Have you used Wedgies ?? (1 Viewer)

[Larrynwin]

Found these Alko wedgies in the tool kit supplied with Hymer . I guess necessary when parked on steep incline with auto box as no fallback if brakes fail.
Surprising on a modern vehicle

 

[DBK]

Probably for when you jack the vehicle up to change a wheel. Can be very useful if you have to jack up the axle which has the handbrake as the vehicle can roll away if you are not careful and fall off the jack.

But similar things are also used with levelling ramps so you don't have to leave the handbrake on.

 

[Allanm]

I had these supplied with an auto Land Rover I bought years ago, the handbook said they were to chock the wheels as you were jacking it up.
They maybe supplied with yours for the same reason because it is an auto.
No reason you can't use them for the reason you specified, but the Park position on your auto box should lock the gearbox up anyway so it shouldn't move if the handbrake fails.

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[pappajohn]

Generally, those chocks fit ON wheel ramps to form a cradle.
I dont think they would provide sufficient grip on tarmac.

 

[pappajohn]

the Park position on your auto box should lock the gearbox up

Only if its a true torque converter auto.
Far too many pretend autos with robotised manual boxs.
But then, just leave it in a low/reverse gear.

 

[Tootles]

Surprising on a modern vehicle

I use mine as a wedge for the ramps, just in case the truck wants to move off them a bit. And I know this works, because sometimes their jammed under the tyre.

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[pappajohn]

I use mine as a wedge for the ramps, just in case the truck wants to move off them a bit. And I know this works, because sometimes their jammed under the tyre.

I assume they have a similar ridge pattern on the underside to the ramp ridges allowing them to lock in place ?

 

[Larrynwin]

I assume they have a similar ridge pattern on the underside to the ramp ridges allowing them to lock in place ?

They also have a steel insert on the bottom edge to aid digging in to a firm surface which you can see on the bottom of the top wedgie in the photo.

 

[Tootles]

I assume they have a similar ridge pattern on the underside to the ramp ridges allowing them to lock in place ?

I don't use them that high John, I put the truck onto the ramp, then shove the wedge under the tyre, rear end of the wedge still on the ground. Any movement of the wheel 'locks' the wedge quite firmly.

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[JeanLuc]

I cannot find the reference now, but I'm pretty sure I have read that some EU countries (probably Germany) require vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to carry wheel chocks for use on inclines.

 

[Larrynwin]

I cannot find the reference now, but I'm pretty sure I have read that some EU countries (probably Germany) require vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to carry wheel chocks for use on inclines.

Just checked my Hymer manual ,

 

[awg]

I use them when parked up for a few weeks so I can leave the handbrake off. Stops the brakes sticking on. Leave it in gear and a wheel chocked front and back. It is parked on level ground.

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[Larrynwin]

Note to ageing receding brain, " must read Hymer manual "

 

[9526]

Today's gold star goes to @JeanLuc

 

[Puddleduck]

I use mine as a wedge for the ramps, just in case the truck wants to move off them a bit. And I know this works, because sometimes their jammed under the tyre.

We do the same and if parked up for a while when we want to leave the handbrake off.

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[JeanLuc]

Just checked my Hymer manual ,

That's where I read it - just checked my manual too. But as our GVW is 3,800 kg, we didn't get chocks with ours.

 

[OldWomble]

Legal requirement in Germany and for all trailers too!

 

[Larrynwin]

That's where I read it - just checked my manual too. But as our GVW is 3,800 kg, we didn't get chocks with ours.

Mine is 3500kgs gvw which was ordered by Becks , the original plate shows 3800kgs.

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[PeteH]

As with (apparently) the vast majority of Al-Co equipped Ducato chassis. Mine sits downhill at all times and must be parked on blocks, even on the (Level) driveway!. I use wedges too so that I can park up with the handbrake off!, saves the big "Crunch" that is the seized on brake lining coming off when it is first moved after a longish lay up!!. I`v always used blocks and or wedges to immobilise vehicles and caravans, rather than the brakes, if they are going to be parked more than a few days (even bricks in the past!).

BTW, I`ve always spelt it Wedges?. a wedgie was something eye-wateringly painful as I recollect!!

Pete

 

[scotjimland]

a wedgie was something eye-wateringly painful as I recollect!!

can be.. or....

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[PeteH]

Yup!! EYE Watering!! (not good for the "dicky ticker")

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[icantremember]

Just cut the straps off a pair of my girlfriend's wedges and they work fine .......



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[John & Joan]

"INSTRUCTION 08/V-74 FROM THE SPANISH DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TRAFFIC RELATIVE TO MOTORHOMES
3. In the case of a motor vehicle or motorcycle, when the driver has to abandon the vehicle, the following rules should be observed, where applicable:
a) Stop the engine and disconnect the ignition and, if leaving the vehicle, take the necessary precautions to prevent its unauthorized use.
b) Engage the hand-brake.
c) In a vehicle equipped with gearbox, leave the first gear engaged if parked on an upward slope, and the reverse gear engaged if parked on downward slope, or, in the parking position if automatic
d) When the vehicle is superior to 3,500 kilograms of maximum permissible weight (MMA), a bus or coach or a combination of vehicles, and when stopping or parking is conducted in a place with a marked slope, the driver must also use proper wheel blocks; stones, bricks or other items not specifically intended for this use cannot be used, nor by resting one of the wheels on the kerb of the pavement, nor by inclining the wheels towards the centre of the road on upward slopes nor outwards on downward slopes. The wheel blocks must be removed from the road after use and prior to driving away. "

So if you are over 3,500kg in Spain or towing a trailer the chocks are mandatory. Hymer have provided these chocks (Metal) in my gas locker. My vehicle is not an automatic.

The question then arises if you are in the vehicle with them in place are you CAMPING rather than parking? as provided under the same Royal Decree. "Putting anything on the outside, under or around the parked vehicle.

 

[makems]

"INSTRUCTION 08/V-74 FROM THE SPANISH DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TRAFFIC RELATIVE TO MOTORHOMES

So if you are over 3,500kg in Spain or towing a trailer the chocks are mandatory. Hymer have provided these chocks (Metal) in my gas locker. My vehicle is not an automatic.

The question then arises if you are in the vehicle with them in place are you CAMPING rather than parking? as provided under the same Royal Decree. "Putting anything on the outside, under or around the parked vehicle.

Because these are the rules for parking, then by using chocks you are complying with the rules for parking and therefore not camping.

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[Larrynwin]

. Dot

 

[Tootles]

when the driver has to abandon the vehicle

ABANDON YOUR MOTORHOME! My God, what do they think we are, shot down Dornior pilots??

 

[Tootles]

Because these are the rules for parking, then by using chocks you are complying with the rules for parking and therefore not camping.

The wife uses the chocs all the time....Cadburys, Black Magic, Thorntons...........

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[gus-lopez]

The question then arises if you are in the vehicle with them in place are you CAMPING rather than parking? as provided under the same Royal Decree. "Putting anything on the outside, under or around the parked vehicle.

Because these are the rules for parking, then by using chocks you are complying with the rules for parking and therefore not camping.

& when parking the law allows the use them as long as you do not use them to level it.

http://lafurgoteta.com/legislacion-nacional-sobre-autocaravanas/

States it in first picture.

 

[John & Joan]

ABANDON YOUR MOTORHOME! My God, what do they think we are, shot down Dornior pilots??

There is no direct translation for "to leave something " in Spanish. abandonar, dejar are the nearest so things do get lost in translation