Wheel Stops & Chocks
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Why Wheel Stops & Chocks Are Essential for Every RV and Trailer Owner
When you pull into a campsite, level up, and step out of your tow vehicle, the last thing you want is your trailer rolling even an inch. Wheel stops and chocks are the first line of defense against unwanted trailer movement — and they matter far more than many new RV owners realize. Whether you're parked on a gentle slope, a sandy beach, or a rocky mountainside, a quality chock keeps your rig planted exactly where you left it.
These small but heavy-duty devices work by wedging against your tires to resist forward and backward rolling while the trailer is parked or being re-hitched. They're particularly critical when unhooking from a tow vehicle, using a lifting device, or performing any maintenance that requires a stationary trailer. Using a chock during these moments is simply a non-negotiable safety practice.
Types of Wheel Chocks & Stops to Know
There are several styles to choose from, and selecting the right one depends on your trailer's tire size and axle configuration:
- Wedge/block chocks — The most common type, placed against the front or rear of a single tire to prevent rolling. Simple, lightweight, and easy to store.
- Between-the-wheel (X-chock) style — Inserted between the dual tires of a tandem axle and expanded outward to lock both tires simultaneously. These provide exceptional side-to-side stability in addition to preventing rolling.
- Wheel stop/tandem chocks — A one-piece design that fits between both tandem tires at once, preventing both forward-backward movement and side-to-side sway with minimal setup.
Key Things to Consider When Shopping
Before choosing a chock, measure your tire diameter and, for tandem-axle setups, the gap between your tires from tread to tread at their closest point. Tire spacing tolerances vary significantly between products, so getting the right size ensures a secure, snug fit. Also consider the construction material: durable resin and polymer options are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while steel X-chock designs offer maximum rigidity and torque when tightened with a wrench. Features like rope handles, raised traction ribs, and stackable profiles all add day-to-day convenience.
Top Wheel Stop & Chock Brands
BAL – A Division of Norco Industries is one of the most respected names in the RV chocking world, known particularly for their robust metal X-chock stabilizers that allow users to apply serious clamping pressure between tandem tires using an included ratcheting wrench — a feature RV enthusiasts frequently cite for providing a rock-solid, rattle-free fit.
Hopkins Towing Solutions brings its deep towing-industry expertise to the wheel chock category with their RhinoGear line, offering heavy-duty resin chocks built with a stackable, nestable design for effortless storage — and notably manufactured in the USA.
Phoenix USA rounds out the category with reliable, purpose-built chocking solutions designed for the demands of trailer and RV use.
Camco is a go-to brand for RV accessories across the board, and their wheel stop lineup is no exception. Their one-piece tandem wheel stops fit snugly between dual tires to prevent shifting in any direction, and their rope-handle chock packs make placement and retrieval straightforward — even in tight spaces.