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Chocks Away! 12 of The Best Aircraft Wheel Chocks

Most of us don’t think about planes much once they’re parked. Surely, once they’ve come to a halt they’re safe and secure. Those who fly, however, know parked planes are just one slip up away from rolling away toward disaster. It is vital that they be physically secured via wheel chocks. Today I present you with 12 of the best aircraft wheel chocks. Is your plane rolling off and need them now? These are the best.



So what are wheel chocks, anyway?

Like any vehicle, planes have braking mechanisms that help keep them in place once parked. That said, as with larger trucks, vans, and other vehicles, there is always the risk that the sheer weight of the plane could potentially be too much for those brakes. 

Wheel chocks – essentially blocks that are fitted around the wheels – thus provide vital physical support, keeping larger vehicles in place.

While this may seem basic, the fact is that finding the right wheel chocks is as complex as any braking mechanism for larger vehicles. 

On the one hand, they need to be the proper size to fit snugly around the wheels, because if they’re too small, they won’t be able to fit. 

On the other hand, if they’re too large and the “wiggle room” afforded to the wheels is too great, they might simply roll free. Of course, it won’t matter how big or small the wheel chocks are if they don’t have the stopping power necessary to keep the plane braked.

As a general rule, your wheel chock should be at least ¼ the height of your aircraft’s wheels. That said, wheel chocks come in all shapes and sizes, in both rubber and metal varieties. Even more important than the height of the chock is making sure it fits your plane’s wheels and your overall braking needs.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the different types of chocks, why they’re so important, how to secure them in place, and a selection of the best airplane wheel chocks on the market today.

The Different Types of Wheel Chocks

Rubber, aluminum, and plastic are among the most common materials for wheel chocks.

Aluminum wheel chocks often have teeth located at the bottom that provide friction and stability when they come in contact with the wheel. Plastic and rubber wheels, by contrast, make use of non-slip materials. Both typically have some type of tread so as to produce extra friction.

In addition to size and materials, wheel chocks vary in shape as well. Some are curved to fit extra snugly around tires, while others feature a pyramid design that allows for the wheels to be wedged tightly between a pair of chocks.

With those distinctions established, let’s look at some of the best examples of each type of wheel chock.

Best Aircraft Wheel Chocks

Best Rubber Aircraft Wheel Chocks

1. AFA Tooling Rubber Wheel Chocks (37 Inches)

These wheel chocks measure 10” x 5” x 4.5”. They feature horizontal traction ribs, which do a good job of gripping both sides of the tires to which they are attached, thereby reducing the likelihood of them rolling free.

These wheel chocks are in keeping with aviation safety standards. That said, they can also be used for other large vehicles, such as your car, truck, RV, or ATV.

They come with a 37-inch tether that is highly reflective, making it highly visible even in poor weather conditions. In addition, the ribbed high-density rubber extrusions are able to provide traction without fear of cracking or slippage.

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2. AFA Tooling Aircraft Wheel Chocks (29 Inches)

These slightly smaller aircraft wheel chocks measure 7.8” x 4.1” x 3.9” and are designed for planes that are on the smaller side. They feature skid-proof rubber extrusions, are in keeping with safety regulations, and can be used with all manner of small planes and ground equipment.

These are another pair of chocks that can be used with vehicles besides aircraft as well. What’s more, they can be used for construction purposes such as large pipe stacking and lumber storage. 

The 33-inch tether is highly reflective and easily visible in all conditions. In addition, the high-density extrusions are able to provide a great deal of grip no matter the surface, ensuring that your plane or other equipment remains set in place.

3. BUNKERWALL Rubber Wheel Chock Blocks

Industrial Rubber Wheel Chock Blocks with Rope - High Visibility Orange - 9.6' Wide x 5' High BW3433
31 Reviews
Industrial Rubber Wheel Chock Blocks with Rope - High Visibility Orange - 9.6" Wide x 5" High BW3433
  • Two Heavy Duty Chocks connected by a...
  • Great for Truck RV Camper and Auto...
  • Aircraft style tire wedge shape. Durable...

The first thing you notice about these wheel chocks is that they’re practically impossible to miss with their bright orange coloring, making them a great choice for low visibility conditions. These two heavy-duty chocks are connected by a durable rope, with the whole unit measuring 9.6″ x 5.1″ x 4.3″.

This is another example of wheel chocks that can be used for non-airplane purposes as well. For example, they are quite well suited for use with RV campers.

In addition, this is another example of wheel chocks that are able to provide a great deal of grip no matter the weather or ground conditions.

4. AFA Chock Blocks

This four-piece wheel chock set features a texturized ribbed rubber design on the bottom that grips the surface below it, providing extra traction and support for the vehicle it is chocking. That extra grip means they can be used in all weather conditions without fear of slippage.

These chocks are also Nylon-reinforced and twice as strong as regular rubber wheel chocks. While they are only 3.5 pounds each, that extra sturdiness allows them to provide quality traction and support in the face of dust, dirt, sand, ice, mud, and other conditions.

The chocks themselves measure 8 x 3.5”, making them highly portable and, thus, suitable for use with RVs and trailers as well.

Best Aluminum Wheel Chocks

5. LJR – Handy Aluminum Wheel Chocks

These aircraft wheel chocks are on the lighter side, and are, therefore, suitable for smaller planes. They measure 2” x 2” x 8”. Both of these factors combined make them an ideal choice for those looking for lightweight portable aircraft wheel chocks.

They come with adjustable cords that can be fitted extra snugly around the aircraft’s wheels so as to provide extra support. The aluminum makes it easy to pick up and move these chocks as needed.

What’s more, the bright yellow color scheme does a great job of making the aircraft chocks visible, making them a great choice for low-visibility environments.

Best Plastic Wheel Chocks

6. Tigerchocks AC201 Urethane Lightweight Commercial Aviation Wheel Chock

This is another great example of lightweight wheel chocks that can offer a great deal of portability. The unit measures 5.5” x 4.5” x 2.75”, and weighs only 1.5 pounds, all while offering a great deal of stopping power thanks to its durable polyurethane build.

It is able to put up with a great deal of wear and tear, and doesn’t rust easily. The carved surface allows blocks to be placed flush against the wheel, allowing for greater stability and support.

The two chocks are connected by a 24”-long rope, which is likewise durable. The yellow color scheme makes the chocks themselves quite visible in low-visibility conditions.

7. BUNKERWALL Aircraft Wheel Chock Blocks

BUNKERWALL Durable Aircraft Style Wheel Chock Blocks on Rope BW2302
64 Reviews
BUNKERWALL Durable Aircraft Style Wheel Chock Blocks on Rope BW2302
  • Strong, lightweight and easy to use....
  • Wheel Stops are made of durable molded...
  • Chocks are conected by weather resistant...

This set of aircraft wheel chocks immediately sets itself apart with its bright blue color scheme. This is unusual for wheel chocks, and in a good way – you won’t easily overlook these chocks, even in low-visibility conditions.

The chocks themselves are made from a highly durable plastic, offer a strong, lightweight build, and can be used to chock both sides of an aircraft’s wheel. What’s more, the curved surface allows it to be placed flush against the wheels for extra support.

The chocks are connected with a weather-resistant rope made of nylon, making them a great choice for long-term durability.

Best Wheel Chocks for RV

8. Camco 44472 Wheel Chock With Rope for Easy Removal

Sale
Camco 44472 Wheel Chock With Rope For Easy Removal, Helps Keep Your Trailer or RV In Place (Pack of 1), Yellow
20,922 Reviews
Camco 44472 Wheel Chock With Rope For Easy Removal, Helps Keep Your Trailer or RV In Place (Pack of 1), Yellow
  • Item Package Dimension: 7.75L x 4.96W x...
  • Item Package Weight - 0.74 Pounds
  • Item Package Quantity - 1

Now we start getting into wheel chocks that are designed more specifically for vehicles such as RVs. This unit is constructed from hard, durable plastic with UV inhibitors, making it a good choice for anyone who uses RVs often and wants a long-term wheel chocking solution.

The wheel chocks help keep the trailer in place, making it that much easier for users to re-hitch their vehicle. It can be used with tires measuring up to 26” in diameter, though it is not designed for use with heavy commercial trucks or trailers.

The unit includes a rope that allows for safe and easy removal.

9. Wheel Chock Set with Rope

This unit makes use of two heavy-duty RV wheel chocks that are specifically designed to fit with RV wheels. The wheel chocks feature rope handles as well as anti-slip bottoms for increased grip, and the whole unit comes with a carrying bag for extra portability.

In addition, that bag allows for easier storage, which is always a question facing wheel chock users. You don’t want to simply leave them outside, but storing them can be tricky given their size. This bag offers a good storage solution, allowing you to store your chocks with ease and confidence.

In addition, the unit comes with a full lifetime warranty.

Best Foldable Wheel Chocks

10. Torin Big Red Steel Safety Wheel Chock

BIG RED 2 Pack Steel Wheel Chock Foldable Tire Stop for Car, Red, TD3553
627 Reviews
BIG RED 2 Pack Steel Wheel Chock Foldable Tire Stop for Car, Red, TD3553
  • Crafted with heat-treated, drop-forged...
  • Features a small body with a foldable...
  • Ideal for use when using a jack on cars,...

One of the most important questions facing those using wheel chocks to keep cars in place is what to do with them in between uses. As with RV and plane wheel chocks, you cannot simply leave them out in the elements, but storing large wheel chocks can prove difficult.

Foldable wheel chocks are a popular option, and this offering from Torin is a good example of why.

These wheel chocks are bright red, so as to remain visible in low-visibility conditions, and they are heat-treated for extra toughness. They are drop-forged, ideal for usage with jacks, and can be easily folded for extra portability, maximizing their overall convenience.

11. Homeon Wheels Folding Wheel Chocks

These wheel chocks use a more delicate touch, helping keep cars in place without pressing the entire wheel against the wheel chock. This makes them a good choice for wheels that are more sensitive and cannot be used with other wheel chocks that place more pressure on the wheels.

These wheel chocks are ideal for use with tires 20” in diameter, though they can work with smaller wheels as well. They can be used with car trailers, motorcycles, forklifts, and other vehicles.

Each wheel chock measures 6.8″ x 3.35″. The folding design makes portability a breeze, while the chocks themselves are strong, durable, and built for the long haul.

12. Synrroe Metal Wheel Chock

These wheel chocks are made from steel that is of the highest quality and treated with a high-grade baking varnish, which allows it even greater durability. It does not have a rusty odor, which can be common in other wheel chocks. 

When unfolded, the wheel chocks measure 7.5″ x 2.75″ x 3”.

The collapsible design makes it all the easier to fold up and store. This makes them an ideal choice for those who need to take their wheel chocks on the road with them to keep their RVs or other vehicles in place. Simply fold them up and take them wherever you need to go.

Chocking the Wheels of a C-40
Editorial Team Chocking the Wheels of a C-40

Why You Need Quality Aircraft Wheel Chocks

Aircraft obviously have quite elaborate braking mechanisms for making sure planes stop as needed. That said, as with any large vehicle, they are prone to slide around, especially if confronted with external forces that challenge their stability.

For example, heavy winds can blow stationary planes around on the runway if they are not properly secured in place. The same holds true for planes that are parked on a slippery runway.

Airplane wheel chocks
Editorial Team Airplane wheel chocks

In instances such as these, the size of planes becomes a liability. Because they are so large, once they start moving, they can be hard to stop. 

That is why quality aircraft wheel chocks are necessary to provide extra security against this happening. In fact, this kind of added security in the form of wheel chocks is common for many larger vehicles.

In addition, aviation regulations as set down by the airport, airline, or government may stipulate the need for aircraft wheel chocks.

Why Do Aircraft Need Wheel Chocks If They Have Brakes?

As stated, if aircraft are blown around or start slipping due to a wet runway, they can be hard to stop.

However, you may wonder why brakes themselves are not enough to keep planes in place.

The answer here is twofold.

First, it is always a good idea to have a backup with something as physically huge and which is as huge of a financial investment as a plane.

Second, there’s the fact that brakes may not be enough to stop a plane in severe weather conditions.

If you have ever had your flight delayed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, you know how stormy it can get out on the runway.

The kind of wind, rain, sleet, and snow that can combine for treacherous runways that result in cancelled flights are also the kind that tend to result in the types of conditions that can prove too much for braking mechanisms.

One advantage wheel chocks have over braking mechanisms is the manner in which they are wedged snugly against wheels so as to create a physical barrier.

While brakes rely on stopping the aircraft from within, wheel chocks make use of the simple power of physical force and wheel-wedge physics to stop a plane in its tracks and keep it there.

How to Place Chocks on an Aircraft

Of course, having the right aircraft wheel chocks is one thing. Actually being able to use them is something different altogether. To make sure planes are kept in place, wheel chocks need to be set in place the right way.

That means making sure that the wheel chocks are snug against the plane’s tires. While they should not be so tight as to risk physical damage, they should nevertheless be quite snug and allow for little to no wiggle room.

Dash 8 Q400 Chock BlocksDash 8 Q400 Chock Blocks
Editorial Team Dash 8 Q400 Chock Blocks

Wheel chocks are typically set in place in front of and behind the aircraft’s wheels. Ideally, the chocks should be tall enough to come at least ¼ of the way up the wheel.

That said, the height of airplane wheels and wheel chocks will differ. It is, therefore, important to make sure that the wheel chocks you are using are a good fit for your aircraft.

In addition, you will want to pay attention to the chock’s extrusions. It is vital that wheel chocks maintain good friction between both the wheel as well as the ground. A slippery connection with either can result in disaster.

It is, therefore, imperative when considering how to fit your wheel chocks against your plane to look at their surface. Ideally, your wheel chocks should have a ribbed or otherwise texturized surface for added grip.

The shape of the wheel chocks also comes into play here. Curved wheel chocks can be placed more closely around the wheels. By contrast, pyramid wheel chocks make greater use of wheel-wedge physics and should be aligned so as to maximize its wedge’s stopping power.

Finally, it is often a good idea to fasten the front and rear wheel chocks together with a rope.

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