saw a bad one

[YoungKopernik]

Saw a bad one this last weekend: a 35ft 5th-wheel took out the side of his truck uncoupling.
The short of it was no chocks were used before disconnecting.
Now I wasn’t hands-on when it happened I was the next site over and came running when I heard the bang and saw the camper moving through the truck.
This was my take on it.
I was at the beach(Seacliff State Park) camping on sandy asphalt with a small slope. The guy backed in with a 45deg to the camper, to line up in the spot. Well maybe he got in a rush or just inexperienced but the landing gear went down and he unlocked/disconnected (he didn’t level-up or chock) and the rig just took off. Good thing for emergency-break-away-brake because that’s what kept it from going through a fence, off a 4ft drop and on to the beach.
Sorry I am not a 5er, yet, so I do not know the term of what he unlocked before the camper took off.
Many of us local campers came in to help, he was slightly shaken up. A fellow 5er brought his own truck in and moved the camper for this guy. Several of us asked/found his leveling blocks and chocks and got him all set up. His truck was still drivable with only major cosmetic damage to the bed, sidewall and tailgate.
I couldn’t get myself to take pictures; I felt bad for the guy and didn’t feel pictures were appropriate.
no one likes to learn the hard-way but it happens
John

[raspivey]

Glad I learned this lesson on a smaller trailer. The second or third time I had my popup out, I leveled it on blocks on a pretty flat piece of ground (no pad ) and proceded to unhook. I scared the mess out of me when it jumped back and then rolled two feet or so off the back of the blocks. Hasn't happened since.

[Barney1]

For the edification of us all what chocks do people recommend for these larger rigs (5ers and larger TTs).

This question is open to all not just the OP

[jevanb]

I just put the rubber ones in, my level blocks (wood have a built in chock ) if I use them, if not I also have a 6x6 that also slides in

[Campwell]

Pretty scary event - never seen it happen, hope I never do. I have seen the yellow plastic chocks (available at most places) actually explode out the back when forgotten and driven over. This made me search for better ones. I came across some solid rubber chocks that are sold by Harbor Freight for about $8 each. They are a bit larger than the yellow plastic ones, but more importantly, they are nearly impossible to forget and drive over. If you try to drive over one, it is like leaving the parking brake on and having the brake pedal to the floor - the engine revs, but you don't move. Since they are relatively inexpensive, indestructible, and very effective, I ended up buying a set of four for our new rig. They work great!

Chock first!

[rjshiflet]

When I'm unhooking I have a triangular shaped piece of wood (I believe it was an 8x8" block that I sawed to make the triangle) - mounted an old drawer handle on it for ease in carrying. I slide that in while unhooking, then once I get leveled (six-way auto-levelers) - then I use Fastway OneStep chocks. Not only are they great chocks, but it completely stops any rocking as we walk in the fiver.

[Weezer]

X chocks for us.

[fonzie]

This is the type that I use.

10 x 8 in. Heavy Duty Rubber Wheel Chock | Princess Auto

[BigTJohn]

Large yellow chocks from CW. The BIG one not the little $# ones that crush when you roll a little farther than you should (don't ask how I know). No damage other than DW (still) screaming at me. At least is was at the storage lot, not a CG. Chock before unhooking, remove chocks only after fully hooked up.

[Earth Station]

chocks chocks and more chocks!!! and do NOT rush!!

[rotorhead1250]

I've got the big yeller ones and some small rubber ones that I use if I'm on wood planks or leggo's for leveling. I jam the small ones in however I can and use the big ones on the non-leveled side. I want all 4 tires chocked, and to repeat again, do this before disconnecting

[tanddc]

Originally Posted by rotorhead1250

I've got the big yeller ones and some small rubber ones that I use if I'm on wood planks or leggo's for leveling. I jam the small ones in however I can and use the big ones on the non-leveled side. I want all 4 tires chocked, and to repeat again, do this before disconnecting

X2. I'm an over chocker too. Little ones on one side and big ones on the other. And yes, always before disconnecting almost had that lesson reinforced the hard way.(honey, should the trailer be moving backwards while you crank it up?)

[mini-me]

Our moto, to be repeated until it was ingrained in us.
Chocks in FIRST - when setting up
Chocks out LAST - when leaving.
We use the heavy black rubber ones as well.

[Dodge Guy]

When the ground/slope is questionable i leave my safety chains hooked up. I was at a site once where i was worried that if i disconnected and the trailer rolled over the chocks i was screwed along with anyone else in the trailers path! And this was our very first trip with our first used trailer.

Always becareful!

[Big Bad Allis]

Originally Posted by HERmit

X chocks for us.

I use the X Chock and the wedge chocks for extra security. The X Chocks mostly to eliminate any movement and keeps the trailer more stable.

[ryand]

I had 1st hand experience on what a trailer with only chocking one side can do on an un level site....no damage but a bit flustered. Both axles always chocked no matter how level and a natural test to ensure trailer wont move once it comes loose of the hitch. Also chains are first on, last off.

[ryand]

Originally Posted by Barney1

For the edification of us all what chocks do people recommend for these larger rigs (5ers and larger TTs).

This question is open to all not just the OP

I have the larger rubber ones mentioned in this thread...harbor freight at I think 7 each. They grip well on wood and lynx levelers and won't slide like the yellow plastic.

[Just Jammin 14]

Chocks and X-Chocks tire lock chocks before unhooking!

[Dodge Guy]

If your going to get plastic chocks get the reinforced ones, not the hollow ones. the hollow ones can be flattened very easily!!!!! ask me how I know this? and don`t put them on soft ground they can easily be pushed into the earth and do nothing!

[skipperW]

Another thing I don't think anyone has mentioned is that you can pull the break-away cable and engage your trailer brakes and then just re-insert it after you're set up and level. This would be in addition to chocks, of course.