5 Best Jack Chocks That Experienced Nomads Use for Peace of Mind

You pull into the perfect spot after a long day of driving, level the rig, and put out the slides. You take a step inside, and there it is—that gentle, seasick sway as the whole trailer shifts on its suspension. This tiny, annoying movement is a constant reminder that your 10,000-pound home is just resting on rubber, and it’s the enemy of a peaceful night’s sleep.

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Why Jack Chocks Are a Non-Negotiable RV Safety Item

Let’s be clear: a jack chock, often called an X-chock or scissor chock, is not the same as the simple wedge chock you stick under a tire. A wedge chock primarily stops your RV from rolling away. A jack chock, on the other hand, is designed to eliminate movement by locking the wheels in place, working against each other.

These devices fit between the tires on a tandem or triple-axle setup. As you expand the chock, it applies outward pressure to both tires, effectively freezing the suspension on that side of the rig. This is what transforms your wobbly trailer into a stable, grounded living space. You’ll feel the difference immediately when walking around, opening doors, or even just rolling over in bed.

Beyond comfort, there’s a serious safety element. By locking the tires together, you create a much more stable foundation, reducing the stress on your stabilizer jacks and landing gear. On even a slight grade, this added security prevents the subtle creeping that can happen as tires settle, giving you true peace of mind that your rig is staying exactly where you put it.

BAL X-Chock: The Gold Standard for Tandem Axles

When experienced RVers talk about X-chocks, they’re often talking about the BAL X-Chock. It has become the benchmark for a reason: it’s incredibly effective, durable, and built for the long haul. The design is simple—a heavy-duty scissor mechanism that you expand with an included ratchet wrench.

The real magic is in the opposing force it creates. By pushing firmly against both tires, it locks them together and stops them from rotating forward or backward. This eliminates the wiggle that comes from the tires shifting on their axles. The steel is plated with a rust-resistant finish, which is crucial for a piece of gear that lives outside in all weather.

BAL makes a few different sizes, so the most important step is to measure the distance between your tires before you buy. They have standard models for gaps of 1 3/8" to 10" and an extended version for wider stances up to 17". Getting the right size is critical for a secure fit and is the difference between a rock-solid setup and a wasted investment.

Andersen Rapid Jack: More Than Just a Wheel Chock

The Andersen Rapid Jack is the multi-tool of the chock world. Its primary claim to fame is as a tool for changing a flat tire on a tandem axle rig—you just drive the good tire up onto the Rapid Jack, and it lifts the flat tire off the ground. But its clever design makes it an excellent, if unconventional, wheel chock.

Made from incredibly tough polymer, the Rapid Jack is shaped like a curved ramp. When you use it for leveling, you drive onto it and it cradles the tire perfectly. You then place a second, smaller chock piece on the other side, effectively locking the wheel in a stable cradle. It’s a different approach to stability, focusing on perfectly securing one wheel instead of creating opposing force between two.

The biggest advantage here is versatility. You’re getting a jack, a leveler, and a chock all in one piece of gear. For nomads who are obsessive about saving space and weight, this is a huge win. It’s not an X-chock, so you won’t get that tire-to-tire lockdown, but for many, the multi-functionality is a trade-off worth making.

Lynx Stop ‘N Chock: For Modular Leveling Systems

If you already use the orange "LEGO block" style Lynx Levelers, the Stop ‘N Chock is a no-brainer. These chocks are designed to integrate seamlessly with the leveling blocks. They have tabs on the bottom that lock directly into the grid of the top leveling block, creating a single, unified system.

This integration is the key selling point. One of the most common failures of standard wedge chocks is slipping, especially on slick surfaces like wet pavement or dusty gravel. Because the Lynx Stop ‘N Chock locks into the leveler underneath it, that problem is completely eliminated. The chock and the leveler become one solid piece.

Of course, the major consideration is that you’re buying into an ecosystem. These chocks work best when paired with Lynx Levelers. If you use a different leveling system, like wood blocks or an auto-leveling system, their main feature is lost. But for those committed to the modular block system, they provide an unmatched level of integrated security.

Fastway ONEstep: The Easiest Tandem Axle Solution

The Fastway ONEstep chock is built for speed and convenience. If you dread kneeling down in the mud or rain to crank a ratchet wrench between your tires, this is the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s a scissor-style chock, but instead of a screw mechanism, it uses a clever cable and locking system.

Setup is incredibly simple. You place the collapsed chock between your tandem tires and step down on the center cable mechanism. The chock expands and locks into place, securing the wheels. Removal is just as easy—a simple pull on the cable releases the tension. It’s the fastest tandem-axle chock on the market, hands down.

The trade-off for this convenience is a slight reduction in ultimate clamping force. A manually cranked X-chock can be tightened down to an incredible degree, providing maximum stability. The ONEstep is very secure, but it relies on your body weight for tension. For most users and most conditions, it’s more than enough, but for those seeking the absolute most rigid setup possible, a traditional X-chock might still have the edge.

Camco Wheel Stop: A Simple and Reliable Classic

Think of the Camco Wheel Stop as the workhorse of the scissor chock world. It operates on the same principle as the BAL X-Chock, expanding between tandem tires to lock them in place, but it’s often available at a more budget-friendly price point. It’s a straightforward, no-frills tool that gets the job done.

These chocks are widely available and come in various sizes to fit different tire spacings. They do an excellent job of reducing that front-to-back wiggle and provide a significant stability boost over using wedge chocks alone. For someone just getting into RVing or looking for a solid, cost-effective solution, the Camco is a great starting point.

The main difference you’ll find compared to premium models is often in the finer details. The finish may not be as durable, and the included wrench might be a bit more basic. However, the core function is sound. It’s a testament to a simple design that works, providing essential stability without breaking the bank.

Choosing Your Chock: Axle Type and Material Matter

Your first and most important decision point is your axle type. If you have a tandem or triple-axle trailer, your best options are the expanding X-chock styles like the BAL, Fastway, or Camco. These are the only designs that create that essential opposing force between tires. For single-axle trailers or motorhomes, you’ll rely on robust wedge-style systems like the Andersen or Lynx Stop ‘N Chock.

Next, consider your priorities. Are you looking for maximum convenience? The Fastway ONEstep is the clear winner, allowing setup without kneeling. Do you value multi-function gear to save space? The Andersen Rapid Jack is a jack, leveler, and chock in one. Are you seeking the absolute most rock-solid stability? The BAL X-Chock, when properly sized and tightened, is the undisputed king.

Finally, don’t ignore materials and build quality. Coated steel offers immense strength but can eventually rust if the coating is compromised. High-density polymers are rust-proof and surprisingly strong but can become brittle in extreme cold. Your choice should reflect the environments you travel in and how much you’re willing to invest for long-term durability.

Final Verdict: Securing Your Rig for Peace of Mind

At the end of the day, the best jack chock is the one that fits your rig, your budget, and your travel style. For tandem-axle owners seeking the best all-around performance, the BAL X-Chock remains the top recommendation for its unmatched stability and durability. It’s the component that truly makes an RV feel less like a vehicle and more like a home.

However, don’t discount the specialized brilliance of the others. The Fastway ONEstep is a gift for those who value quick, painless setup, and the Andersen Rapid Jack is a masterclass in multi-functional design for the minimalist. The key is to move beyond basic wedge chocks and invest in a system that actively locks your wheels.

This isn’t just about preventing your RV from rolling down a hill; that’s the bare minimum. This is about eliminating the constant, subtle motion that disrupts your sleep, makes you feel unsteady on your feet, and prevents you from truly relaxing in your space. A quality set of chocks is one of the best and most immediate upgrades you can make for your quality of life on the road.

Stop the sway, secure your rig, and sleep soundly. Investing in the right chock system isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation of a stable and peaceful home on wheels.