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Old 12-04-2010, 04:31 PM   #1
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BAL X-Chocks

Anyone using BAL X-Chocks to secure their dual axle Escape?

It looks like there's plenty of room between the tires, but I'm not sure if the bodywork V-tab between tge wheels creates any clearance issue.

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Old 12-04-2010, 04:43 PM   #2
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

They look nice, but I do not have an answer to your question. I can see where you may have an issue with the ways those wells are designed. Another issue is storing it when you are not using them. OK, if you can leave them at home.

I have just been using an adjustable locking cable from Master and running it through the holes in the Escape 19 wheels. Combined with a hitch lock - the type that has a ball on it and locks across the release lever. With the two locks it may make them think a bit, if someone really wants it however it would probably take all of 15 minutes.

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Old 12-04-2010, 05:58 PM   #3
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

If I understand your question, you're not looking for a security device, but rather for a device to hold the trailer in place. These look like they might be a great application and also store in a small space...if they will fit. I'd make a couple of calls; one to Reace for the measurements of the wheel-well, and the other to BAL for their assessment. Here's BAL's contact info:

http://norcoind.com/bal/contact.shtml

HTH;

Dave
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Old 12-04-2010, 06:58 PM   #4
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Those look like some sort of torture device.
A much cheaper option is a rock.

Unless you are trying to secure the trailer. And, I searched Google looking for statistics on travel trailer theft and couldn't find anything relevant. It appears that RVs and crime aren't at the top of anybody's list.

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Old 12-04-2010, 08:28 PM   #5
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Hi: memobug... I thought those XChocks were for the big rigs. With the smaller size of the 19' Escape you probably don't need that much to keep it from rolling away. Besides with the bed crosswize there shouldn't be that much fore/aft torque on the wheels!!! Alf
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Old 12-04-2010, 09:54 PM   #6
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

well, if you only used them on one side, your trailer might spin in a circle....
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Old 12-04-2010, 09:59 PM   #7
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

I use them, and they are fantastic. They eliminate 75% of the movement felt using 4 conventional shocks. Seriously, it was the strangest feeling the first time I went into the trailer with them on, the trailer was that steady. The wheels are solid as a rock, it is impossible for them to turn, period. I use very little pressure to hold them in place, WAY less than what the axles take just sitting there, let alone driving. I would highly recommend them to anyone with a 19. Here is a photo of one installed on my trailer. I did buy a set.

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Old 12-04-2010, 11:45 PM   #8
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Thanks, Jim, that's what I was hoping to hear, as every review on these was extremely positive on the X-chock's ability to almost eliminate rocking, whenever there was enough clearance to physically use them. I've seen them sold in singles and in pairs and I was never quite positive it was the same chock, because they use a different model number. Do you know what model you ordered?

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Old 12-05-2010, 12:11 AM   #9
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

We use a similar device called Rotochocks & are very happy with them. They are super simple & quick to install. I found out about them via another rv forum where they were given rave reviews. A "mom & pop" shop makes them & only sells them via direct orders. Very nice people to deal with I might add.

http://www.rotochok.com/


We got them as a way to chock our wheels when one side of the trailer is raised on levelling blocks & traditional chocks wouldn't work. It's also nice that they further reduce any rocking from front to back.
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Old 12-05-2010, 09:26 AM   #10
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Matt, I ordered these off ebay. LINK
The seller was great to deal with, my only issue with the deal was they were shipped UPS, which is the worst to ship cross border with as they rip you off with brokerage fees. I am not sure where you live, as you don't list your location anywhere, but if you are south of the 49th, you will likely not have the same issue.

These X-chocks are very easy to install, once set to the width you need, just a couple quick swings with the ratchet handle to either install or remove. They are MUCH easier to use then chocks as well. Those ones Brad linked to look like they would work great too, but reading the instructions they seem a bit more awkward to use, but not that bad.
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Old 12-05-2010, 10:37 AM   #11
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

I too have sworn off UPS after getting a $50 bill for brokerage about two weeks after the package was delivered so I couldn't even refuse it.

Brown is crap in my book.

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Old 12-05-2010, 12:22 PM   #12
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

USPS is by far my preferred method of shipping out of the US. The combination of them and Canada Post is reasonably priced with no brokerage fees added, reliable and fairly fast.

After quite a few hassles with UPS I have sworn to slam them whenever I can. One time they phoned ahead, talked to Lisa, and asked if we had a broker or if we wanted them to do it. Yes paid by credit card over the phone, all unknown to me. When the package came to the door, I accepted it and paid again unknowingly. Lisa never realized until she went to reconcile the account, and found it a THIRD time billed to our card as well. After hours of runaround from UPS including many phone calls, Lisa reluctantly gave up having already spent more time on it than it was worth.

I have refused to purchase places the will only ship UPS, and always let them know why.

Sorry about this rant, please return to the normal banter.
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Old 12-05-2010, 01:42 PM   #13
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Hi: Jim Bennett... My sediments exactly Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 12-05-2010, 02:44 PM   #14
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Worth putting in a closet in your mind, etrailer.com is based in the U.S. but has a warehouse in Ontario. If you use their 1-800, one of their staff can check to see if your item can be shipped from Ontario instead of from the U.S.

From the U.S. I also try to use USPS, and never UPS.

baglo
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Old 12-05-2010, 10:36 PM   #15
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Jim, I bought two of these tonight at the Camping World retail store for USD $40 ea, and they installed in about a half a minute, in the dark, and a light drizzle. The increase in stability is amazing! They're very light at around five lbs each, and the wratcheting speed wrench included makes it a snap to secure them. They tuck far enough into the wheel well that the rain shouldn't be a problem, but I'll be curious how they hold up to condensation.

Thanks again for your photo!

Regards,

Matt
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Old 12-06-2010, 08:51 AM   #16
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Matt, I would not worry about moisture too much. A wee bot of lubrication would solve any issue, though I have had none this year using them
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Old 12-08-2010, 03:45 PM   #17
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

I usually keep my car keys on a magnetic hook attached to the stove hood. I was used to seeing them wag when I enter the trailer or jump in and out of bed. No more! It's SOLID!

Regards,

Matt
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Old 12-08-2010, 07:20 PM   #18
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

So then Matt, how do people know to not bother knockin', if they can't see no rockin'?
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Old 12-08-2010, 09:36 PM   #19
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

I'll put a red bulb in the porch light!
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Old 12-08-2010, 10:19 PM   #20
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Re: BAL X-Chocks

Hi: memobug...That will guarantee you will be "Bugged"!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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