molds was developed.

I just ordered a set this morning but I don't mind using an open ended wrench like you did. I guess you could cut off the bolt a couple inches if you don't plan on using them on a different trailer. That might not work either.

[santacruzer]

I believe Sears, or someone else, makes an open-ended ratchet wrench.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by dbailey

Jrn56: I don't think the x-chocks have changed or come in different sizes. I think that it's as Jim and Alf say: the Escape itself has changed. It kind of surprises me -- a change like that to the trailer is pretty significant. It means a new set of molds was developed.

Hi: dbailey... The same thing happened with the new taller fridge. The heat vent now being located on the roof!!! Evolution is a wonderful thing... I think. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[dave1]

I also have a set for our 19 to be picked up in August. Looks like we could get another wrench and just leave them on the chock.
With the chock in the flat/closed position there is about an inch of bolt so cutting about 3/4" off could be an option. Interesting problem. Wonder if when leveling a side it will change the clearance?
Guess we are counting on you Doug to be the problem solver on this one!

Dave

[dbailey]

Originally Posted by santacruzer

I believe Sears, or someone else, makes an open-ended ratchet wrench.

indeed... Chicago Brand 3/4'' Open-End Ratchet Wrench - Sears | Sears Canada

[hotfishtacos]

This is mine. I just leave the wrench in it until I leave....no problem..

[hotfishtacos]

....and I have only ever used 1 chocks on my wheels...no movement at all.

[Dave Walter]

Got tired of waiting for a deal on Bal-X chocks to come up so I decided to make my own. One trip to the hardware store for a threaded rod, a few nuts, and a few washers, and literally 15 min cutting up a couple blocks of scrap wood and assembling things, and I was done. I was really surprised how simple it was to make two pairs, and how well they work. With the chocks installed on both sides, the trailer is rock solid. And it only cost $12 and a few minutes to make. Here are a couple of pics.

[Dave Walter]

Another shot of chocks on my Escape.

[dbailey]

Simple and effective. Good job!

[Jim Bennett]

Good job, Dave. After seeing those Rotochoks I was thinking how simple it would be to make them too.

[cpaharley2008]

Dave,
You should make a couple more sets and sell them, nice work!!

[Dave Walter]

One advantage of the custom chocks is that, since I was the fabricator, I could size it to give a high level of confidence that there would be adequate clearance between the top of the threaded rod and the underside of the fiberglass on the trailer. Maybe those who have purchased the Bal-X chocks would have a better feel for this, but with the Bal-X chock, it was not clear to me (without actually purchasing them) that the clearance would be adequate.

[NuthatchBC]

ice-breaker -

Would you please post the dimensions of your chocks i.e. size of the wood you used, angles, length of threaded rod, etc. I want to try building a set for our 19. Sure glad I didn't order the BAL-X ones for a hundred bucks <g>.

Doug