Anyone use X-Chocks?

[UncleTim]

I am a little concerned that a trailer could roll away if somehow the chalks are removed.


Do trailer breaks work after release from hook up?


Does anyone use X-Chocks to secure their trailer?


If so, how well do they work and why did you get them?


Thanks.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

I am a little concerned that a trailer could roll away if somehow the chalks are removed.


Do trailer breaks work after release from hook up?


Does anyone use X-Chocks to secure their trailer?


If so, how well do they work and why did you get them?


Thanks.

Any trailer can roll if the chocks are removed. Always use chocks, regardless of type.

I use X-Chocks and have for years. I like them because they make the trailer feel more stable, since the wheels cannot move in either direction, not even a bit. But on a grade, I always augment the X-Chocks with conventional ground chocks. In most cases my Andersen levelers can be used for this purpose. Also, when using X-Chocks, the number one mistake people make is to not tighten them enough. Make sure they are very tight. If you do this, they work very well.

Attachment 45655

[Ian and Sue]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

I am a little concerned that a trailer could roll away if somehow the chalks are removed.


Do trailer breaks work after release from hook up?


Does anyone use X-Chocks to secure their trailer?


If so, how well do they work and why did you get them?


Thanks.

I too use x-chocks. I also like how they stabilize the trailer...a lot less wobble when we walk around. I always chock the tires w/regular chocks first then add x-chocks later more as a stabilizer and less as a chock.

No the brakes are not locked up when unhooked. The brakes only lock up when the brake controller applies voltage to them, this is opposite of air brakes that lock up when the pressure is lost(thus the black stripes down the highway when a tractor trailer blows a hose)

[rmitch]

I also use x-chocks, regular wheel chocks, and Anderson levelers. All have there place. Sometimes if I am on the Andersons only slightly ( almost level site ) then they interfere with the x-chock. In that case I use the x-chock on only one side. Always chock front and back!!

[cpaharley2008]

I too have been using X-Chocks since day one of tandem axle ownership. Wheel chocks keep you in place but the X-Chocks and your stabilizers eliminate that "walking on jello" feeling while inside by eliminating the torsion flex travel.

[ericw]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

Do trailer breaks work after release from hook up?
Does anyone use X-Chocks to secure their trailer?
If so, how well do they work and why did you get them?

I always use normal wheel chocks. I use x chocks (homemade) when I park for several days to get the extra stability. But if it is a quick overnight stop I don't bother.



Brakes are useless once you are not hooked up. You can prove it to yourself by jacking up one side of the trailer and spinning the wheels.

[Red Dog]

I also use x-chocks for stabilization, plus regular chocks. One can never be too careful.

Fred M.

[DT6]

X-Chalks are great! It took me a few minutes to get them adjusted properly, then using once or twice to get the hang of installing them easily (never was hard). As others have said, it really locks the trailer in place. I will also throw down regular chalks, but only to be extra cautious. I also like that you can put a pad-lock on them (at least the model I have). It won't stop a professional thief, but it will prevent most casual campground thefts.

[alanmalk]

We also use X-chocks (homemade) for stability and safety reasons.

But as mentioned above - make sure they are quite tight. I surmise that the warm tires contract overnight and you may find that the chocks are loose in the morning.

If camping for short periods and leaving the trailer attached to the tow, we skip the chocks and walk around gingerly to avoid the jello rock-&-roll.

--
Alan

[mtnest]

Another X-Chocks user here, as well as front and rear regular ground chocks. X-Chocks easy to use. You won't regret having them. -Tom

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by DT6

X-Chalks are great! It took me a few minutes to get them adjusted properly, then using once or twice to get the hang of installing them easily (never was hard). As others have said, it really locks the trailer in place. I will also throw down regular chalks, but only to be extra cautious. I also like that you can put a pad-lock on them (at least the model I have). It won't stop a professional thief, but it will prevent most casual campground thefts.

when you think about it, you may want to use them while in storage with a lock, may deter not only theft of the X-Chocks, but also the entire trailer..........!! Sure sign something is wrong if towing and the wheels are locked

[Iowa Dave]

The more points of contact and resistance to moving, sliding, rolling etc. the better. It’s very rare that I do not use X chocks, probably the only time is when I don’t unhook from the tow vehicle and I’m on a dead flat concrete pad. It only takes a minute or two to put them in and crank them apart. They require virtually no maintenance. Just check the nuts once
In a while and put a some spray lube on the screw mechanism every spring.
Iowa Dave

[Brian B-P]

The trailer's brakes don't work without power. That means that they certainly don't work when unhooked from the tow vehicle... except through the breakaway feature. If the breakaway switch plug is pulled (as it is by the breakaway cable in case of an unintended uncoupling in motion) the brakes are applied full-on. You can pull the breakaway switch manually, such as to test the system, but don't leave it out more than momentarily - it drains the battery at 6 amps per axle.

Rationally, trailers should have parking brakes just like the rear brakes of cars; that would be safer, and more secure, and would make X-Chocks and similar devices redundant and even eliminate the need for real chocks in most situations. Electric drum brakes with a parking function are available from Dexter Axle and other suppliers, but no one buys them... except in Europe, where their mechanical surge brake system includes parking as a standard feature.

[UncleTim]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

when you think about it, you may want to use them while in storage with a lock, may deter not only theft of the X-Chocks, but also the entire trailer..........!! Sure sign something is wrong if towing and the wheels are locked

21,000 posts. Right here! Ta Da!

[Jean and Dale]

Can anyone recommend a brand of lockable x-chocks?
Thank you

[Doug2000]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

I am a little concerned that a trailer could roll away if somehow the chalks are removed.


Do trailer breaks work after release from hook up?


Does anyone use X-Chocks to secure their trailer?


If so, how well do they work and why did you get them?


Thanks.

We use the X Choks that came free with our 2020 19. If on a hill, I usually block but always use the X Choks.

No, the trailer breaks don't work when not hooked up. Our trailer rolls freely around in the shop with a wheel on the front.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by Jean and Dale

Can anyone recommend a brand of lockable x-chocks?
Thank you

BAL are good; yet there are others too.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bal+x-cho...s_ts-doa-p_2_5

[occer]

Originally Posted by ericw

I always use normal wheel chocks. I use x chocks (homemade)

Pictures or/and discretion of your DIY X Chocks

[Nan]

Looking on Amazon some of the x chocks are 2.5” wide when not deployed and some are 3”. Does anyone know how wide the space is between the tires on the 5.0? We don’t have our trailer until May.

[DanK]

Your trailer brakes will work if you are not hooked up, you have to pull the breakaway pin and they will lockup. Definitely not something you would/should do for camping . There will be a buzzing noise coming from the brakes and this is being powered by the house battery .