Community Forums

Chargersrt8 · 07-29-2022, 06:19 AM

I have noticed lately a number of DP’s using wheel chocks when they set up. It does not seem to matter if the site is level or not. The only advantage I see is as a back-up if the parking bracket accidentally gets released? Any thoughts?

DavidEM · 07-29-2022, 06:53 AM

I think that putting the transmission in park is a pretty good solution for unexpected rolling.

But my wife insists on chocks. So you do what makes Mama happy.

David

twinboat · 07-29-2022, 06:59 AM

DPs don't have park, they depend on spring applied brakes on the rear wheels only.

The springs hold as good as a light to medium application of the service brakes. You can move the RV with them on.

Once you use your levelers, there is almost no weight on the rear axle, only its weight of a few hundred lbs.

Until all air is discharged, the brakes can be released by accidental hitting the button.

With all of that, chocks are a good idea.

greeneville1 · 07-29-2022, 07:25 AM

We would agree with Twinboats in the use of chocks on diesel pushers. One of our canine traveling companions loved to look out the drivers window while in the campgrounds. Numerous times while sitting in the drivers seat with paw on the side console, the parking brake knob has been stepped on , releasing the parking brakes. Have now fashioned a cover over the Parking Brake knob to protect it while parked. Stay safe.

Grizzly73 · 07-29-2022, 07:31 AM

I park on an incline and am scared to death of accidentally releasing the parking brake, so I made this...

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twojayhawks · 07-29-2022, 07:59 AM

I carry chocks for an emergency. I also use a air brake knob lock that I use to prevent an unwanted release. I will use the chocks if we are camping in a situation where if we roll we'll be in grave danger. Site below is from our fav in Sevierville https://tworiversrvresort.com/. Pull in sites, pitch to the river, and a steep bank. I sleep better chocking the wheels.

Dutch Star Don · 07-29-2022, 08:47 PM

In 18 years of owning a DP, I've never used wheel chalks, just don't see the need if your equipment is in proper working order.

I carry one big yellow plastic one in the chassis battery bay. It's primarily there for an emergency (which we've never had) and to use on the toad if we had to disconnect in an emergency and need to keep the toad from rolling away.

Chargersrt8 · 07-30-2022, 06:48 AM

Thanks for all the replies! I have been in a DP for 15 years and use the block on the brake knob. As others have said I am going to start carrying one for an emergency and hope to never use it! I have never thought about the toad and since it is free wheeling I can see where a chock might come in handy for that.

Algoma · 07-30-2022, 12:04 PM

If you have dumped the air to use the levelers, there is no air left to release the parking brake. Pushing in the knob will have no effect. I do carry wheel chocks, but only use them if the rear wheels are off the ground.

Max Headroom · 07-30-2022, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

DPs don't have park, they depend on spring applied brakes on the rear wheels only.

The springs hold as good as a light to medium application of the service brakes. You can move the RV with them on.

Once you use your levelers, there is almost no weight on the rear axle, only its weight of a few hundred lbs.

Until all air is discharged, the brakes can be released by accidental hitting the button.

With all of that, chocks are a good idea.

Yep, that is why I chock the wheels.

Dogs like to sit in your seat, and maybe stand on the shelf where the controls are to look out the window. Very easy for them to hit the brake and disengage it. Saw a post somewhere last year where a guy had this happen to his brand new coach. Rolled down a slight incline and hit a tree. Front cap was a mess and the insurance totaled it. This is why you see a lot of folks put a clothespin under the brake knob. Mine is a fancy turned aluminum type and the clothespin doesn't really have much to get a bite on. The anti-theft covers don't fit my knob either, so anyplace that's not perfectly flat, I chock the wheels.

Max Headroom · 07-30-2022, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

If you have dumped the air to use the levelers, there is no air left to release the parking brake. Pushing in the knob will have no effect. I do carry wheel chocks, but only use them if the rear wheels are off the ground.

It's mostly for short term stops. Bathroom, fuel, food, etc. You get out, dog jumps up in the drivers seat to see where you went, steps on the release, and your off to the races.

Alpine36 · 07-30-2022, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Headroom

It's mostly for short term stops. Bathroom, fuel, food, etc. You get out, dog jumps up in the drivers seat to see where you went, steps on the release, and your off to the races.

Flip the seat recliner forward until the seat back is into the steering wheel, problem solved.
Fortunately our latest dog wants nothing to do with the front seats or dash. At 85lbs I'm ok with that.

rarebear.nm · 07-30-2022, 01:07 PM

Stuff happens. That's why I buy insurance. Hope I never really need it, but I have used it.

For us chocks are first thing out and last thing put away. Easy to do. I like those rubber chocks from Harbor Freight. Low cost, grip on most surfaces and heavy enough to stay put. I gave up on those light weight yellow plastic chocks.

Max Headroom · 07-30-2022, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine36

Flip the seat recliner forward until the seat back is into the steering wheel, problem solved.
Fortunately our latest dog wants nothing to do with the front seats or dash. At 85lbs I'm ok with that.

Wish it was that easy! Drivers seat in the Exec doesn't work that way, unfortunately. I could rotate it, but that is a PIA. Putting my briefcase on the drivers seat is my usual go to for super short term dog-proofing.