X-chocks before or after

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by Jayhawker

Two rubber wheel chocks before unhooking, then X-chocks after leveled. Got the rubber wheel chocks at Harbor Freight.

These rubber chocks are super heavy, and I prefer not to carry that weight.

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by dodgemark

X chocks have nothing to do with bounce when your walking around. That’s the frame length and springs from axles. You can put jacks near center of trailer or near axles. That will stop that bounce somewhat. Not wheel chocks

This has not been my experience. X-chocks stop movement completely on my TT.

[itat]

X-chocks will stop forward/backward movement but you still get some bounce from the trailer’s suspension.

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by itat

X-chocks will stop forward/backward movement but you still get some bounce from the trailer’s suspension.

Most of use use scissor jacks or similar, so your point is moot IMO.

[hack522]

Only one side here.

[Jack Larson]

Wow! What a topic this has become. I was taught to level side to side, then I use four wheel chocks, two on each side before disconnecting, after disconnecting level front to rear, drop stabilizers, then wheel chocks, run slide(s) out, to give DW room to do her thing, hook up utilities. After that I enjoy some forced relaxation. Disassemble in reverse order. I was under the impression that X-chocks were for helping bounce when walking around in trailer. I've tried darn near everything and finally decided it's not worth all the fuss. There will always be some bounce. Never even considered NOT using wheel chocks.

[itat]

Originally Posted by Beachbourbon

Most of use use scissor jacks or similar, so your point is moot IMO.

Scissor jacks do not totally prevent movement. They just reduce it.

X-chocks immobilize the wheels but the suspension is still active.

We had scissor jacks on the 4 corners of our hybrid Roo and our 32’ TT. We still had some bounce. I tried putting jacks directly under the Dexter Torflex axle crossmembers and that eliminated the bounce.

Some people install Steady Fast or JT Strongarm type systems to make the rig more solid.

[grayfox]

Giev


Something else not to forget, after the x-chocks and wheel chocks are in place wait about 15 or 20 minutes for the tires to cool and readjust or tighten. As tires cool the tires will contract somewhat and sometimes loosen the chocks... just an FYI.

[Mountainmanbob]

Before

[flhf150]

My XLR has auto levelers. I found that if I use the xchocks before leveling, it won't level. It will give me a failure error. I have to install xchocks after leveling done.

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by grayfox

Giev


Something else not to forget, after the x-chocks and wheel chocks are in place wait about 15 or 20 minutes for the tires to cool and readjust or tighten. As tires cool the tires will contract somewhat and sometimes loosen the chocks... just an FYI.

And recheck them again the next morning just to be sure.

[shelkol]

I arrived at the campsite, put my x-chocks on, put my jacks down and disconnected from my tow vehicle. The trailer proceeded to pop the x-chocks out and rolled down the hill bending my jacks.

So I called BAL and complained. They say that you must level the trailer before putting the x-chocks on.

I also forgot to take them off one day and as I pulled forward, they popped out.

They work great when used as the manufacturer says. But you need regular chocks also.

[tbirdkeys]

I can’t believe half of you put these on after disconnecting... That is crazy. I ALWAYS put them before disconnecting. It is imperative to lock your trailer in place so it isn’t going to roll when you disconnect.

Once I tried to take them off before I connected and my trailer rolled off the blocks. It was bad.

[shelkol]

You should be using regular chocks before disconnecting. I had to replace 2 of my jacks because the trailer rolled forward even though the x-chocks were in.

BAL factory support agrees.

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by shelkol

I arrived at the campsite, put my x-chocks on, put my jacks down and disconnected from my tow vehicle. The trailer proceeded to pop the x-chocks out and rolled down the hill bending my jacks.

So I called BAL and complained. They say that you must level the trailer before putting the x-chocks on.

I also forgot to take them off one day and as I pulled forward, they popped out.

They work great when used as the manufacturer says. But you need regular chocks also.

You probably didn't install them correctly...

Or didn't tighten them up enough.

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by shelkol

I arrived at the campsite, put my x-chocks on, put my jacks down and disconnected from my tow vehicle. The trailer proceeded to pop the x-chocks out and rolled down the hill bending my jacks.

So I called BAL and complained. They say that you must level the trailer before putting the x-chocks on.

I also forgot to take them off one day and as I pulled forward, they popped out.

They work great when used as the manufacturer says. But you need regular chocks also.

Because they go on AFTER like the manufacturer states and the most common of common sense dictates.

[stormer]

I used to use wheel chocks.

When I started using xchocks, I ditched the other chocks. This thread has been an interesting read. To be honest, I'll probably go get some regular wedge chocks as well.

Now, all that said...

For the "LIFE" of me, I'd never NOT have my xchocks on BEFORE I disconnect my trailer. Period.

They are the first and last things I put on and take off. Will I have regular wedge chocks in the future? Almost certainly. Then it will be xchocks AND chocks that are first and last.

If they are not a "chock" then maybe they should rename their product to "x-stabilizer" or something because the word "chock" tells me it's meant to keep wheels from moving... just saying.

James

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by tbirdkeys

I can’t believe half of you put these on after disconnecting... That is crazy. I ALWAYS put them before disconnecting. It is imperative to lock your trailer in place so it isn’t going to roll when you disconnect.

Once I tried to take them off before I connected and my trailer rolled off the blocks. It was bad.

Use regular chocks first to preven roll, then after you set up and level add the x-chocks

[Canadian Laker Tim]

Chocks first, ALWAYS before unhitching.
Then X-Chocks.

[Walholler]

I have owned a 5th wheel camper for 9 years and the only thing I use for stabilizing it is a homemade set of wheel chocks. I place one behind the rear wheel and one in front of the front wheel, this prevents any movement in either direction. I do both sides of the trailer. Both sets are made of cedar 4 x 4's cut to a length of 12 inches and connected with rope. I doubt if I have $10.00 in the whole setup. Do not have to worry about them growing legs and walking off while I am away from camper. However, you do as you wish.