Best Tire Chocks For Boat Trailers: Safe And Secure

Boat trailer wheel chocks are an essential safety feature for any boat owner. They are designed to secure stationary boating trailers, preventing unintentional movement and accidents when a trailer is unhitched. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which wheel chocks are best for your boat trailer. This guide will outline key considerations and recommend some of the best boat trailer wheel chocks on the market.

Rubber vs. Urethane

When it comes to choosing the best tire chocks for your boat trailer, you'll be faced with two main options: rubber or urethane. Both materials have their advantages and are suitable for different environments and conditions.

Rubber wheel chocks are commonly used in the commercial transportation industry. They are durable and lightweight, often featuring eye bolts or handles moulded directly into them for easy carrying and secure storage. However, rubber chocks are more suitable for enclosed areas like warehouses or garages, as they are not highly resistant to outdoor elements. Rubber chocks are ideal for keeping your boat trailer in place during loading and unloading, and their compact design makes them easy to store and transport. They also have a ribbed pyramid design, offering a reliable grip that won't damage your tires.

On the other hand, urethane wheel chocks are highly resistant to weather, oils, fuels, lubricants, and general abrasions. They retain their strength and elasticity even with frequent use and are less likely to rot, crack, or chip over time. Urethane chocks are bright and highly visible, making them harder to misplace. They are also lightweight, making them easier to carry and move. Urethane chocks are ideal if you plan to use them outdoors and in various weather conditions.

Both rubber and urethane chocks come in different styles, such as the pyramid and wedge shapes, which can be used on either side of the tire. When choosing the right chock, it's important to consider the size of your tires and the terrain's grade and condition. For standard truck and trailer wheels, choose a chock that's about 1/4 the height of your tire.

Wheel chocks with eye bolts

When it comes to choosing the best wheel chocks for your boat trailer, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, let's understand the purpose of wheel chocks. These devices are designed to keep your boat trailer securely in place, preventing it from rolling backward or forward when parked on an incline or flat surface. With that in mind, let's explore the features of wheel chocks with eye bolts:

Materials:

Wheel chocks are commonly made of rubber or urethane. Rubber chocks, such as the HOXWELL 2-pack heavy-duty rubber wheel chocks, are durable, lightweight, and ideal for indoor use. They feature a triangular design that stabilizes tires effectively. Urethane chocks, on the other hand, are more impact-resistant and suitable for outdoor use due to their ability to withstand weather elements and abrasions. Urethane chocks, like the 10" urethane double-sided wheel chock, are also lightweight and easy to handle.

Styles:

The two most popular styles of wheel chocks are pyramid and wedge. Pyramid chocks have a versatile design that allows them to be used on either side of the tire. They have a flat back and a curved profile that cradles the tire securely. Wedge chocks, like the 8" rubber wedge-style wheel chock, are also effective and offer a simple, traditional design. Both styles work well in most situations, so the choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

Size:

When selecting a wheel chock, it's important to consider the size of your tires. For standard boat trailer tires, choose a chock that is approximately 1/4" of the tire's height. For example, if your trailer tire has a height of 34", opt for a chock that is at least 8.5" tall. Additionally, ensure that the width of the chock is greater than the diameter of your tire.

Usage:

To properly use wheel chocks with eye bolts, follow these guidelines:

• For parking on a flat surface, place chocks on both sides of the driver's side tire.
• For extra safety or heavily loaded axles, use four chocks on two axles.
• When parking on an incline, position two chocks against the grade of one axle to prevent rolling.

Remember to consider the terrain and condition of the surface where you'll be parking your boat trailer. In soft or wet conditions, it's advisable to use two chocks for added security.

Pyramid vs. wedge-style wheel chocks

When it comes to choosing the right wheel chocks for your boat trailer, you may come across two popular styles: pyramid and wedge. Both types of wheel chocks are effective in most situations, and the decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Pyramid Wheel Chocks

Pyramid wheel chocks feature a serrated or ribbed surface texture, resembling small pyramids with "steps" running up the sides. This design allows for increased traction and can be used on either side of the wheel, making it the most versatile style. Pyramid wheel chocks are typically made of rubber or urethane and are lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. They are ideal for indoor use as they are not very resistant to outdoor elements.

Wedge-Style Wheel Chocks

Wedge-style wheel chocks, also known as curved-style chocks, have a curved surface that contours to fit the tire. This style can cradle the tire more effectively than pyramid chocks. Wedge chocks are available in rubber or urethane, with rubber being the more common choice due to its durability and affordability. Like pyramid chocks, wedge-style chocks are also lightweight and easy to carry, featuring handles or eye bolts for convenience.

When selecting the appropriate size for your boat trailer, it is recommended to choose a wheel chock that is approximately 1/4 of the height of the tire. For example, if your tire height is 34", you will need a chock that is at least 8.5" high. Additionally, ensure that the chock is wider than the tire's diameter to ensure a secure hold.

Trailer wheel chocks for slippery surfaces

When choosing wheel chocks for your boat trailer, it's important to consider the surface and terrain where the trailer will be parked. Soft, slippery, or wet terrain can affect the performance of wheel chocks and increase the risk of trailer movement.

Rubber Wheel Chocks

Rubber wheel chocks are a durable and lightweight option. They often feature eye bolts or handles that provide a tether point for easy carrying and storage. While rubber chocks are generally more suitable for indoor use, they can still provide adequate traction on slippery surfaces. Look for chocks with a ribbed pyramid design, which offers a reliable grip that won't damage tires. Some rubber chocks are also designed with a non-slip base, ensuring they stay in place on slippery surfaces.

Urethane Wheel Chocks

Urethane wheel chocks are an excellent choice for outdoor use as they are highly resistant to weather, oils, fuels, and lubricants. They retain their strength and elasticity even with frequent use. Urethane chocks are available in various styles, such as pyramid and wedge shapes, both of which are effective in preventing trailer movement on slippery surfaces.

PR1ME Wheel Chocks

PR1ME wheel chocks are made of durable hard plastic with UV inhibitors, making them suitable for outdoor use. They feature a non-slip base made of EVA material, which keeps them in place on slippery surfaces. These chocks are lightweight, easy to carry, and suitable for most tyre sizes. Their bright yellow colour also makes them highly visible, even in dark places.

SECURITYMAN Heavy Duty Wheel Chocks

These solid rubber wheel chocks are designed for use with boats, RVs, trucks, and campers. They can prevent vehicles weighing up to 20,000 lbs from moving, rolling, or overturning, even on sloped and slippery surfaces. The chocks feature a contoured design to fit any wheel type and have pre-drilled holes for securing them in pairs with a rope or chain. Their highly visible orange colour makes them easy to spot and reduces the risk of driving off without removing them.

Trailer blocks vs. wheel chocks

When it comes to securing your boat trailer, wheel chocks are an essential safety measure. Trailer blocks and wheel chocks serve the same purpose: to prevent accidental movement of your trailer and keep it stable. However, they differ in design and materials, and each has its advantages and use cases.

Trailer blocks, also known as wheel blocks, are larger devices that are placed in front of or behind the trailer wheels. They typically have a higher profile than wheel chocks and are designed to be walked into place, eliminating the need for bending or stooping. Trailer blocks are often made of aluminum, iron, or rubber, and some come with handles for easy positioning. They are ideal for use on asphalt or concrete surfaces and are commonly used for semi-trailers and trucks.

Wheel chocks, on the other hand, are smaller devices that are placed directly against the trailer wheels. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making them convenient for quick installation. Wheel chocks are commonly made of rubber or urethane, with rubber being more durable and urethane offering greater resistance to oils, chemicals, and weather elements.

One key advantage of wheel chocks is their versatility. They can be used on a variety of vehicles, including boats, RVs, trucks, and trailers. When choosing wheel chocks, it's important to consider the size of your trailer wheels, the terrain you'll be using them on, and the conditions they'll be exposed to. For example, if you're using them outdoors, urethane chocks might be a better choice due to their weather resistance.

Both trailer blocks and wheel chocks are effective in preventing unintentional movement of your boat trailer. Trailer blocks might be more suitable if you're looking for a more permanent solution, especially for larger trailers or trucks. Wheel chocks, on the other hand, offer more portability and versatility, making them a popular choice for boat trailers and other recreational vehicles.

Remember, when securing your boat trailer, it is recommended to use multiple chocks for added safety. This ensures that your trailer remains stable and prevents any unexpected movement, keeping you and your vessel protected.

Frequently asked questions