Do I need wheel chocks for my motorhome, caravan or van? By the time the water in the shower doesn’t drain or half the household goods roll onto one side of your vehicle, you have the answer: yes! In this buying guide, I will explain what is important when choosing the right wheel chocks for camping and which ones are our clear favorites.
The most important facts at a glance
- Wheel chocks are designed to bring your caravan, motorhome or van into a horizontal position.
- Most parking spaces are uneven, so your vehicle would lean without wedges. This can prevent water from draining away, make it uncomfortable to sleep in or put a spanner in the works when cooking.
- Alignment using the wheel chocks is also known as equalization or levelling.
- They can be used on both the front and rear wheels of motorhomes.
- There are different types of compensation wedges. These include: Inclined wedges, stepped wedges, round wedges and inflatable wedges.
- The size and weight are primarily important for small vehicles, as the wedges have to be stowed away.
- The manufacturer’s recommended maximum weight should not be exceeded, otherwise the wheel chocks could break.
- You can get a second person to help you to drive up and level.
- A spirit level should definitely be part of your equipment.
- Caravan supports and wheel chocks are no alternative to wheel chocks. But they are practical additions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- The most important facts at a glance
- Functional & safe: The editors’ recommendation
- Good & affordable: The price-performance winner
- Collision wedge: What is important when choosing
- Collision wedge – what is it anyway?
- Good reasons for drive-on wedges
- These types of wheel chocks are available
- Size and weight – you should pay attention to this
- Application: Position the drive-on wedges correctly
- Caravan supports instead of chocks – what are the dangers?
- Wheel chocks and/or wheel chocks – what’s the difference?
- DIY: Build your own wheel chocks
- You should pay attention to these features when buying
- We compared these drive-on wedges
- Frequently asked questions
Don’t want to scroll? Click here to go directly to the collision wedges comparison.
Functional & safe: The editors’ recommendation
- Farbe: anthrazit
- Material: 100 % PE Polyethylen
The practical and proven leveling system has a load capacity of up to 8 tons per axle and is therefore ideal for larger vehicles such as motorhomes.
Good & affordable: The price-performance winner
- Geeignet für Wohnmobile, Wohnwagen oder Anhänger
- Maße (cm): 57 x 20 x 13; Gesamtgewicht (beide Stufenkeile): 2,9 kg
The step wedges made of sturdy polyethylene are suitable for motorhomes, caravans or trailers. They can withstand loads of up to 5 tons per axle.
Collision wedge: What is important when choosing
If you are traveling with a camper for the first or even the hundredth time, there is a long list of things you should definitely have with you. One of these is your set of 2 wheel chocks. You should not do without this help, especially if you are going to be changing locations frequently. Let’s take a closer look at the whole thing.
Collision wedge – what is it anyway?
Camping pitches are rarely perfectly level, straight and without a slope. If you find such a place, then you can consider yourself very lucky. However, as this is unfortunately not usually the case, wheel chocks come into play. They ensure that your caravan, motorhome or VW bus can be placed in a horizontal position. In technical jargon, this is called leveling, aligning or leveling the motorhome. Some vehicles are generally not in a horizontal position and must be leveled as soon as they are stationary for a longer period of time.
You can also find drive-on wedges under the term leveling wedges or drive-on ramps. As the name suggests, the drive-on wedge has a wedge shape. Depending on the inclination and individual position, balancing wedges are attached to the front or rear wheels. If your vehicle is leaning to the left or right, you can of course also fit a balancing wedge to the front wheel and one to the rear wheel.
Good reasons for drive-on wedges
For most campers, wheel chocks have become indispensable. They bring the caravan, motorhome or van into a horizontal position. In many vehicles with a shower, the drain valve is located on one side. If your vehicle is leaning to the other side, the water will no longer run off and the shower tray will fill up quickly. The same applies to washbasins, of course. Water can also build up here if your motorhome is on a slant. A horizontal position is also very practical when cooking and frying so that the fat is not only on one side of the pan. Not to mention the fact that loose objects roll onto the lower side. Even if you don’t have a shower, sink or stove in your bus or motorhome, you will become aware of the crooked position when you sleep if your head is lower than your legs during the night. The list could go on forever, but for now, let’s leave it at that.
These types of wheel chocks are available
As we now know, wheel chocks are really practical and get your camper life back on track. But even here there are certain differences. Let’s take a closer look at the different variants.
Inclined wedges
Let’s start with the angled wedges, which are almost reminiscent of a doorstop in shape, except that they are significantly larger. A big advantage of this variant is that it has no steps and you can drive on it just as far until the spirit level indicates the ideal position. On the other hand, you must apply the handbrake or leave a gear engaged when driving on an incline so that the caravan or motorhome can maintain its position. Most models have a width of around 16 to 18 cm, are between 42 and 46 cm long and have a maximum compensation height of 7 to 12 cm. If you have a large motorhome, you can also choose the XXL version. This is then usually around 20 cm wide, 50 cm long and 8 to 13 cm high.
Step wedges
The so-called step wedges are also very popular. As the name suggests, these consist of several stages. Depending on the model, there are usually between two and four levels. Some of the steps are slightly cupped so that the tire lies in the trough and you don’t have to apply the handbrake. The big advantage is that you mainly notice when your vehicle has reached a step by a jolt. This reduces the risk of driving over the wedge. The majority of step wedges are between 17 and 24 cm wide. This varies depending on the model. Variants with recesses or pockets are often slightly wider than flat step wedges. The same applies to the length, which is between 50 and 80 cm, and the maximum compensation height of 12 to 20 cm.
Round wedges
Round wedges are one of the innovations on the market. The round wedge has a round shape, with one side being significantly thicker than the other. You virtually ride into this shell, which slowly lifts the bike off the ground. Here, however, you need a bit of dexterity to ride up or you need someone to tell you that you have already reached the highest point. As there are no steps on the round wedge, it is not so easy to estimate how far you can still ride on it.
Inflatable wedges
Finally, I will briefly introduce you to the inflatable wedges. These are particularly practical and easy to use. They are not yet inflated and are placed under the tire or you simply ride on them. The cushion is now leveled using a hand/foot pump or a mini compressor. This variant is very space-saving, but you will have to dig deeper into your pockets.
Size and weight – you should pay attention to this
Not every drive-on wedge is suitable for every bus, caravan or motorhome. It is important that you know the maximum weight of your vehicle. Depending on the product and manufacturer, the maximum weight is specified in tons per axle. As a leveling wedge has to withstand a lot and you might just drive over it at the beginning, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, cracks or broken parts can quickly occur.
Another important aspect is the size and weight of the wheel chocks. The smaller the caravan or van, the less storage space you have available. You will probably also want to save weight. Nevertheless, it is important that you do not disregard the maximum permitted weight. A cheap and lightweight model may seem practical at first glance, but if it can’t withstand your motorhome, you won’t enjoy it for long.
Application: Position the drive-on wedges correctly
Admittedly, placing the tires on the wheel chocks is not quite so easy the first time. If you are traveling in pairs or with several people, there is no reason why you shouldn’t look for support. To ensure that your vehicle is really level afterwards, you can place a spirit level on the floor of your camping vehicle, which your helper should keep an eye on. Now drive carefully in first gear onto the chocks, which you must of course position accordingly beforehand. As most models have different stages, you can check stage by stage whether the equalization has already taken place or whether you still need to drive a little further. If you have a caravan, you can either pull the car onto the wedges with the car or use the mover.
Caravan supports instead of chocks – what are the dangers?
Of course, there are also opponents who consider the use of wheel chocks to be completely unnecessary. You then align your caravan using the caravan supports. However, if the vehicle is in a really sloping position or on a very uneven surface, the horizontal position is literally forced via the supports. These are under extreme strain for the duration of the camping vacation. In the worst case, the frame can warp and cause leaks. The same applies to additional caravan supports. These help you when jacking up for a tire change or similar, but cannot replace the function of leveling wedges.
Wheel chocks and/or wheel chocks – what’s the difference?
You may also have come across the topic of wheel chocks during your research. These are very practical, but should not be confused with wheel chocks. Wheel chocks can in no way replace the function of wheel chocks. They are more of a useful addition.
Wheel chocks are designed to prevent your vehicle from rolling away. The wedges are much smaller, but you usually have to ride on them.
DIY: Build your own wheel chocks
If you are a particularly talented craftsman and know your way around this area, you can of course also build wedges for motorhomes yourself. The choice of material plays a particularly important role here, as it has to withstand a lot of weight. However, you should only embark on this project if you are really sure of yourself. It’s best to see if you can find suitable instructions on the Internet.
You should pay attention to these features when buying
Have you made up your mind and want to buy a pair of wheel chocks for your next camping trip? Then you are spoiled for choice, because the range of wedges is quite large. Well-known manufacturers from Froli to Thule, Milenco and Fiamma have a wide variety of wedges on offer. You can find out which model suits your requirements based on various features and information.
Kind
The first thing you should do is decide on a type of wheel chock. If you want a simple version, you can choose between stepped wedges and inclined wedges. Round wedges are a modern method. The inflatable drive-on wedges are particularly easy to use and are new on the market. Although these are easy to use, they are also somewhat more expensive.
Material
Most wedges are made of very robust plastic, as they need to be able to withstand a lot of weight. If you come across a metal model, it is more likely to be a wheel chock designed to protect your caravan, motorhome or VW bus from rolling away.
Size and weight
Depending on whether you are traveling with a small van, a caravan or a spacious motorhome, you will have different amounts of space available. It is therefore important to measure out in advance how big the wheel chocks can be so that you can still stow them away easily. The weight should not be underestimated either. The smaller your vehicle is, the lighter it often is. This means that a smaller version is probably also an option. As a rule, you can choose between different sizes from mini to XXL and thus find the right part for your vehicle.
Maximum weight
By this we mean the maximum weight recommended by the manufacturer. To ensure that your motorhome is really safe and secure, you should always follow these instructions. If your vehicle is significantly heavier, the wheel chocks can no longer withstand the weight and may break.
Accessories
The right accessories for your wheel chocks should not be underestimated. We particularly recommend a spirit level, which you can use to determine exactly when your caravan, motorhome or bus is level. A suitable transport bag is also practical. This makes it easier to carry the wedges and you don’t have to drag the dirt and mud inside with you when stowing them.
We compared these drive-on wedges
Frequently asked questions
Why drive-on wedges for motorhomes?
You can use wheel chocks to align your motorhome, caravan or bus if it is not completely level. If your vehicle is on an incline, for example, water cannot drain away and objects roll onto the lower side.
How are drive-on wedges used?
Chocks are placed in front of the tires. Then ride slowly in first gear onto the wedges. Another person can use the spirit level to check when the vehicle is level.
How long are motorhome wheel chocks?
There is no standard size for the length of drive-on wedges. This varies depending on the manufacturer and model. Most models have a length of between 50 and 60 cm.
How do I find suitable motorhome wheel chocks?
Which model suits your motorhome or caravan depends on various factors. Size, weight, the recommended maximum weight and the material play an important role.
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