How to Block the Axles on a Horse Trailer

Wheel chocks are vital for loading or unloading any livestock trailer.

Trailer blocks (aka wheel chocks) are wedges used to prevent unintentional movement. While you can use almost anything as a chock, commercially available wheel chocks have a concave surface that matches the tire profile, which forces the tire to move vertically up the chock in order to traverse it. This drastically increases the amount of force requires to roll over the chock, keeping the trailer safe and secure against unwanted movement.

Things You'll Need

• Four wheel chocks

Instructions

1. Park the vehicle in the desired location, and have your assistant jump out to retrieve the chocks.

2. Direct your assistant to kick one chock behind each of the trailer's rear wheels. He should give the chocks a couple of firm kicks toward the wheel in order to wedge them in place.

3. Place your foot on the brake and place your truck in reverse. Gently let off of the brake until the truck wedges completely against the chocks and refuses to move. If you have an automatic transmission, lift your foot completely off of the brake and allow the engine to hold the truck against the chocks. If you have a manual transmission, let the clutch out very slightly while in reverse.

4. Have your assistant run around to the trailer's front axles and wedge the other set of chocks ahead of the front-most wheels. Have your assistant give the chocks a quick kick to wedge them in place. Manual-transmission owners may only wish to install a single front chock in order to avoid burning the clutch while waiting for the assistant to set the second chock.

5. Put your foot on the brake and place the truck in park. It will roll forward slightly and wedge against the front chock. Install the second front chock after you've parked the truck and trailer. You'll probably need to reverse this procedure in order to remove the front chocks, as they should be firmly wedged under the trailer tires.

Tips & Warnings

• You only need two chocks for most applications, but you'd be wise to use four whenever dealing with livestock. The animals are capable of rocking the trailer forward and away from the chocks, so securing it from both sides is always a good idea.

References

• State Fund Insurance: Chocking and Blocking Safety
• Round Rock Publications: Blocking the Fifth Wheel
• Chocks: Wheel Chocking FAQ