Rubber Wheel Chocks vs. Urethane Wheel Chocks
What they are, how they're different, and where to buy the best ones.
Rubber and urethane wheel chocks are both a lightweight, durable, and fairly inexpensive way to avoid silly accidents from causing major damage to your vehicles - whether it's trucks, trailers, recreational vehicles, or any other vehicle that could potentially roll away on you.
In short, the main purpose of wheel chocks is to keep vehicles from rolling away.
We have many different wheel chock styles to choose from in order to match your needs and your vehicle's needs. Determining whether you need rubber or urethane wheel chocks mainly depends on the environment that the chocks will be used in.
Styles of Rubber Wheel Chocks
Rubber wheel chocks are commonly used in the commercial transportation industry and while wheel chocks are not technically required for commercial motor vehicles, they're always good to have on hand when loading, unloading, or when you're parked on any type of incline or decline.
Most people only use rubber wheel chocks in enclosed areas like warehouses or garages since they're not very resistant to outdoor elements.
Wedge-Style Wide Rubber Wheel Chocks
Heavy-duty rubber and a grooved design come together to create a secure grip against tires. Metal handles make these chocks easy to carry or secure when not in use.
Wedge-Style Solid Rubber Wheel Chocks
A stronger, more solid rubber and full grip bottom provide a safe and secure hold on your vehicle's tires. Built-in slots on the back make them easy to carry or secure with a chain or strap.
Double-Sided Rubber Wheel Chocks
These popular pyramid-style wheel chocks come in two sizes to match your tire size: 9-1/4" x 5-1/2" x 7-1/4" and a slightly larger 10" x 6" x8". This style can be used on either side and come with a built-in eye bolt for secure storage.
Styles of Urethane Wheel Chocks
If you're going to be using your chocks mainly outdoors, urethane wheel chocks are able to better resist weather and abrasions. Urethane wheel chocks are also more resistant to oils, fuels, and lubricants.
Our urethane wheel chocks are orange due to customer demand. The bright color makes it harder to misplace or forget them. To learn more about the benefits of the orange color see our post: Why Should I Buy Bright Wheel Chocks?
Orange Wedge-Style Wheel Chocks
These long and bright wheel chocks have a curved surface that contours to fit tires and features a raised diamond plate pattern. Instead of a eye bolt, it has a mold-in hole for chain or strap securement.
Orange Double-Sided Wheel Chocks
Similar to the rubber double-sided chocks, these urethane chocks are more lightweight and resistant to fuels and solvents. They provide excellent stability to vehicles and can be used on either side.
Choosing the Right Wheel Chocks
Both double-sided and wedge-style wheel chocks serve the same purpose and choosing which one to use is mostly a personal choice. Double-sided chocks are the most versatile as they can be used on either side, while wedge wheel chocks are able to cradle tires more.
The most important aspect in choosing the right wheel chocks is getting a size that's right for your tires.
For standard truck and trailer size wheels, you should choose a wheel chock with a height that’s about 1/4 the height of the tire. For example, a 22.5" tire requires a wheel chock that’s about 6" high. Along with the tire height, you also need to choose a chock that is wider than your tire’s diameter to ensure a secure hold.
