Wheel Stops & Chocks

Why Wheel Stops & Chocks Matter for Trailers and RVs

When you disconnect a trailer, travel trailer, or fifth wheel from your tow vehicle, you're relying on more than gravity to keep it in place. Wheel chocks and wheel stops are the front line of safety between a parked trailer and an unexpected roll. Unlike motor homes, trailers do not have a built-in parking brake — meaning there's no mechanism to prevent front-to-rear rocking or unwanted movement once you're unhitched. A quality set of chocks eliminates that risk entirely, letting you set up camp, perform maintenance, or re-hitch with confidence.

Chocks work by wedging firmly against one or both sides of a tire — or between tandem tires — and applying opposing force that locks the wheels in place. Whether you're on a level concrete pad, a grassy campsite, or a sloped gravel lot, the right chock keeps your rig stable and stationary. They're also an essential safety tool during roadside tire changes or any situation where a vehicle must remain immobile on an incline.

Types of Wheel Chocks to Consider

• Single-tire wedge chocks: The most common style, placed in front of and behind individual tires. Ideal for tent trailers, small campers, and general-purpose use.
• Between-tire locking chocks: Designed for dual-axle trailers, these fit between tandem tires and use a screw or ratchet mechanism to apply outward pressure on both tires simultaneously — delivering superior stabilization against fore-and-aft movement.
• X-style chocks: A newer evolution of the between-tire design, featuring a slimmer profile that fits tighter axle applications while still applying opposing force to tandem tires.
• Rubber and resin wedge chocks: Simple, rugged, and stackable — great for everyday trailer use, boat trailers, stock trailers, and RV parking.

Key Considerations When Shopping

Match the chock to your tire size and axle configuration. Many chocks are rated for specific wheel diameters and require a minimum clearance between tires to install correctly. Look for materials that resist UV degradation and rust — especially important for gear that lives in a storage compartment for months at a time. Chocks with an attached rope or handle allow for safe removal without having to reach under the trailer.

Top Brands in Wheel Stops & Chocks

BAL – A Division of Norco Industries is a household name in the RV stabilization space. With over 60 years supplying the RV industry, BAL's patented X-Chock and Deluxe Tire Locking Chock lines are engineered specifically for tandem-axle trailers, using a ratchet-driven scissor mechanism to lock tires with precision. Their products carry U.S. patents and feature rust-inhibiting coatings for lasting durability.

Hopkins Towing Solutions offers heavy-duty resin wheel chocks built for real-world trailer and RV use. Their stackable, nestable designs make storage simple, and their chocks are made in the USA — a reliable, no-fuss option for a wide range of towing applications.

Camco is one of the most recognized names in RV accessories, and their wheel chock lineup reflects that reputation. Camco chocks are molded from hard plastic with built-in UV inhibitors, available in bright yellow for high visibility, and sized to fit wheels up to 26 inches in diameter. Many models include an attached rope for easy retrieval without bending under the trailer.

Phoenix USA rounds out the lineup with durable wheel stop and chock solutions trusted by trailering enthusiasts who demand reliable performance in demanding conditions.