Community Forums

jimyrawi · 11-12-2011, 04:29 AM

Just noticed that there is a experation date on the yellow plastic wheel chocks. Mine where all outdated. You should check yours.

wildtoad · 11-12-2011, 05:58 AM

I'm not sure why there is an expiration date on these chocks. I suppose if they were left in direct sun for a number of years that the uv rays would break down the plastic. However, used occasionaly and/or properly cared for and stored when not in use they should last indefinately.

Dunner · 11-12-2011, 07:45 AM

The labels on mine, before they blew off, said just that. When I first read that, I gave them a squirt or two of 303. Mine keep my trailer in the driveway 24/7, unless I'm on a trip.

Being skeptical as I am, it may be just legal speak and/or something to drive up sales. "Planned obsolescence", so to speak. Once the market is saturated, sales plummet. Put an expiration date on them and sale are more favorable. Anybody ever have one self destruct from normal use?

Kablewizard · 11-12-2011, 08:08 AM

I fore got to pull one out once and flattened it beyond use but have had 2 make that one now for 12 years and no problem. I never saw any stickers on the 3 new ones though.

eccostar · 11-12-2011, 10:22 AM

I too drove over one

, shattering it and driving a plastic piece through the tire

. I have since been using the X-Chock with great results, it locks both tires and makes it "almost" impossible to drive off without removing them. T seem to have bad luck with any of the yellow plastic devices including leveling blocks, shattered two of them the first time I tried using them. Guess I will just stay with the heavy bulky wooden type.

Dunner · 11-12-2011, 10:55 AM

My MH came "Ready to Camp", just add food and clothes. The chocks were included along with 1/2 tank of gas and full tank of propane. I should have taken a picture of all the stuff the Stealer left in the basement. Gas grill, 6' folding table, awning screen, awning hold down strap kit, warning triangles, step ladder, roll-up table, battery filler, 16' RV mat, and other cool stuff I've forgotten about. Some of the stuff had never been used; still in the box.

I just use the chocks for my 20' enclosed because I have them. All I need is a 2x4 wedge or anything to keep the trailer from moving while in my driveway.

slickest1 · 11-12-2011, 06:57 PM

I cut mine out of a 6x6 post that was too short for anything else. Drilled a hole through them and ran a loop of rope through for a grab handle. You don't run over these, or if you do they don't break.

ottffss · 11-12-2011, 07:51 PM

Hard plastic (i.e. the yellow plastic you are talking about in wheel chocks) will become brittle with age (sun only accelerates it).

The chemicals added to plastic to keep them from becoming brittle (plasticizers called phthalates) evaporate from the plastic over time. Hence, in the critical wheel chock application where brittle is really bad they will included an "expiration" date on the wheel chock.

BTW These are the same chemicals (the phthalates) that evaporate off the dashboard and other plastic parts areas and deposit that oily film on the inside of your car's windshield.

MSHappyCampers · 11-18-2011, 09:09 AM

I noticed the other day that WalMart has what looks like hard rubber chocks in the trailer hitch accessories section. This might be the answer for those who don't want a more expensive chock. We use the RotoChoks and wouldn't leave home without them! By the way, I understand that the couple who were making the RotoChoks have passed away and a nephew is taking over. Hope this works out. It would really be a shame to have a great product like that be discountinued!

ralphie · 11-18-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottffss

Hard plastic (i.e. the yellow plastic you are talking about in wheel chocks) will become brittle with age (sun only accelerates it).

The chemicals added to plastic to keep them from becoming brittle (plasticizers called phthalates) evaporate from the plastic over time. Hence, in the critical wheel chock application where brittle is really bad they will included an "expiration" date on the wheel chock.

BTW These are the same chemicals (the phthalates) that evaporate off the dashboard and other plastic parts areas and deposit that oily film on the inside of your car's windshield.

Man, I wish you wouldn't use big words like "phthalates." I have difficulty pronouncing "forsssthyyttthiaa" and "schwrimp." Couldn't you have just said "like, there's stuff in them that gets all crumbly?"