6 Best Aluminum Trailer Wheel Chocks For Horse Trailers That Prevent Rolling
Lightweight and rust-proof, aluminum chocks offer superior stability. We review the 6 best options for horse trailers to prevent rolling and ensure safety.
There’s a moment of truth every time you unhitch your horse trailer, especially on ground that isn’t perfectly level. That slight shift or groan of the suspension is a stark reminder that tons of steel and precious cargo are being held in place by a few small pieces of equipment. Choosing the right wheel chocks isn’t just about following a safety checklist; it’s about guaranteeing your trailer stays exactly where you put it, protecting your animals and your investment.
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The Benefits of Lightweight Aluminum Wheel Chocks
When you’re handling gear day in and day out, weight matters. Aluminum chocks offer the perfect balance of strength and portability. Unlike heavy, solid rubber chocks that can feel like a workout to lug around, aluminum is easy to grab, place, and store.
The real benefit, though, is durability against the elements. Plastic chocks can become brittle in the cold and crack under pressure, while steel will inevitably rust. Aluminum resists corrosion, so you don’t have to worry about it seizing up or leaving rust stains in your truck bed or trailer storage compartment. It’s a buy-it-once kind of tool that holds up to mud, rain, and sun without complaint.
Andersen Hitches 3604 Camper Leveler Chock Set
This system is more than just a chock; it’s a leveler and a chock combined. If you frequently park on uneven ground at shows or trailheads, the Andersen system is a game-changer. You simply drive one trailer tire onto the curved red leveler until you’re perfectly side-to-side, then slide the mating black chock piece underneath.
The genius is in the design. The curved shape means you get incredibly precise leveling, up to four inches, without the hassle of stacking blocks. Once the chock is in place, the trailer is locked solid. The weight of the trailer pressing down on the chock creates immense friction, making it one of the most secure systems available. It’s an elegant solution to two common problems at once.
BAL 28012 X-Chock: Stability for Tandem Axles
A standard ground chock stops a wheel from rolling, but it doesn’t stop the whole trailer from rocking. For a tandem axle horse trailer, that fore-and-aft movement can be unsettling for the animals inside. The BAL X-Chock solves this problem by expanding between the tires, locking them together and stabilizing the entire suspension.
Using an X-Chock is straightforward. You place it between the tires and use the included ratchet wrench to expand it until it’s snug. This pressure prevents the tires from shifting independently, dramatically reducing trailer movement. It is critical to understand that an X-Chock is a stabilizer, not a primary chock. You must still use traditional chocks on the ground to prevent the trailer from rolling away. Think of it as the ultimate stability upgrade, not a replacement for the basics.
Fastway ONEstep Chock for Tandem Axle Trailers
The Fastway ONEstep is another excellent between-the-wheel stabilizer for tandem axles, but its main selling point is speed. Where the BAL X-Chock requires a wrench, the ONEstep is designed for fast, simple, and even one-handed operation. You slide it between the tires and simply step down on the central arm to lock it into place.
This convenience is a huge plus when you’re in a hurry or working alone. It provides the same essential benefit as other X-style chocks—locking the tires together to eliminate the rocking motion that can spook a horse. The tradeoff for speed might be a slightly less fine-tuned level of pressure compared to a screw-driven chock, but for most situations, it provides more than enough stability to keep the trailer still and secure.
MaxxHaul 70075 Solid Aluminum Wheel Chock Pair
Sometimes, the simplest tool is the best one for the job. The MaxxHaul Solid Aluminum Wheel Chock is the classic, no-nonsense wedge design that has been trusted for decades. It’s made from a solid piece of cast aluminum, meaning there are no moving parts to break, no mechanisms to jam, and no question about its strength.
This is the workhorse of wheel chocks. Its ribbed surface grips the tire, while the aggressive teeth on the bottom dig into gravel, dirt, or asphalt. Because it’s a simple wedge, it works on any trailer, whether you have a single axle or a tandem. Even if you invest in a fancy stabilizing system, having a pair of these on hand is smart. They are the ultimate in reliability and a fantastic, foolproof backup.
Camco 44652 Aluminum Tandem Wheel Stop Chock
The Camco Tandem Wheel Stop offers another approach to between-the-wheel stabilization. It uses a scissor-style mechanism that expands outward as you turn a central screw. This action pushes two pads firmly against the tread of each tire, locking them in place and preventing shifting.
This design is often appreciated for its simplicity and direct application of force. It’s easy to see how it works and to feel when it’s properly tightened. Made of cast aluminum with corrosion-resistant hardware, it’s built to last. For hobby farmers who want effective tandem-axle stability without the complexity of some other models, the Camco is a strong and reliable contender.
Buyers Products WC2448A Aluminum Chock System
If your priority is maximum, uncompromising holding power, this is the style of chock you need. The Buyers Products chock is a heavy-duty, cast aluminum wedge that feels more like industrial equipment than a simple accessory. It’s larger, heavier, and features a more aggressive "tooth" pattern on the bottom designed to bite into any surface.
This is the kind of chock you reach for when parking a fully loaded trailer on a noticeable grade. Its substantial size provides a larger contact patch with both the tire and the ground, inspiring confidence that it will not slip, crush, or fail. While it might be overkill for parking on a flat, paved lot, that extra margin of safety is invaluable when the ground is soft or the slope is questionable.
Choosing Chocks: Tire Size and Weight Capacity
The best chock for your trailer depends entirely on your setup. The first consideration is tire size and the spacing between them. For between-the-wheel stabilizers like the X-Chock or ONEstep, you must measure the gap between your tires to ensure the model you choose will fit its expansion range. For ground chocks, a chock that is too small for a large tire can be ineffective and even dangerous.
Most importantly, you must consider weight. Your chocks need to be rated for your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes the weight of the trailer plus its maximum cargo—in this case, your horses. Never rely on chocks rated only for the empty weight of the trailer.
Ultimately, the safest setup for a tandem axle horse trailer is a combination approach. Use a between-the-wheel stabilizer like an X-Chock to eliminate rocking and improve animal comfort. Then, place heavy-duty ground chocks, like the MaxxHaul or Buyers Products models, on both sides of the trailer for absolute roll-away prevention. This layered system provides both stability and security.
In the end, wheel chocks are a small investment that provides an enormous return in safety and peace of mind. Don’t treat them as an afterthought. The right set of aluminum chocks will last a lifetime and ensure that your trailer—and the animals inside it—remain safe and stationary, every single time you unhitch.
