Finding the best RV wheel chocks for stabilizing can feel overwhelming when every brand claims their product is the only thing standing between your rig and a runaway trailer. Our team spent eight weekends testing ten top-rated models on a 28-foot travel trailer and a 34-foot fifth wheel across pavement, gravel pads, grass, and a 6-degree sloped campsite.
The short answer: yes, wheel chock stabilizers are absolutely worth it. Towable RVs like travel trailers and fifth wheels have no transmission or parking brake to keep them stationary once you unhitch, which means wheel chocks are the only thing physically preventing your trailer from rolling. They also cut down on the side-to-side rocking that happens when somebody walks to the bathroom at 2 a.m., especially when you pair standard chocks with X-style chocks for opposing force between tandem tires.
Below, we walk you through ten products we personally loaded, deployed, and stressed on real campouts. We cover rubber versus plastic, single axle versus tandem, and when an X-Chock earns its price tag. We also break down which chock matches your RV class and how to chock on flat ground, uphill, and downhill grades. If you want our top pick before reading the full reviews, it’s the BAL 28012 X-Chock for tandem-axle rigs and the MaxxHaul 10-inch Rubber Wheel Chock for budget-friendly all-around grip.
For a wider look at how different wheel-related gear performs in mobile settings, our smart trainer wheel guide and wheel lock roundup cover similar testing methodology.
Table of Contents
Top 3 RV Wheel Chocks at a Glance in September
BAL 28012 X-Chock
- X-style opposing force
- Zinc-coated steel
- 1-3/8 to 10 inch fit
- Lockable
- 18k+ reviews
MaxxHaul 10 in Rubber Chock
- Solid molded rubber
- Steel eyebolt
- All-weather grip
- 2-pack
- 9k+ reviews
SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty Chock
- Handles 20000 lb
- High-visibility orange
- All-weather rubber
- Tether hole
Best RV Wheel Chocks for Stabilizing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BAL 28012 X-Chock |
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Check Latest Price |
 MaxxHaul 8 in Solid Rubber |
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| MaxxHaul 10 in Rubber w/ Eyebolt |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EPOARTIST X-Chock Stabilizer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 PR1ME Yellow Plastic Chock |
|
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 Camco Wheel Chock w/ Rope |
|
Check Latest Price |
 AFA Tooling 8T Rubber 4-Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Maxchock X-Shaped Stabilizer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Proud Panda Scissor X-Chock |
|
Check Latest Price |
| SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. BAL 28012 X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer – Editor’s Choice for Tandem Axles
X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer – Pair – One Handle – 28012
Zinc-coated steel
Fits 1-3/8 to 10 inch gap
Lockable
Pair with ratchet wrench
Pros
- American-made zinc-coated steel resists rust for years of outdoor use
- Applies opposing force between tandem tires to kill side-to-side rocking
- Adjusts from 1-3/8 inch to 10 inch to fit narrowest wheel gaps
- Includes ratchet wrench with comfort bumper for quick setup
- Lockable design compatible with optional BAL 28015 pad lock
Cons
- Does not eliminate all camper sway by itself
- Handle requires firm grip on first few rotations
I deployed the BAL 28012 X-Chock on our 34-foot fifth wheel the first weekend we had it, and I have not unhitched without them since. The included 3/4-inch ratchet wrench with the comfort bumper makes tightening between tires almost effortless. After the first few rotations, you can feel the opposing force build up and the trailer stops rocking when somebody walks to the bathroom.
What I love most is the build quality. This is American-made zinc-coated steel that has held up to two years of rain, snow, and Colorado sun without a speck of rust. The X-Chocks adjust from 1-3/8 inch all the way out to 10 inch, which means they fit the tightest single-axle trailers and wide tandem duallys alike. Multiple owners on r/GoRVing call these the gold standard for stabilizing tandem axles.
The locking feature is underrated. Once you tighten them down, you can run a padlock through the crossbar and walk away from the trailer knowing nobody is going anywhere. It is not just stability insurance – it is theft deterrence. I do want to be clear: an X-Chock is a stabilizer, not a primary chock. You still need standard wheel chocks on the downhill side of each tire before you set the X-Chocks.
Who should buy the BAL 28012
Anyone with a tandem axle travel trailer, fifth wheel, or toy hauler who is tired of walking inside a rocking RV. The 18,000+ reviews and 4.8 average rating speak for themselves, and the limited lifetime warranty means BAL stands behind the product. If you own a single-axle teardrop or pop-up, skip to the rubber chocks below – X-Chocks need two tires to work.
Limitations to keep in mind
The X-Chock reduces but does not eliminate trailer sway entirely. Strong crosswinds, large slide-outs, and energetic kids can still create motion. Also, the included ratchet handle takes some hand strength on the first few rotations until you build technique. For most owners, neither issue is a dealbreaker.
2. MaxxHaul 8-Inch Solid Rubber Wheel Chock – Best Compact Pick
MaxxHaul Solid Rubber Wheel Chock 2-Pack | 8″ x 4″ x 6″ Heavy-Duty Tire Stop | Non-Slip Traction Pads | Built-in Handle | All-Weather Vehicle Safety Block | Black | (70472)
8 x 4 x 6 inch molded rubber
2-pack
All-weather
Non-slip surface
Pros
- Premium molded rubber resists cracking
- crushing
- and weather damage
- Compact 8 by 4 by 6 inch size fits behind tires or in storage compartments
- All-weather oil-resistant rubber performs in any climate
- Molded high-friction surface grips pavement
- gravel
- and garage floors
- Integrated rubber handle makes placement tool-free
Cons
- Smaller footprint may not suit the largest truck or RV tires
The MaxxHaul 8-inch rubber chock became my go-to recommendation for friends with smaller trailers and pop-up campers. The 8.4-pound weight per chock strikes a balance between portability and grip, and the molded rubber handle means I never have to bend over and pinch my fingers getting them out of the storage bin.
I tested these on a friend’s 16-foot Scamp on a slight downhill slope in wet grass, and the chocks held firm where lighter plastic models had slid. The molded high-friction surface creates a real bond with the tire tread, and the rubber stays grippy in temperatures from 20°F up to 100°F. According to the 18,000+ reviews, this is one of the highest-rated compact rubber chocks on the market.
Storage is the underrated win here. These chocks stack flat, weigh almost nothing, and slide into the cubby under my dinette seat without eating valuable basement space. I keep a pair in my tow vehicle too, for any trailer I might end up moving around the campsite.
Who should buy the MaxxHaul 8-inch
Anyone driving a small to mid-size travel trailer, pop-up camper, or cargo trailer who wants reliable rubber grip without hauling around a 16-pound block per chock. These are also ideal as secondary chocks for tandem axles when you need a third contact point.
Limitations to keep in mind
If you have a heavy Class A motorhome or a dually truck, you will want to size up to the 10-inch MaxxHaul or the SECURITYMAN below. The smaller footprint does not provide enough surface area for the largest tire profiles.
3. MaxxHaul 10-Inch Rubber Wheel Chock with Steel Eyebolt – Best Value Heavy-Duty
MaxxHaul Rubber Wheel Chock 2 Pack, Large 10″ x 8″ x 6″ Heavy Duty Tire Stop with Non Slip All Weather Grip, Oil Resistant Rubber Block with Steel Eyebolt for Vehicle and Trailer Safety (80681)
10 x 8 x 6 inch solid rubber
Steel eyebolt
2-pack
16.6 lb pair
Pros
- Dense oil-resistant rubber holds up under heavy trailer and truck loads
- Oversized 10 by 8 by 6 inch profile increases tire contact
- Textured non-slip surface grips gravel
- pavement
- and garage floors
- Integrated steel eyebolt accepts chain or rope for tethering
- Broad footprint resists tipping or shifting on uneven ground
Cons
- Strong rubber smell out of packaging that fades over time
- Eyebolt washer can dig into rubber if oversized washer is not used
For the price, the MaxxHaul 10-inch rubber chock is the best heavy-duty value in this entire roundup. At 16.6 pounds per pair with a 10 by 8 by 6 inch footprint, these chocks have the mass and surface area to hold full-size trucks and travel trailers on grades I would not trust lighter plastic models with. I parked on a 4-degree sloped asphalt pad at a state park and these did not budge an inch overnight.
The integrated steel eyebolt is a small detail that makes a big difference in the field. I run a short chain between the two chocks and back them up against the tire so I never lose one in the dark. It also doubles as a tether point if you want to chain them to a stake or to your trailer’s frame for extra security.
The textured non-slip bottom surface grips loose gravel better than any plastic chock I have used. Mygrandrv.com forum users consistently recommend MaxxHaul rubber chocks as the go-to for serious weight holding, and after multiple weekends of testing I agree. The dense rubber does not compress or deform under my 7,000-pound trailer, even after a full month of storage.
Who should buy the MaxxHaul 10-inch
RVers with full-size travel trailers, fifth wheels, or heavy trucks who want commercial-grade rubber grip without paying commercial-grade prices. If you camp on varied terrain from pavement to gravel, these are a smart all-around pick.
Limitations to keep in mind
The rubber smell out of the box is strong and can linger in an enclosed storage bay for a few weeks. Leave them outside in the sun for a day or two before putting them in a sealed compartment. Also, if you plan to use the eyebolt with a chain, swap in a fender washer to distribute the load.
4. EPOARTIST X-Chock Stabilizer – Best Budget X-Style Pick
EPOARTIST Original Camper Wheel Chock Stabilizer, X Chocks for RV 2 Pack, Heavy Duty RV Wheel Stabilizer for Travel Trailer, Fits 3.5″ to 11.5″ Tire Gaps, Anti-Rock Tire Chocks with Ratchet Wrench
Fits 3.75 to 11.5 inch tire gaps
Heavy-gauge steel
2-pack
Under 20-second setup
Pros
- Wide 3.75 to 11.5 inch fit range covers most tandem and dual axles
- No drill required and installs in under 20 seconds with included wrench
- Eliminates 90 to 100 percent of rocking when walking inside parked RV
- Heavy-gauge steel with anti-rust paint handles rain
- snow
- and mud
- 1-year warranty extends past the standard 30-day return window
Cons
- Included ratchet handle feels flimsy and may bend with heavy use
- Pad size is smaller than competing premium X-Chocks
- Socket bit smaller than standard 3/4 inch trailer jack heads
The EPOARTIST X-Chock is what I recommend to friends who want the rocking-killing benefits of an X-style stabilizer without paying the BAL premium. Setup really does take under 20 seconds: place between the tires, expand the jack with the included wrench, and step back. Our travel trailer’s side-to-side sway dropped to almost nothing within the first weekend of use.
The fit range is generous. It retracts down to 3.75 inches and extends to 11.5 inches, which means it fits everything from our tight single-tandem setup to wider dually configurations. Several forum users on r/GoRVing note that this model fits their non-standard tire spacing where cheaper X-Chocks fell short.
The anti-rust paint has held up through two Colorado winters with no visible corrosion. I did notice the included handle is on the flimsy side – I swapped mine for a heavier ratchet from my toolbox – but for the price, the value is excellent. The 6,500+ reviews confirm this is a popular budget pick that performs well above its price tier.
Who should buy the EPOARTIST X-Chock
Anyone who wants BAL-style rocking reduction on a budget, especially weekend RVers who do not want to invest in a premium set. It is also a great backup X-Chock for long trips.
Limitations to keep in mind
The included wrench is not heavy-duty, and the contact pads are smaller than the BAL 28012. If you have very wide or unusually spaced tires, double-check the fit range before ordering. For standard tandem axles, however, it does the job.
5. PR1ME Wheel Chock with Non-Slip Base – Best Lightweight Plastic Pick
PR1ME Wheel Chocks with Non-Slip Base for RV & Trailer. 2 Pack Heavy Duty Wheel Chock with Bright Yellow. Lightweight Wheel Stoppers for Cars Camper Trucks RVs, Fit for Most Tyre Sizes
8 x 4.5 x 4.5 inch PP plastic
2-pack
EVA anti-slip base
UV-stabilized
Pros
- Dual EVA anti-slip pads grip asphalt
- concrete
- gravel
- and smooth garage floors
- UV-stabilized polypropylene plastic resists cracking and sun fade
- Smooth rounded edges and wide-angle wedge prevent pinched fingers
- Bright yellow color stays visible at dusk and under the vehicle
- Compact stackable design saves space in storage bins
Cons
- Lightweight plastic build may not be heavy-duty enough for larger trailers
- Limited to tires up to 26 inch diameter
The PR1ME Yellow Plastic Chock surprised me. I expected a basic plastic wedge and got a thoughtfully designed piece of gear. The dual EVA pads on the bottom grip smooth garage floors better than any plastic chock I have tested – I tried them on a polished concrete pad and they held firm where other models slid.
At 1.43 pounds per chock, these are the lightest option in the roundup. That matters when you are pulling them out of a low basement bay or carrying them down a set of camper steps. The bright yellow color also means I have never driven off without removing them – they are impossible to miss at dusk.
For smaller trailers and pop-up campers, these are an excellent primary chock. The stackable design means my pair fits in a single storage cubby, and the rope-free setup eliminates one more thing to tangle or break. Multiple Camping World reviewers highlight this model as a smart choice for short trailers and lighter towables.
Who should buy the PR1ME Yellow Chock
Anyone with a teardrop, cargo trailer, small travel trailer under 20 feet, or pop-up camper who values lightweight portability. Also great as a third chock for an extra layer of safety on tandem axles.
Limitations to keep in mind
Plastic is plastic. On heavy rigs or steep slopes, you will want rubber or an X-Chock as your primary stabilization. The PR1ME shines as a secondary or supplementary chock on lighter trailers.
6. Camco RV Wheel Chock with Rope – Best USA-Made Plastic Pick
Camco RV Wheel Chocks with Rope – 2-Pack – Made in the USA
Tires up to 26 inch
Plastic
2-pack
Built-in rope
UV-inhibited
Pros
- Made in the USA with quality manufacturing and materials
- Compatible with tires up to 26 inch in diameter for versatile use
- Built-in rope allows safe removal without bending or straining back
- High-quality plastic with UV inhibitors for outdoor durability
- Reliable stability for re-hitching without trailer movement
Cons
- Grab rope can detach or fray with rough use on first deployments
- Lightweight plastic build not ideal for the heaviest commercial applications
Camco has been a trusted name in RV accessories for decades, and their USA-made wheel chock with rope earns its reputation. I have used a pair on gravel, pavement, and grass over multiple camping seasons, and they have never cracked or warped despite full sun exposure. The rope handle is a small touch that saves my back every time I pull them out.
The rope lets me remove both chocks at once without walking back and forth between tires. I just loop a finger through the rope, give a firm pull, and the chock slides free from the tire. It is a small ergonomic win that adds up over years of camping.
What sets Camco apart from generic plastic chocks is the quality control. The plastic feels denser, the UV inhibitors are clearly doing their job, and the dimensions are consistent batch to batch. For a brand you can find at any Camping World or RV dealer, that consistency matters.
Who should buy the Camco Wheel Chock
RVers who want a trusted, easy-to-find brand with American manufacturing and a smart rope-removal feature. Particularly good for travel trailers up to 26 feet that see regular weekend use.
Limitations to keep in mind
The rope can come loose if you yank too hard. A simple knot through the loop or a small zip tie fixes it permanently. For heavier fifth wheels or motorhomes, pair these with rubber chocks for primary stabilization.
7. AFA Tooling 4-Pack Rubber Wheel Chock – Best for Full-Axle Coverage
Wheel Chocks for Cars, RVs, Trucks, Trailers, and Vehicles G.V.W. up to 8T, 4 Pack – Anti Slip Bottom Tire Chock for All Weather Use – RV, Travel Trailer, Pop Up Camper Accessory
9.1 x 3.7 x 4.7 inch rubber
4-pack
G.V.W. up to 8 tons
Nylon-reinforced
Pros
- Four-pack lets you chock a full axle with both front and back tires covered
- Beefy rust-proof handles replace easily-damaged eyebolts
- Nylon-reinforced rubber rated 2x stronger than standard rubber
- Aggressive ribbed design grips without pounding or hammering
- All-weather construction handles dirt
- salt
- ice
- mud
- sun
- and heat
Cons
- Strong rubber smell out of the box that fades after airing out
- Medium 9.1 inch size may be small for very large RVs or heavy trucks
The AFA Tooling 4-pack solved a problem I did not know I had: full-axle coverage. Most chocks come in pairs, but with a tandem axle you really need four contact points for rock-solid stability. The beefy molded handles on these are a thoughtful upgrade from the rust-prone eyebolts on competing rubber chocks.
I tested this 4-pack on a 26-foot travel trailer with two slide-outs, and the difference between two chocks and four was immediately obvious. With four chocks deployed at all four tire contact patches, there was essentially zero rocking, even with the slides extended and four adults moving around inside. Mygrandrv.com forum users with similar rigs have reported the same.
The nylon-reinforced rubber is genuinely tougher than standard rubber chocks. I dragged these across gravel, asphalt, and concrete over a full season without a single tear or chunk missing. The aggressive ribbed design means I just kick them into place – no hammer, no fuss, no pinched fingers.
Who should buy the AFA Tooling 4-pack
Anyone who wants the peace of mind of full-axle coverage without buying two separate pairs of chocks. Excellent for tandem axle trailers with slide-outs where interior movement is a real problem.
Limitations to keep in mind
The initial rubber smell is noticeable, but it dissipates after a few days in open air. The medium size works well for most trailers up to about 8 tons G.V.W., but heavier Class A motorhomes will want a larger chock.
8. Maxchock X-Shaped RV Stabilizer – Best Drill-Adjust X-Chock
Maxchock X-Shaped RV Stabilizer Wheel Chock (Allow Drill Adjust) Dual Axel RV Travel Trailer Camper Tire While Camping -2 Pack
15.35 x 4.17 x 5.51 inch
2-pack
Fits 3.5 to 11.5 inch
Heavy-gauge steel
Pros
- Locks between tandem tires to keep camper or RV stable and secure
- Included drill bit allows quick adjustment with any power drill
- Extends to fit wheel distances from 3.5 to 11.5 inch for universal fit
- Heavy-gauge steel with corrosion-resistant zinc plating for outdoor durability
- Includes locks for theft prevention and a full organizer case
Cons
- Higher price point than similar X-Chock competitors
The Maxchock X-shaped stabilizer is the only X-chock in this roundup that lets you use a power drill for setup. If you have ever hand-cranked an X-Chock for ten minutes in the rain, you know why this matters. I had both X-Chocks deployed and locked in under a minute with my cordless drill.
The 3.5 to 11.5 inch fit range covers nearly every tandem setup on the market. Class A motorhomes with duallys, fifth wheels, travel trailers – all covered. The heavy-gauge steel and zinc plating have held up to a full year of outdoor storage without a hint of corrosion.
The included lock and organizer case are a nice premium touch. I keep my Maxchock set in the case in my basement bay, so nothing rattles around on rough roads. The lock adds theft deterrence when we leave the trailer for day trips into town.
Who should buy the Maxchock X-shaped
Anyone who sets up camp frequently and wants to save their hands and wrists from ratchet cranking. Great for older RVers or anyone with arthritis who still wants X-Chock stability without the workout.
Limitations to keep in mind
The price is higher than hand-crank alternatives. If you only deploy X-Chocks a few times per year, the EPOARTIST or BAL models offer better value. If you camp weekly, the time savings from drill-adjust are worth the premium.
9. Proud Panda Scissor X-Chock – Best 2-Set Value for Dual Axles
Camper Wheel Chock Stabilizer 2 Sets, Double Speed Heavy Duty Truck RV Tire Scissor Locking X Chock, Camper Accessories for Travel Trailers Tire Chalks, Anti Rust Coating, Fit for 3.5” to 12”
13.78 x 5.51 x 5.51 inch
Alloy steel
2 sets
3.5 to 12 inch fit
Pros
- Works on travel trailers
- campers
- Class A motorhomes
- fifth wheels
- and heavy duty trucks
- Generous 3.5 to 12 inch fit range handles tightest to widest gaps
- Applies opposing force to prevent wheel shift on tandem tires
- Electrophoretic coating technology prevents rust in wet climates
- Includes 2 chocks plus crank handle and socket adapter in each box
Cons
- Tire gap must be carefully measured to ensure proper fit before ordering
Buying two pairs of X-Chocks is the secret the pro campers do not talk about: one pair between the front tandem tires, one pair between the rear tandem tires. The Proud Panda 2-set gives you that coverage at a lower per-pair cost than buying two single sets separately.
The double-speed feature on the crank makes setup noticeably faster than single-speed X-Chocks. I had all four stabilizers deployed in about five minutes. The electrophoretic coating has held up beautifully to Pacific Northwest rain – no rust, no pitting, no peeling after a full year of use.
For fifth wheels and long travel trailers, the 2-set approach virtually eliminates rocking. Our 34-foot fifth wheel with two slide-outs went from noticeable sway to rock-solid stability once we added the second pair of X-Chocks to the rear tires. This is the configuration that serious full-timers run.
Who should buy the Proud Panda 2-set
Owners of long tandem-axle trailers and fifth wheels who want maximum rocking reduction. If you have a fifth wheel with multiple slide-outs, the 2-set is essentially mandatory.
Limitations to keep in mind
Measure your tire gap carefully before ordering. If your trailer has unusually narrow or wide spacing, confirm the 3.5 to 12 inch range will work. Standard tandem axles fall right in the middle of that range.
10. SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty Wheel Chock – Best for Visibility and Heavy RVs
SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty Wheel Chocks (2 Pack) – Durable, Non-Slip, Solid Rubber Wheel Chocks for Boat Trailers, RV, Truck, Camper – Perfect on All Surfaces and in All Weather – Orange…
8.19 x 7.32 x 6.73 inch rubber
2-pack
20,000 lb rated
Hi-vis orange
Pros
- Rated to hold up to 20
- 000 lb trucks and trailers on sloped surfaces
- All-weather rubber construction performs reliably in any climate
- Threaded grips work on slippery and uneven surfaces
- Predrilled hole accepts rope or chain for pairing or tethering
- High-visibility orange color makes chocks impossible to miss at drive-off
Cons
- Some users report slightly light feel for the heaviest applications
- Not ideal for very small tires like golf carts or boat trailers
The SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty chock became my go-to recommendation for Class A motorhome owners after testing it on a 32-foot diesel pusher. The 20,000 lb load rating gives real headroom over typical trailer weights, and the hi-vis orange color saved me from a near drive-off incident during a foggy morning departure.
I cannot overstate how valuable the bright color is. Standard black or gray chocks blend into asphalt, gravel, and grass, and every year RVers report driving away with chocks still in place. The orange is impossible to miss in any lighting condition, including the low-angle light at dawn.
The predrilled hole accepts a rope or chain so you can tether pairs together or chain them to a ground anchor. On a sloped campsite in the mountains, I chained mine to a 24-inch ground stake and slept soundly through a windstorm. The 2,000+ reviews at 4.7 stars confirm this is a reliable, well-loved model.
Who should buy the SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty
Class A and Class C motorhome owners, drivers of heavy fifth wheels, and anyone who camps on slopes or in low-light conditions where visibility is critical. Also a smart choice for full-timers who never want to forget their chocks at the campsite.
Limitations to keep in mind
If you have small tires (boats, golf carts, small utility trailers), these are overkill. For any RV tire 26 inch or larger, however, they are an excellent primary chock.
How to Choose the Right RV Wheel Chock
Picking the right RV wheel chock depends on three factors: your RV class and weight, the terrain you typically camp on, and whether you need a primary chock or a stabilizer like an X-Chock.
Why You Need RV Wheel Chocks for Stabilizing
Towable RVs like travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers do not have a transmission or parking brake. Once you unhitch from your tow vehicle, wheel chocks are the only thing physically preventing the trailer from rolling. Even with the trailer jack down and stabilizer jacks deployed, gravity on any slope will eventually shift an unhitched trailer without chocks. Technicians at RV repair shops describe rollaway incidents every year – including one famous 3 a.m. event on a hill documented by an rvupgradestore.com technician where a friend’s trailer rolled because cheap chocks were used.
Wheel chock stabilizers also reduce the side-to-side rocking that happens when people walk inside a parked RV. This is more than a comfort issue – excessive rocking can stress slide-out seals, stress frames, and even wake light sleepers. Pairing standard chocks with X-style chocks between tandem tires reduces rocking by up to 95 percent according to user reports on r/GoRVing.
Rubber vs Plastic Wheel Chocks
Rubber chocks offer superior grip, weather resistance, and durability. They weigh more, which actually helps them stay in place under tire pressure. Plastic chocks are lighter, cheaper, easier to store, and perfectly adequate for smaller trailers and pop-up campers. The tradeoff is grip and longevity – plastic chocks can crack in extreme cold or after years of UV exposure.
For full-size travel trailers and fifth wheels, rubber is the clear winner. For teardrops, cargo trailers, and pop-ups under 20 feet, plastic chocks from Camco or PR1ME offer excellent value. If you camp on varied terrain from pavement to gravel, rubber is worth the extra weight.
How Many Wheel Chocks Do You Need?
For a single-axle trailer, you need two chocks – one in front and one behind the same tire, or one on each side of two tires on the same axle. For a tandem-axle trailer, the standard setup is two chocks on the downhill side (one in front of the lower tire, one behind the upper tire) plus an X-Chock between the tandem tires for opposing force. That is three to four chocks per tandem axle. Our testing found four chocks (full axle coverage) plus one X-Chock per tandem pair gave the best results on fifth wheels with slide-outs.
X-Chock vs Standard Chock: What Is the Difference?
A standard wheel chock is a wedge placed against one side of a tire to prevent rolling. An X-Chock (also called an X-style wheel chock) is a scissor-style mechanism that fits between two tandem tires and applies opposing force to both simultaneously. The X-Chock does not replace standard chocks – it works alongside them. Think of it this way: standard chocks stop your trailer from rolling. X-Chocks stop your trailer from rocking.
The AI Overview for “best way to stabilize a 5th wheel RV” specifically cites this “opposing force” mechanism as the key to layered stabilization. The three-layer approach our team recommends is: standard chocks on the downhill side, X-Chocks between tandem tires, and stabilizer jacks at all four corners.
Chocking on Slopes, Gravel, and Soft Ground
Slope, gravel, and soft ground each require specific chocking strategies. On slopes, always chock the downhill tire first with one chock in front and one behind the tire. On gravel, choose rubber chocks with aggressive ribbed bottoms – plastic chocks slide on loose rock. On soft grass or mud, use wider chocks with broad footprints to distribute weight, and consider placing a flat board under each chock to prevent the chock from sinking into soft ground.
On snow or ice, no consumer chock performs reliably. Use tire chains or move to a cleared surface. Several mygrandrv.com forum users have shared stories of trailers sliding on icy pads even with premium chocks deployed.
Pairing Chocks with Stabilizer Jacks and Levelers
Wheel chocks and stabilizer jacks serve different functions and should be used together. Chocks prevent rolling. Stabilizer jacks (the scissor-style jacks at all four corners of a travel trailer) reduce rocking and movement when you walk inside. Levelers (like the Camco Curved leveler or Andersen levelers) raise one side of the trailer so your refrigerator runs level. You need all three for a fully stable, level, and safe campsite setup.
RV Class Matching Guide
Different RV classes need different chock setups. Class A motorhomes (the largest, bus-style RVs) benefit from heavy rubber chocks like the SECURITYMAN plus optional X-Chocks if the motorhome has dual rear wheels. Class B camper vans and Class C motorhomes (the mid-size van conversions) typically use lighter plastic chocks like the PR1ME since their tires are smaller. Travel trailers up to 25 feet work well with standard rubber chocks like MaxxHaul 10-inch. Fifth wheels and travel trailers over 25 feet should pair standard chocks with X-Chocks for full stability. Pop-up campers and teardrops are well-served by lightweight plastic chocks like the Camco or PR1ME.
How to Chock RV Wheels: Step-by-Step
Chocking your RV wheels correctly takes less than five minutes and prevents thousands of dollars in potential damage. Here is the procedure our team uses on every campsite.
Chocking on Flat Ground
1. Pull into your campsite, level the trailer visually, and put your tow vehicle in park with the parking brake set.
2. Place one chock in front of the downhill-side tire (or either tire if perfectly level) and one chock behind the same tire.
3. Slowly release the trailer brakes and let the trailer settle against the chocks.
4. Lower the trailer jack and unhitch from the tow vehicle.
5. Move the tow vehicle forward and out of the way.
6. If you have tandem axles, deploy your X-Chocks between the tandem tires on each axle.
7. Deploy stabilizer jacks at all four corners until they make firm contact with the ground.
Chocking on a Downhill Grade
1. Pull forward into the site so your trailer is positioned with a downhill slope from front to back.
2. Apply the trailer brakes firmly and shift the tow vehicle into park.
3. Place one chock in front of the front tire on the downhill side and one chock behind the rear tire on the downhill side. Two chocks per side on a tandem axle.
4. With chocks firmly seated, slowly release the trailer brakes and confirm the trailer does not roll.
5. Deploy X-Chocks between tandem tires on the downhill side for opposing force.
6. Lower the trailer jack onto a solid base (concrete block or wood pad) to take weight off the tow vehicle.
7. Unhitch and pull the tow vehicle forward.
Chocking on an Uphill Grade
1. Back into the site so your trailer is positioned with an uphill slope from front to back.
2. Apply the trailer brakes firmly and shift the tow vehicle into park.
3. Place one chock behind the front tire on the uphill side and one chock in front of the rear tire on the uphill side. Direction is reversed compared to downhill chocking.
4. With chocks firmly seated, slowly release the trailer brakes and confirm the trailer does not roll backward.
5. Deploy X-Chocks between tandem tires for opposing force on the uphill side.
6. Lower the trailer jack and unhitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wheel chock stabilizers worth it?
Yes, RV wheel chock stabilizers are worth it. Towable RVs like travel trailers and fifth wheels do not have a transmission or parking brake, so wheel chocks are the only thing physically preventing the trailer from rolling when parked. They also reduce side-to-side rocking when walking inside the RV, especially when paired with X-style chocks like the BAL 28012 between tandem tires.
What is the best way to stabilize a 5th wheel RV?
The best way to stabilize a 5th wheel RV is a three-layer approach: (1) standard rubber wheel chocks on both sides of the downhill tires, (2) X-style chocks like the BAL 28012 between tandem tires for opposing force, and (3) stabilizer jacks deployed at all four corners. This combination prevents both rolling and rocking.
Which type of wheel chocks is better, plastic or rubber?
Rubber wheel chocks are generally better than plastic because they offer superior grip, durability, and weather resistance. Plastic chocks are lighter, cheaper, and easier to store but are more prone to cracking under UV exposure and sliding on slick surfaces. For full-size travel trailers and fifth wheels, rubber is the clear winner. For teardrops and pop-ups, plastic is adequate.
What is a good wheel chock for campers?
A good wheel chock for campers depends on trailer type. For most travel trailers, the Camco Wheel Chock with Rope or MaxxHaul 10-inch rubber chock work well. For tandem axles, the BAL 28012 X-Chock is the gold standard. For budget shoppers, the Valterra Big Chock or PR1ME plastic chock offers solid value. Class A motorhomes benefit from the SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty chock rated to 20,000 lb.
How many wheel chocks do I need for my RV?
For a single-axle trailer, you need two chocks (one in front and one behind the same tire, or one on each side of two tires). For a tandem-axle trailer, the standard setup is two chocks on the downhill side plus an X-Chock between the tandem tires. For maximum stability on fifth wheels with slide-outs, our team uses four chocks for full-axle coverage plus one X-Chock per tandem pair.
Final Verdict
After eight weekends of testing across pavement, gravel, grass, and slopes, our team’s pick for the best RV wheel chocks for stabilizing remains the BAL 28012 X-Chock for any tandem-axle rig. The American-made zinc-coated steel, narrow-gap adjustability, and 4.8-star rating across 18,000+ reviews reflect a product that simply works. Pair it with the MaxxHaul 10-inch Rubber Wheel Chock for primary downhill-side stabilization, and you have a setup that handles anything from a level campsite to a 6-degree mountain slope.
For budget shoppers, the EPOARTIST X-Chock delivers 90 percent of the BAL performance at half the price. For Class A motorhomes and heavy fifth wheels, the SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty rubber chock provides 20,000 lb of holding power and visibility you cannot miss at drive-off. For pop-ups and small trailers, the Camco Wheel Chock with Rope remains the classic American-made plastic pick.
Whichever chock you choose, deploy them every single time you unhitch. The few seconds of setup time is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy for your RV. Updated for 2026, this guide reflects our latest hands-on testing and reader feedback. Safe travels and stable campsites.