Since purchasing the trailer used in March 2009, I have used a pair of BAL Model #28005 wheel chocks.
With no recent changes to the suspension, wheels, or tires, the chocks, as of a few trips ago, will no longer fit. While I might be able to squeeze one into place, I could not get both sides in at the same time.
Needing to make use of the trailer, I purchased a pair of BAL Model # 28012 chocks, which fit.
Setting up the trailer on a slope, using the new chocks for the first time, I did the following:
1) Level the trailer left to right with two orange plastic leveling blocks under both passenger side tires.
2) Place wheel chocks on both sides - very tight!
3) Place four plastic leveling blocks (maximum recommended) under each foot of the "landing gear".
4) Raised trailer and released from the hitch. NOTE: Bubble indicates 31/2 high.
5) Pulled truck out and began lowering front to bring bubble to indicate level.
As the trailer leveled out, it lurched approximately 12-14 inches down-slope, falling off all leveling blocks.
The chock on the passenger side was easily pulled from between the tires: the chock on the driver's side was tight.
After insuring nobody was injured, I reattached and repositioned the trailer.
I repeated the sequence as noted above with this additional step: I re-tightened the chocks at every bubble change in level. The chock on the driver's side did take a slight bit of tightening each time.
I suspect, due to the extensive amount of leveling, the axles separated as the frame was repositioned. Why one side was loose and the other tight, I cannot explain.
However, in retrospect, I intend to have a shop check the axles to insure they have not shifted position - and seek a reason for the original chocks no longer fitting.
Any additional suggestions, opinions, or observations are welcome.
Stay safe and be willing to take the time necessary to do so.
* This post was
edited 07/21/12 08:00pm by GMC4ME *
I'm think the problem could be with the chocks. I had a BAL 28005 Deluxe Tire Chock that failed on an incline. I contacted Bal, and they do nor warrant nor suggest that the 28005 be used as chocks to keep your trailer from rolling down a hill. They say that the 28005 Bal chocks are only to keep wheels from moving as people move within the trailer. The design of the 28005 has cogs made of stamped steel in the shape of interlocking gears. But the cogs are not adequate to rely on for safety. Maybe your Bal chocks are the same? Or, who knows, there is a defect with your axles or wheels.
It sure sounds like it was scary.
There's lots of advice and information in forums...
sometimes it is correct.
On gravel surfaces, I dont use blocks to level, I dig a hole about 1" or whatever i need to lower the one side of trailer to make it leveland chock the other side of trailer and that will help stop the trailer from moving forward/back, and if on a hard surface, it is "usually" a even flat spot so not much leveling is required and by the time the rear level jacks and front legs and chocks are in place u get no for/aft movement
2000 Ford F250,4x4 diesel short box,Firestone airbags
2004 Terry Quantum 36ft fiver,4 slides
X3 on the Roto Chalks. Have used them for over 3 years without problems. You will even be able to change the chalk insert as the wheel dia. changes at a fraction of the price if needed.
2011 Arctic Fox 29-5T 5th Wheel
2011 Silverado HD 3500 6.6L Duramax Diesel Crew Cab
Short Bed 4X4 SRW LT
50gal Transfer Flow Aux. Tank
16K Valley Hitch w/bed saver
Since the axles are flipped, that changes their dynamics a bit. Also, being on an incline would leave one axle compressed and the other extended downward somewhat. Perhaps that left the more arched springs on the downward extended axle with less holding power for the BAL chocks which are exerting more leverage because of the flipped axles. Hope that made sense.
I sort of doubt you have a problem, other than to be careful not to rely on the Bal chocks to hold the trailer on a incline given you suspension mod.
Also, if the springs have sagged a bit over the years (as they all do) that would move the axles a bit closer together and explain why your previous BAL chocks no longer fit.
dieselhorse: a free range animal
"Mountain Cabin" 2001 Northwood Nash 245N
2007 Dodge 2500 quad short "Lone Star" 4x4 w/5.9 CTD, 48RE
As your tires cool the X-Chocks will loosen and may need to be reset. I have had very good luck with mine but I always block the wheels first.
B.O.
2011 Big Country 3250TS...2010 Ram CC Laramie 4wd Cummins
15k Super Glide, Firestone Ride Rite, TrailAir Tri-Glide
Michelin XPS Ribs. Just say no to Chinese tires.
Twin Cities Mn.
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