Wheel chocks are designed to keep a truck secured in place when parked, preventing it from moving.
If you're looking for the best wheel chocks for your heavy-duty truck, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll discuss what to look for when choosing a wheel chock and review some of the top options on the market.
So whether you're a commercial truck driver or just someone who wants to be prepared in case of a roadside emergency, read on for the information you need to make an informed purchase.
About Wheel Chocks for Trucks
Wheel chocks are designed to keep a truck secured in place when parked, preventing it from moving. They are usually wedge-shaped pieces of rubber or plastic that get placed behind the tires so there is no more room for the vehicle to move.
This ensures that even if someone were to try pushing on the truck, it won't budge. The wheel chock also keeps the truck from rolling should you accidentally release the brakes or if a breeze blows by and pushes it forward
Commercial trucks usually come with built-in wheel chocks in their cargo area, but they can easily fall out during transportation, leaving you stranded when you're ready to go.
Plus, even if they are properly locked in place the chances of them being able to stop a moving vehicle as big as a truck is relatively low.
That's why it's important for you to purchase a set of wheel chocks that meets your specific needs and fits securely into your truck tire.
Types of Wheel Chocks:
There are different types of wheel chocks depending on their intended use. Let's go over those now:
Dead Man Wheel Chocks – This type of wheel chock is the most basic design available and is also known as a woodblock.
It gets placed behind one or all tires of the truck to prevent it from moving. They are relatively inexpensive but they are also the least effective.
Active Wheel Chocks – These are newer models that have a built-in pressure plate that remains in contact with the tire at all times to provide added traction.
This mechanism is designed to keep the chock from falling out of place, even during transportation. They usually come with an adjustable height setting and can be used on multiple vehicles.
In-Ground Wheel Chocks – This type of wheel chock gets installed into the ground, providing added stability. They are usually made out of weatherproof materials that can be left outside for extended periods without deteriorating.
The advantage of this type is that they will work even if your vehicle runs over them during transport or they are accidentally released.
Winter Wheel Chocks – This type of wheel chock is made out of material that won't break or crack during extreme weather changes (i.e. -40°F to 150°F). They typically come with adjustable brackets, heavy-duty PVC straps, and rubber pads that provide additional safety against slipping. Wheel chocks are one of the simplest to use and least expensive options when it comes to preventing your truck from moving. ​ That said, they aren't effective in all situations (i.e. if there is heavy wind or another vehicle pushing on your rig). For that reason, you should always have a backup plan in place in case your wheel chocks won't work (i.e., using wheel blocks, parking on an incline, etc.) Conclusion: When buying wheel chocks for trucks, you should find one that is easy to install and remove. You should also look for models with built-in pressure plates or heavy-duty straps. This will ensure they stay in place even when transported over rough roads. Finally, you may want to purchase more than one set of wheel chocks if you regularly transport multiple vehicles. With so many options available, you'll be able to find the best wheel chocks for trucks at the best price!