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Old 02-27-2008, 01:34 PM   #1
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My driveway has a 6 deg. slope. The only time the 5th wheel is parked @ home is to wash/wax, flush the water system etc. I have always left the trailer connected to the truck. Has anyone disconnected tow vehicle on a similar slope and what kind of chocks were good enough? I had a dealer (CW) tell me to pull the emergency cable, but I'm pretty sure that would burn out the brakes to have it in that condition for 2-3 days.
Thanks for your input.
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Old 02-27-2008, 01:34 PM   #2
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My driveway has a 6 deg. slope. The only time the 5th wheel is parked @ home is to wash/wax, flush the water system etc. I have always left the trailer connected to the truck. Has anyone disconnected tow vehicle on a similar slope and what kind of chocks were good enough? I had a dealer (CW) tell me to pull the emergency cable, but I'm pretty sure that would burn out the brakes to have it in that condition for 2-3 days.
Thanks for your input.
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Old 02-27-2008, 01:48 PM   #3
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I recommend you purchase the metal expandable wheel chocks that fit between your dual wheels and expand to tighten. Several brands, make sure the compressed width will fit your tire spacing. Properly installed/tightened, with one of these on each side your Excel will not decide to leave on its own.
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Old 02-27-2008, 02:35 PM   #4
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Would agree with Chief about the CHOCKS between the wheels. Believe Chief this is the style you were referring to.

I wouldn't pull my breakaway switch for that reason, only to anually test it.
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Old 02-27-2008, 02:55 PM   #5
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Thanks for your suggestions. My unit will have the 16" wheels and I believe there will be >2.5" between tires. With my trade-in, the front bumper was out in the street and the Excel will be 2 ft longer. I had been cleaning front cap on a ladder in the truck bed, but that is an accident waiting to happen.
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Old 02-27-2008, 02:56 PM   #6
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Those be the ones 'Workshop' -- again, be sure to measure the clearance between your tandems as these chocks will not fit a gap less that 2.5". There are also plans on several of the RV forums for homemade versions of these chocks.

evan0810 -- we posted about the same time.
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Old 02-27-2008, 04:14 PM   #7
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evan0810, I tried those same chucks on my RSO and I dont have enough space to get them in with my 16" tires I think I have a tad over 2". As for the breakaway switch I know from experience if you leave it pulled it will drain your batteries and melt the switch itself
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Old 02-28-2008, 03:45 AM   #8
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Max1,
Thanks for that. I will wait for the unit to arrive and then measure the gap.
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Old 02-28-2008, 04:07 AM   #9
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Not to drag this 'chock' discussion on, as I'm sure there are many options available -- this is a rather novel approach that I'm going to build. RV'er used pipe clamps which will provide for an easier method to tighten the chocks--and as some of us have discovered, the distance between the tandem tires on some Excels is too tight for some expandable chocks.
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Old 02-28-2008, 06:25 AM   #10
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I feel the best chock on the market is the Rotochok. You will need to have the distance between your tires but when you call and talk to Pearl she is the greatest person and will help insure that you have the right set. If at some future time is you change trailers and the distance is different you can call them up and the will sell you just the blocks and you can change out the blocks with your old ones. This allows you to use all other parts and not have to buy another full set.

Oh and by the way do not pull your break away cable. All that does is for short time run your battery down and is hard on your magnets or if you have disc brakes it keeps you pump engerized which drains the battery. It will hold but not for a long time.
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Old 02-28-2008, 06:30 AM   #11
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Butch,

I am with you on Rotochocks. I install them on both sets of tires and lock them up and I never worry about it moving.

In fact, it is very stable when they are installed, even in high winds. I feel like I am in a stick and bricks house.
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Old 02-28-2008, 08:48 AM   #12
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Thanks for the info about Rotochocks, I thought I knew every kind of chock made, but had never heard of them. In my situation, if the unit started to move, it would destroy the landing gear and maybe me depending on where I was at the time.
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Old 02-29-2008, 06:35 AM   #13
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Last year I researched chocks for our new trailer. By far, more people liked Rotochocks than any other type.

More costly than most others, but this ain't the place to skimp.

Oh yeah, I have them too.
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Old 03-09-2008, 02:35 PM   #14
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Just thought I would pass this info on regarding using Chocks. An engineer who has been RVing for "years" told me that chocks are good except for one condition---After they are set and for some reason one of the tires looses air, one looses the security lock. His advice, use them but in extreme safety needs, regulary check the tires for inflation levels. Food for thought!!!!

Had computer virus trouble so am now just getting back to our forum. Maverik
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