When you arrive at your campground and are snaking through the winding roads with your RV to find your particular campsite, there are probably a lot of to-do items swirling through your head. You need to properly back your rig into your spot. You need to make sure trees aren’t in the way of opening your awning(s) and slide out(s). You want your RV to be level. And you need to make sure that your RV will stay put even if your site isn’t flat. This is where wheel chocks come into the equation. You should always secure your RV with wheel chocks, even if you think that your RV will be just fine on flat terrain. And having the right wheel chocks is important. For help with choosing wheel chocks for your RV, read on!
What to Consider When Choosing Wheel Chocks
The weight of your RV and the size of its wheels matter when choosing wheel chocks. The heavier your RV and the bigger the wheels, the larger the wheel chocks you will need to securely hold your RV in place.
Wheel Chocks
Camco makes wheel chocks that fit different-sized wheels. For wheels up to 26” wheels in diameter, try these Camco 44414 Wheel Chocks. For wheels up to 29” in diameter, consider these Camco 44492 Super Wheel Chocks for a good fit. Both are available with a rope add-on that makes it safer and easier to remove the chock from underneath the wheel. Camco wheel chocks are made of hard, durable plastic that contains UV inhibitors so they will last year after year. At less than $10/pair, they’re a bargain and won’t be a huge loss if you accidentally drive away from your campsite without them (that’s been known to happen!). In fact, it’s not a bad idea to invest in a few pairs of these lightweight, inexpensive wheel chocks so you have multiple sets on hand in case you find yourself wondering where you left yours.
Wheel Stabilizers/Stops
For a different type of wheel stabilization, try using these X-Chock Wheel Stabilizers. These fit between tandem tires and work by applying an opposing force that keeps the tires in place. These are adjustable to accommodate different widths between tires. They retract down to 1 3/8” and expand up to 10” so you get the tightest and most secure fit possible. Many of the other brands we’ve seen don’t fit most tires properly and are useless. This popular product is expensive at around $70/pair, but they are made of metal and have a rust inhibitive coating to last a long time. Camco also makes a set of these Wheel Stops for both small and large tire spacings. These wheel stops are made of lightweight plastic and are easy to travel with. They feature a steel rod down the middle of them that you twist by hand to adjust the width of the wheel stops. At $14/pair for the small ones and $20/pair for the large ones, they’re more affordable than the metal ones. Both of these products have received good reviews that are worth reading. There are many other brands available as well, so do your research before buying to ensure you’re purchasing ones that will work well with the size and type of RV you’re traveling with.
When parking your RV, always look for firm, stable ground for the best parking conditions. Don’t park your RV on soft terrain, such as grass, or you might find that your RV isn’t staying where you want it to. A firm, solid surface, such as concrete, will help hold your wheel chock in place and your RV should stay securely nestled on top of it. Once your RV is all set up, you can get to the fun parts of camping, such as making delicious Campfire Bacon or discovering amazing places, such as these amazing waterfront RV parks!
Leveling your RV is also an important set-up step when you arrive at your campsite. Click here for advice on leveling your RV easily before putting your wheel chocks in place.
What advice do you have for stabilizing an RV when parking? Share your tips and tricks with us in our comments!
