Can Using Drive-Up Wheel Chock Cause Tire, Wheel or Spindle Damage

Updated 05/09/2017 | Published 05/08/2017

Question:

I have a horse trailer rated at max 19500lbs, which loaded I only carry 17500 lbs. I have GY G614s @ 110 psi. One tire has a wobble when traveling. Its the tire I use a drive up jack to empty the tanks. Can using a drive up jack cause problems like tire separation?

asked by: Ken C

Expert Reply:

It is very unlikely that using a drive-on ramp or leveler such as the Blaylock EZ Jack and Wheel Chock # EZ-JACK would cause tire damage. If the tire was far wider than the leveler, or not lined up correctly, and was allowed to remain on the leveler for a very long time (weeks or months) it might cause flat spots, but that would tend to even out as you drive.

Given the substantial 17.5K weight of the trailer, lifting much of its weight by only one spindle could cause the spindle to bend. This same weight load applied on only one of the trailer's wheels could have caused deformation of the wheel itself. This could cause an issue with feeling wobble as you drive. It is much more likely that the spindle or wheel has damage than the tire. The tire certainly could have damage but it is unlikely to have occurred from using the wheel chock.

I suggest removing the two wheels on the side of the trailer that is giving you a problem and have them checked at a tire shop for any flaws. You can certainly do a visual inspection by removing the tire and this will tell you if you have a bubble or other damage in the tire itself.

expert reply by: Adam R