Would you try this?

SlowPoke · 03-19-2013, 07:19 PM

I asked this in a post of another thread, but I assume either everyone is still laughing, or missed that it was a question, so I'm gonna try it again.

I was jealous of everyone's X-Chocks, blocks, stops, and everything else, so I tried my hand at making some. Didn't really follow any plans, just went with it.

I didn't have any all-thread and nuts handy so I opted for a temp fix. Ratchet straps. Take a look and let me know your opinions... should I toss it and not make another for the other side, or go forward!!??

Any comments, no matter how brutal. I know what it looks like at the moment, but if it's functional I'll neaten it up.

Htfiremedic · 03-19-2013, 07:22 PM

Would that he two 4x4's with 45's on each end? If so, I had considered the same thing.
Have you tried the out???

chartrand · 03-19-2013, 07:23 PM

Remove the ratchet straps and you have a pretty standard chock. Add the straps and you get a better wheel fit at the expense of looking ghetto. Personally I would not do this, but functionally it should work fine.

SlowPoke · 03-19-2013, 07:30 PM

LOL, well, if you've seen my other mods and throw togethers, you'd say I'm pretty "Ghetto"...

It's hard to see behind the skirting, but there ARE actually two blocks, 1 top and 1 bottom.

I'm going for the wheel lock function, and it actually worked pretty well, but If I continue, I'll use Festus2's ideas from another thread about cutting some grooves and lines to give better grip at the angle.

I'll just ratchet strap until I get some more all thread and hardware...I hate to buy something I know I have in my shed, (The Black Hole). Just gotta find it...but the straps are working well in place until after the "maiden voyage" when I'll have more time to dig.

And yes, it is 2 4X4's with rough 45's cut on each end.

michol02 · 03-19-2013, 07:45 PM

I think it's a pretty good doomahickie. I'm thinking you can weld a big knob on one end of the all thread and countersunk threads in one of the blocks(kinda like the ones on store bought ones) so you don't have to use a tool to tighten or loosen it. Just throwin some ideas out there.

tdawg · 03-20-2013, 02:02 AM

I made a set of those but i used a chain binder in the center. It works

cabinfever · 03-20-2013, 02:23 AM

I was thinking of buying the standard X chock, because they are half the cost of the large size, then adding wooden "shoes" to make up the distance. I like what you did. Add a couple hooks on the top and bottom, add a turn buckle, weld a nice size handle on the turn buckle, paint all flat black. Hmmm, I may just do that!

KenBob · 03-20-2013, 03:06 AM

If it works, more power to you! Ghetto, Shmetto! Thrift and ingenuity are a good thing.

Ruffus · 03-20-2013, 04:10 AM

LOL, you guys are over thinking this, two large rocks placed in front of or behind the tire has always worked for me.

geo · 03-20-2013, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruffus

LOL, you guys are over thinking this, two large rocks placed in front of or behind the tire has always worked for me.

Ruffus -

That would be the "Geology Solution" and I highly approve.

Slowpoke -
I think what would complete the picture is a logging chain wrapped around the chocks tensioned with a large come-along painted Day-Go Orange!

Ron

Jim W · 03-20-2013, 06:45 AM

I do not know if what you have will expand against the tires enough to take the suspension movement that occurs in the camper as you walk about in the camper. But they will keep the camper from moving.

That is what I like about the x-chocks; I can expand them against the tires and eliminate the shaking of the camper when walking in the unit do to the suspension movement that occurs. I was trying to eliminate this motion and so far the x-chocks work great. If we where permanent campers who did not move about or lived in the camper year round. I would probably buy the stabilizers that secure to the legs and frame but where not so the x-cocks work for me.
Jim W.

Festus2 · 03-20-2013, 06:57 AM

Slowpoke -
I've made myself a pair of wheel chocks using some scrap 4x4's and a threaded piece of 1/2" steel rod plus some washers and nuts.

If you go to these two sites, you can see the photos complete with directions on how to make them.

They are really easy to make, almost free, and work well. Like other commercially-made ones, you have to install them "upside down" to be able to use a ratchet to turn the tightening nut. No straps to fiddle around with. Have a look - you might like what you see.

www.rverscorner.com/chocks.html
http://www.dutchmenowners.org/forums...memade-75.html

Comptech · 03-20-2013, 07:24 AM

I was looking at these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BAL-X-CHOCK-...93f03e&vxp=mtr
And wondered how well the work. I already have stabilizer bars installed. Would these be best on a TT?

Festus2 · 03-20-2013, 07:33 AM

If you already have stabilizers - like JT Strong Arm/Steadyfast- or something similar - then you might not notice any further improvement by adding the Bal-X-Chocks.

Comptech · 03-20-2013, 07:35 AM

That is what I thought...

SAABDOCTOR · 03-20-2013, 08:13 AM

THE good thing about that set up is looks, Robbin Hood stole from the rich with that look your safe!!LOL

mikell · 03-20-2013, 08:42 AM

I was at the rental place the other day and they had pink tie downs. Nobody would tease you then.

SlowPoke · 03-20-2013, 01:13 PM

Actually, I was thinking of painting the blocks pink with polka dots, then maybe a leopard print furry set of straps...

I figure, It can't make the value of the neighborhood go down, and after all, cheapness is the best theft deterrent available! No body wants my JUNK! LOL!!

All good input and in good spirits, Festus2, I'll check out your recommendation.

In case you're wondering, YES it was just a test, to see what else I could come up with laying around, but it did seem to work pretty well, I'm thinking I coul've cut another 1" or so off the ends to make a tighter fit between top and bottom giving a better grip more towards center of the tires. Originally tried just one strap but it seemed too flimsy, and looked as if it would come loose under the right conditions.

I COULD just go buy something, but I find enjoyment in exercising the brain, and building upon what I see others do. Kinda like the ole commercial...

"We're 3M, we didn't invent it, we just made it better!!"
Thanks for all your inputs!!!
Viva la Reverse Engineering!

502monte · 03-29-2013, 02:06 PM

I use a piece of althread between two pieces of pressure treated 4X4 with 45 degree cut on both ends works great and did not cost mea penny, wood from a friend and althread from work.

SteveC7010 · 03-29-2013, 02:27 PM

I made this set up several years ago and still use it on the Cougar. I used 1/2" threaded rod and then fancied it up a bit with the 1/2' eye bolt and coupling. I've got a racheting 3/4" box end wrench that is just super for tightening this up.

Helpful hint: If you place any of these compression style chocks (DIY or store bought) when you site your trailer, go back with the wrench several hours later after the tires have cooled. You will be amazed at how much the tires shrink as they cool down.

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