| Chocks, Locks, Blocks & Jacks |
 Wheel Chocks |
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here are a few things that you'll find will need your attention before, during, and after any trip. One of these items is your set of wheel chocks. These may be simple wood blocks or sophisticated devices, but all they do is keep your vehicle exactly where you want it to stay. They prevent it from rolling. That's their sole purpose and they are very important to you when you are hitching or unhitching, changing a tire, setting up at a campsite, or getting ready to leave one. Now, it doesn't make any difference at all as to which type of chocks you use as long as you use them and always make sure that they are in good shape with nothing cracked, bent, or broken.
Now let's take a look at the pin lock. These locks are used mainly for securing the pin on a fifth-wheel trailer, but similar devices are also used on travel-trailers, tow-dollies, and tow-bars to prevent theft, vandalism, or accidental break-away while you are traveling down the highway. They actually may be considered more of a safety device than anything else. First, look closely at the keys to the lock. Be sure there are no sharp or rough edges that may damage the lock. If there are, don't grind or file them. Use a piece of steel wool or a wire brush to smooth them away (old locksmith trick).
Since these locks are of the outdoor variety, they are exposed to water and dirt, the two most damaging things to any lock. If left exposed to the elements without proper care, your locks won't last long. The little pins inside, and the springs, will be subject to corrosion. You can protect your lock(s) by using a lubricant designed especially for locks, such as white graphite, available at any locksmith shop or hardware store. NEVER OIL A LOCK! Oil attracts dirt. You may put a piece of tape over the keyway to prevent dirt and water from getting in. Some people even put a plastic baggie over their lock(s) and secure it. That's a very good way to prevent exposure to dirt and water. If you keep your locks clean and lubricated, they'll provide many years of service.
The one thing I've not yet mentioned is those wood blocks. If you have some room (doesn't take much) and can carry a little extra weight, get some LARGE wood blocks. Find a lumberyard and pick up some 4x8, 2x8, & 1x8 pieces about 2 feet long. If you have a selection, you'll be able to level your RV at home, in storage or at campgrounds. If you have to park on uneven ground, you'll find these wood blocks to be invaluable. In addition, these large sizes will not sink into rain-softened earth as easily as those little metal pads on the leveling jacks and stabilizers.
Another thing to consider is what type of wood you will want to use. You're going to be putting these blocks on the ground, so your best bet would be pressure-treated wood, even though it will be a bit more expensive. However, it will last a great deal longer than untreated wood, so you can easily justify the additional cost. Put that together with the fact that insects don't like pressure-treated wood and your wood blocks become quite a bargain. You see, you don't want to introduce insects such as termites into your RV. Make certain that your blocks are not cracked or split. You'll want a good, solid foundation for your RV no matter where you are.
Suppose you must change a tire or perform some other type of repair underneath your caravan/RV. You'll need those blocks to provide solid footing for your jack, too.
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 Proper jacks positioning |
| Wohnmobilvemietung motorises zwerfautos autocaravana motorese a louer RV | |
Jacks must be installed so as not to extend below the black lines. Distance from frame to bottom of jack is 5 3/8", jack may be installed anywhere inside the black line that 5 3/8" or more. The X's indicate the approximate installation location. Unless recommended by the coach manufacturer jacks should never be placed at the frame ends, recommended locations for trailers and 5th wheel trailers are approximately 1/2 way between the bumper and the rear axle and half way between the tongue jack and front axle.
Please read our Tires page for more information.
Hydraulic Leveling Systems (If Equipped)
WARNING
THE LEVELING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED AS A LEVELING SYSTEM ONLY. DO NOT USE AS A JACK OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH A JACK. THE SPRING OPERATION OF THE LEVELERS COULD CAUSE THE MOTOR HOME TO FALL OFF THE JACK.
NOTE: This online manual is a work in progress and is subject to change at any given time. It is also a generic peace of work and is meant only as a general guide. Each Caravan/RV is distinct and individual in it's own right, do not take anything written here literally as it may or may not apply to the exact Caravan/RV you will be using.