RV Wheel Chock Comparison with Josh the RV Nerd

[@CrpMag]

Love my X-chocks

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I keep hearing good things about them. TY :)

[@tomballard4794]

I use the yellow wheel stops and they're ok. I also use wheel chocks, but the wheel stops will loosen up because of tire contraction.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah you need to apply those wheel stops/x-chocks after the tires have cooled really

[@shakabuku365]

Josh is so funny...I'm going to subscribe.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Good choice ;) #HelpHaylettHit100K

[@JohnnyVersnachie]

9-22-19... Our camper rolled right over the plastic wheel chock. We have X-chocks but had not put them in place yet... X-chocks first, then wedges... Thankfully our tongue jack wasn't damaged, but one of the stabilizers was! Lesson learned!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

WOW! That's crazy! Literally the first time I've ever heard this reported.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

...do we want to know what you were doing in it to cause so much motion? ;) lol

[@JohnnyVersnachie]

@@JoshtheRVNerd LOL! We were just setting up. We had used the "legos" to level up one side and put the wedges in. Then took the trailer off the truck and it started to roll back. The camper rolled right down the "lego" ramp and the wedges slid on the pea gravel then the camper wheel must have caught the wedge and flattened it. The scissor jack promptly folded and twisted into some sort of origami creature!!! No one got hurt and I changed the jack the next morning.

[@05rickie]

@@JohnnyVersnachie Another thing to remember,NEVER remove the safety chains from the hitch until you are 100% sure the trailer can not move.Happy Camping

[@stevenstair1068]

I have the X Chockes, a quick 10 seconds with a Dewalt impact and I'm done..

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Sounds pretty easy! TY

[@timrice5342]

for $5 on a shovel i started digging divots. of course campgrounds are not going to like this. how ever for boondocking..... no chocks or leveling blocks needed. just fill in the divots before leaving. It was super easy on single axle. Double might be a bit harder.

[@vortec2k2]

Wheel chocks are to prevent rolling and should be used no matter what and are not for stability. If the inlcine is severe get heavy duty rubber wheel chocks. Xchocks are for stability only not to prevent rolling.

[@WildDigger]

My father-in-law gave me a set of wheel stops to try. They don't have enough rod for my tires. My axles are to close together.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

That's something else I noticed -- even on this camper they had JUUUUUST enough

[@klvs2ply]

Excellent review. Thanks for keeping a camera on the tires to me that was the tell all as the camera isn’t biased lol. I saw no wheel movement with the xchocks

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah the second type didnt “feel” any different inside. But there’s absolutely no doubt the X checks were superior upon reviewing the footage

[@jeffeltzroth351]

We had the first ones you showed, the wedge type. One day we had a rainstorm and two of them floated down the street.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I really sucks about the way you wrote this is also kind of funny

[@paulmorris6177]

A couple of things...for those of us that have been in the military, "shiggles" is a term that uses a combination of "shits" and "giggles", another meaning for "what the hell, why not?" For instance, "just for shiggles, lets try "X"? Second, "X" chocks should always be used IN CONJUNCTION WITH "regular" chock blocks. Using just ONE method is asking for trouble. Can it be done, yes. Should it be done, not if you can avoid it. Third, there are designs online/KZbin that show you how to make a cheap set of "X" chock blocks from wood (a 4x4), an all-thread bolt and some bolts/screws (MAYBE $20).

[@williambush7971]

Harbor Frieght

[@evelyngorfram9306]

If the trailer's a' rockin', better check your chockin'.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

hahahahaa this is great!!

[@armoredsaint6639]

As a professional RV Transporter having moved literally over 20,000 trailers the one thing I would add to this is never use X chocks in place of wedge chocks! Always use them with each other. X chocks will not prevent a trailer from rolling downhill they only help to stabilize the Front to back movement! X chokes should be part of a stabilization system which includes the built-in trailer stabilizers proper tire inflation wedge chocks and finally X chocks! Central Pacific RV Transport Pismo Beach California

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thank you for sharing this is awesome stuff

[@jays9611]

not so many options for single axle trailers

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

True

[@johnathonnehls9278]

Just remember if you use Anderson Blocks to level one side, the standard wheel chocks work.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Awesome point! Thank you! :)

[@my2cyl]

A very informative video! Now we the viewers need a video of your Josh-isms.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I made a series of "bad camping tips" a while back. A lot of people didn't get the obvious joke. I've always been gunshy to be a little too "josh-like" since lol

[@rogerveale8717]

Do you need to put them on both sides.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You might not always NEED to, but you wouldn’t regret it and likely get more stability

[@johnwest3287]

Whatever keeps your trailer from rolling down a slope and allowing you to sleep at night is all that is important!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Hard to argue with that!

[@mathanson5361]

I bought the plastic wheel stops for my micro mini 2108Ds and they won’t fit. Just ordered the x chocks

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Hope they work nicely

[@lanceanderson5826]

One of the best video's on KZbin. Thank you, Josh. I have a set of the X-Chocks in my cart as I write this. :)

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

They're still my preference

[@joelhughes8023]

I use the yellow 2nd option. I like them but have been thinking of getting the X-Chocks. I figured, more expensive so they'll be better? Glad I came across this video! Saved me some dollars!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

If I was a first-timer, then I'd probably go with the el cheapo wedge chocks. If I was a some-timer, then I'd probably go with 2nd option. If I was a full-timer, then I'd probably go with X-Chocks.

[@caroluse]

Option 2 has worked really well for us. Those X chocks are heavy to lug around. The plastic wheel stops work well. Our MiniLite has axles close together, so its easy on, easy off and very stable.

[@JeffinTD]

I’ve had the yellow ones and wasn’t too impressed. The black heavier duty ones Harbor Freight sells are bulkier, heavier, but work well and last.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Solid feedback! TY

[@robh063]

Do you think these can be used if you plan on being stationary for several months like a snowbird would be or would it be detrimental to the tires having that pressure on them for that length of time?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Not sure to which you're referring but I don't see why it'd be an issue I'm not well versed in extended stay camping though as I tend to weekend-camp mostly. You might consider bouncing that idea off a full-time RVers group. I feel like someone there would know

[@robh063]

@@JoshtheRVNerd As a follow-up, I was referring to the X-Chocks. I reached out to BAL who stated there should be no problem but then kind of passed the buck a little bit by saying that tire manufacturers would say there's potential for flat spots forming with the X-Chocks being applied for so long. Then they suggested to move the tires periodically to avoid this potential issue. I replied to them saying that's not a realistic solution for snowbirds and others to break camp to move the RV . Once snowbirds and long timers are set up, they tend to leave things as they are until it's time to leave.

[@dawnr6577]

Shiggle! Nice! Another new word from Josh.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

#shiggle

[@GreatFamilyEscape]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

#shiggledance

[@calebj0682]

Awesome video!! I have the yellow wheel stops that are the x-chok knock offs and I use them on a large 38 foot travel trailer. They work VERY VERY WELL!!! I will say that after several days they will loosen a bit. I do agree though. For full time all of the time use I would get the metal x chok

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Good to hear the Wheel Stops hold up over time. That was a question I had myself.

[@bradvincent7288]

We used option 2 all year. There cheap and worked great.. But we decided to get seasonal sight and they been out in the weather for 4 solid months. They sure discolored fast and I'm wored about them getting brittle, so I just ordered set x chocks. But like you said weekend once in awhile there great and cheap...

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

That's great feedback. TY Brad

[@adamjetter1581]

Toilet paper comparison next...

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Lol with real time demo? 😆

[@patb9375]

On my old single axle trailer I welded a nut on the frame that I lined up with a long bolt through the opening in the rim. I have a rubber bushing on the bolt to tell when it is getting tight so I do not over tighten and it holds it very well. I still put a chock in front and behind both tires that has an old belt connecting them so I can cinch them up somewhat. I am extra large your belt may not work.

[@tedschmitt178]

I use four of the yellow chocks and two x-chocks. I like overkill to keep $30,000 from rolling away.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I'm not sure describing $90 worth of parts as Overkill when it's protecting a $30,000 investment. I think that's just called "Being smart about things."

[@pgrahmmg]

The yellow wheel chocks are fine UNTIL you have to use levelers under your tires - at that point they're close to useless....X chocks are the safer bet....

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Good input regarding using leveling boards!

[@ronaldheller3638]

Nothing is mentioned about the spread axles of a Coachman. What do you do with them??

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Options are a little more limited there, but thankfully the best option (X-Chocks) still exists for spread axle designs.

[@mistykjemperud8055]

Great info. How about slide adjusters/anchors?? Have any experience or demo's on those?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Not familiar with that phrasing. Slide adjustments take place on the slides themselves (if the system is in fact adjustable -- not all are). If referencing slide support stands: We do not recommend them on today's more modernized RVs.

[@mistykjemperud8055]

Yes, that's what I was referring to. Thank you!!

[@mistykjemperud8055]

@@JoshtheRVNerd How about the tripod on a 5th wheel. I ordered the chocks after watching your video and hoping they take care of the problem of swaying, but see a lot of people using the tripod stabilizers.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

@@mistykjemperud8055 The front tri-pods for FWs are nice, but I have a different stabilization method that I prefer that costs less and doesn't occupy traveling storage space seen here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnNmXqtadlkiNk

[@MaxBrandenberger]

This is a good video, Josh. I'm looking to buy wheel chocks for a new double-axle trailer that I'm picking up next week. While the Camco wheel stops may have felt as stable as the X-chocks, the video of the wheels while you were "shiggling" around shows a huge difference. The Camco stops were still allowing the tires to move. The X-chocks did not. This was all I needed to see. I'm getting x-chocks.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

After reviewing the footage later I 100% agree. I think X-Chocks are hands-down the best out there

[@Dang_Jim]

We use the cheapo wheel chocks on our 25ft camper that's parked in our hard-packed dirt yard. The trailer has been sitting there for a few months and doesn't move.

[@flyermarkbig465]

I use a pair of the cheap plastic triangles for initially chocking the wheels to disconnect my trailer from my truck. Then the metal scissors go on both sides. The length on my trailer makes it impossible to eliminate all movement with these and scissor jacks but they do pretty well.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Great feedback and sound advisory thru and thru

[@bishopkrs]

Should be noted that the cheap version of the x chocks will not work on spread axle trailers. We love our XL X Chocks!

[@greenappealpropertycare8808]

Thanks Josh. We use cut up 4x4s and my spouse complains about movement.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I was *REALLY* impressed with the lack of #shiggle (LOL) from options 2 and 3

[@rharding1701]

I'm a big believer in "defense in depth", which means I have like to double up. I have the anderson levelers, a set of the rubber chocks, and the metal X-Chocks. I always use two of the 3 depending on the situation, and the X-Chocks are always part of that mix. Been a couple less than level sites I have used all 3.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Smart

[@erhodes352]

Interesting video. I use bigger, heavier wheel chocks and x-chocks together. I’m pretty sure that the manufacturer of the x-chocks says they aren’t for chocking your rig to stop it rolling away. Just for stopping movement when it’s stable and set up. I do really like the x-chocks for stability. I got them for our TT and I still use them on my 5th wheel when we are setting up for more than one night.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

X-Chock lawyers made them say they aren't for letting the trailer roll away. Anyone that's used them knows it's basically not possible for the trailer to roll once they're in place.

[@erhodes352]

Haylett RV - I’d 100% agree that it was the lawyers and that your trailer will likely not roll away with them installed. But it will move with outside force. Ask someone who’s installed them and then realized the trailer needed to be moved and forgotten to undue them before pulling with the truck...👋🖐👋🙋‍♂️ Fortunately it didn’t damage anything and it was difficult to move so I can attest that they are robust and do work well.

[@05rickie]

Now that you have used the X chock for a year or so,whats the verdict ,any issues ?? i am assuming you are using them.or are you using the cheaper plastic ones.Thanks Josh

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

The few times I've actually be able to camp the past year I have been fortunate enough to have excellent level sites that haven't required wheel chocks for stability. I've just tossed a pair of the cheap yellow jobs around the tires simply "because." We rarely spend enough time in the camper for it to matter when we camp. We really focus on being outside and seeing the area.

[@rockycadieux4642]

I put in the chocks, pull forward a inch or so, kick the back ones in, unhook after releasing the pressure on the ball. Oh and use the parking brake.

[@bradleyevans8147]

I started with a popup camper, and the basic units worked fine. However, on my Jayco 32RL, I went with the extended length X Chocks. They really are worth the money! And, if you have to level the camper on one side, that side is now under a block which keeps you from using the wedge blocks. The only thing I found out the hard way was how far apart my axles were, which means I had to purchase the extended length X Chocks, which are a lot more expensive. But, the stability of these is worth the difference in cost. The middle of the line that you show will start slipping in the plastic after a couple of years. My friend showed me his when we bought our new camper. He had just ordered new X Chocks for his rig because the yellow part was slipping where the long screw bolt goes. I think the X Chocks are the way to go. Thanks, Josh for your reviews!

[@jturquette]

I am an x chock fan and user. I think you have to be careful with the x chock that prolonged and very tight use might have an impact on your wheel bearings. That is purely anecdotal, but seems a possibility. If you use the first solution, the basic chock, you can take some of the wiggle out by placing the behind the tire chocks first, then back the trailer up onto the chocks (using your tow vehicle), set the parking brake, then put the in front of tire chocks in place and let the trailer “settle” between the front and rear. I did that before I bought an x chock and worked very well. Good video. Thanks for putting it out there.

[@tufelhunden5795]

Can you use a portable drill with the chocks? Or do you need to use a wrench?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Which chocks? There are several shown here. X-Chocks? You likely could, but there's little need. They set up quickly. When I mentioned they "take the most time" compared to the others that was still a minimal amount of time.

[@tufelhunden5795]

Haylett RV Sorry about that I meant the x-chocks.

[@05rickie]

@@tufelhunden5795 You could use your drill and socket ONLY to adjust the X chock to the correct size but only use the wrench to snug them up on the tires,it is possible to over tighten them and over a period of time will cause damage to wheel bearings and tires,remember when you tighten you are forcing the wheels apart,so you only want to snug them up.

[@nathanbrodeur]

Josh the yellow wheel stop one if the rod had a 3/4 inch nut welded with a longer rod it might be a pound for pound competitor I seen to much deflection as you wiggled the trailer and not what is safe you and I live in areas where the temps get to -40F and what does that do to tire pressure it looses pressure and loosens the effectiveness say you take the trailer to a storage facility for winter wouldn't take much for a thief to pull it out vs the X chock that is lockable

[@billmalec]

Thanks! I always held off getting the expensive ones. Now I know what to get!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You won't regret them

[@StudioDaVeed]

I use the cheapo wheel chocks for my Class C. I have a rubber mallet and give them a whack or two wedging them into/under the tire just a pinch. Very stout gravel spots give the least traction, concrete next, and dirt/grass the best. I have only one pair and if it is possible I used them on opposite diagonal corners.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

The mallet method is really key with wedge chocks. Good feedback

[@cullinan18]

I have the cheap yellow ones and the X-chock. I always use the cheap ones WITH the X-chocks. As a PSA, you should always use basic wheel chocks even if you use any type of x-chock.

[@ssrc30]

I love my wheel stop. I chock up then put that sucker on and I'm golden. I live in northern Canada and that thing stays on all winter and I have no problem with it at all. It's really durable. Camco makes good products.

[@mymomsaysimcool9650]

I live in a mountainous area and there is no such thing as a level site. I start with wheel chocks and lynx levelers, unhook, level front to back, then add x-chocks. I’m paranoid about roll. Winnebago 2455 BHS.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Great input. Southern Michigan is pretty flat thankfully, so it's great to hear a bit from somewhere else in the country.

[@trolling4dollars816]

But what about axles that are further apart? Chock hack: buy 2 pair of cheap chocks and 2 small ratchet straps. Place a pair of chocks on either side of a tire, snug them together with the ratchet straps; no need to to keep kicking them.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

X-Chock makes an "XL" wide stance variety

[@jasonfogleman1904]

I have used the same set of wheel stops for 10 years with no problems.

[@jefflass699]

Interesting. Had never seen that Camco solution before. Will be getting a trailer with spread axles. Is there a larger version of that to accommodate spread axles? If not, it'll be the XXL X-Chocks for me!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

The extra large X-Chocks or the cheap wedges + a whack from a hammer are really the only options for wide stance axles.

[@josephgunn8442]

If the trailers rock in’ don’t come knockin’ 😍

[@Jeff-cl3dp]

Two years later, the Wheel Stops work fine for me.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Great feedback. TY

[@countrybumpkinreporter1245]

Thanks Josh. I never thought about the wheel chocks helping to stabilize the trailer. I just thought they would keep it from rolling into another campsite or the roadway. Learned something new today! 😀

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I suppose that's important too lol

[@kathykeefer4873]

Just curious - on two axle - how many x-chocks?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

There's no right or wrong answer. It's something you to do your level of preference. I know a LOT of people swear by just one X-Chock whereas others do both "just in case"

[@garymeyer3911]

This was a very informative video - quick question though - I have a 2017 Freedom Express with the wide stance dual axles. Will the X-Chocks work in that situation?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

X-Chocks make an "XL" version for wide stance axles. We have some marked down right now you can see here: bit.ly/2RmLAZu

[@05rickie]

From the outside view the X Chock no movement,the plastic ones had movement

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I noticed that as well when reviewing the footage. I couldn't feel it inside, but it was a short "test" and obviously NOT very scientific. Seeing them from the outside the X-Chocks definitely did the job the best.

[@philliphudson8069]

The gap between my tires are two wide for the wheel stop so I’m going to have to go with x chocks and basic wheel chocks

[@ssrc30]

There's a larger wheel stop you can get as well for bigger units.

[@larryellison9819]

I use the second wheel chock you demo'ed and they work extremely well. I do have to retighten after a couple of hours but easy to do.

[@asbrand]

One thing to note...if you have a single axle camper...the wheel chocks are your only choice. :)

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I figured folks would connect those dots on their own lol ...or would it be "Dot?"

[@haroldkostka8446]

Love the x-chock. Had the ramp chocks and was not happy with them. Still use them though in conjunction with the x-chock. Thanks. Great video.

[@patb9375]

I use a different type. I cut a wood block to fit tight sloped between my tires and have 2 wood chocks I cut that I pound in with a hammer, only takes 2 hits. and it is rock steady. But I have been doing that before I ever heard or knew about the metal tire stops you have. The metal chocks would be my choice and maybe a drill bit with the drill set low.

[@JosephBrown83805]

A great idea to test the three. We own all three types in addition to a set of rubber wheel chocks, those don't easily slip like the Camco plastic ones do. The Camco and X-Chock type do work fine. I actually bought the X-Chocks because they can be locked. Only caveat, both the Camco AND X-Chocks will loosen up as the wheels cool if you install them right after parking and setting up. The tires expand when hot and contract when cool and that nice tight fit loosens to the point of falling out of the spot which happened to us at a campground in Montana. Now I will set them in place snug, then go check again about an hour or so later and tighten them up again. That's worked every time.

[@BigSFun]

I have the camco wheel "stops" too. I'm considering getting the x-chocks. Do you feel the x-chocks are better than the camco stops and worth the upgrade?

[@susanjspaulding]

#GREAT #new #video on #Chocks!!!! #LOL!!! #LOVE this #NEW #Word #Shiggle!!!!! #HaylettRV

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

#shigglelyfe

[@beakercanada38]

Great Job !!! Informative I always wondered because I use the cheap chocks (full time parked) and I have to adjust them with a kick once and a while :)

[@michaelthomas3830]

What about the spread axle trailers?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

The cheap wedge chocks can always work, but there are also X-Chocks made specifically for wide stance axles now. A little more expensive still, but they work just as well when other things won't work at all!

[@gerardogonzalez8076]

I use the cheapest ones that I set up when I park just to lock, and then I set up the xchocks

[@ae4xo]

Cant you use the blocks to level it too

[@TheCalvin874]

I have a single axle. 😭

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Camping Hack: Put a wheel chock on each side. Use a ratchet strap to keep them in place. BOOM!

[@robertmorgan7695]

This was very informative. ..... If nothing else... Shiggle is now a thing

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

#shiggle

[@myrealname349]

I had my trailer on a hill where the tongue was on the ground and the back stabilizers had to be blocked up, and can tell you I don’t think I would have been very confident in the plastic ones, x choke all the way!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Looking back thru this video I think they are the pound for pound winner for folks who camp more than casually. They're more expensive up front, but it's a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of the RV. And they can never NOT work whereas wacky campsites like the one you mentioned may sometimes prevent other systems from working properly.

[@stevelucier8346]

Given the amount of theft I've experienced over the decades I go CHEAP and home made as much as possible. Small and handicapped and thieves discover that and there goes more stuff!

[@Schneids71]

There are holes on x chocks so that you can padlock them and then the nut can’t be turned. I was very relieved to find this out once I saw the cost because I trust nobody.

[@lynnelynne6685]

Shiggle? hahahaha,, Very informative video,, as all of your vid's are. Keep up the fantastic work kiddo.:)

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Toys R Us Kiddo. I don't care if they wen't out of business.

[@lynnelynne6685]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Hahahaha, I do. It was my favorite place to purchase my Huffy Mountain bikes. Now I'm S.O.L. XD

[@frogbg661]

Could you please do your wiggle in every video? Lol

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

#shiggle

[@AlliChuckAdventures]

We love the X Chocks. We have the xtended ones because of our Jayco White Hawk and they work great

[@spudbono5747]

Nothing worse than those @%#$ little slick yellow things scooting around in gravel! I use heavy rubber ones plus x-chox. If you already use a drill/impact for stabilizers, they only take a few seconds instead of using the wrench that comes with them.

[@stevekalmbach1432]

I have used the X Chocks for about a year. Compared to the four yellow wheel chocks we used for years major improvement. Did take a while to set up first time use. I loosened them with 4-5 turns of the wrench and they slide right off. Next time they slide on and snug them up with 4--5 turns of the wrench. Maybe 10-15 seconds per side when setting up. I also keep them in a old backpack when not in use to keep them clean with the grease in the threads.

[@timshufflin9525]

Great anecdotal review. I had the simple yellow ramp chocks and went to x chocks... huge difference. I wanted to go with the cheaper yellow hand tighten chocks but they, as you saw, have limitations for sizing. The x chocks are way overbuilt , heavy, cumbersome, need a wrench, take more time. I can absolutely see how you chose your winner and, great analysis!