Wheel chocks for storage

I will have the van in storage over winter. I hope to take it out for a run every 4-6 weeks, but I know the advice is to use wheel chocks and keep the handbrake off. 

So......

Do I use 2 chocks?  Or 4 chocks? Do I keep it in gear?  It can not afford to move backwards as there is a big slope, although it’s parked on the flat. I started off thinking 2 chocks behind the rear wheels and leave it in first gear, but I’m really not sure.  So anyhelp would be appreciated.

Bricks behind the wheels to stop it running down the slope, in bottom or reverse gear, leave the handbrake off and don't worry any further.

If you run it round the block every 4 weeks or so, the tyres will come to no harm. Some folk take their van for a run every couple of weeks, but that's perhaps a bit excessive.

Others may have a different opinion of course!

Bricks!  I wanted to shop, and buy things

Save the money for more site fees and get away more often.

Paulmold wrote:Hi Save the money for more site fees and get away more often.

Trust me, it’s only free time that’s stopping me, not money.  Until next year that is, when I reduce my hours. So I’ll have more time but less money.  I’ve just got back from a break in the Lakes, at Lanefoot Farm. A lovely place, chickens, dark skies and toasted marshmallows. 

I must admit I didn’t know bricks worked. I thought chocks were better as they didn’t have sharp edges!!!

As I’ve said before, I can help with breadmaking, birdwatching, ponds, gardening and preserves.  But vehicles and mechanicals......nope 

Sally wrote:I must admit I didn’t know bricks worked. I thought chocks were better as they didn’t have sharp edges!!!

There won't be much pressure on the tyres from the sharp edge of a brick Sally.

If it concerns you though, think laterally. Pad the brick with a thick crusty slice of your home made bread! 

Or a bit of rag like an old towel, folded into a pad to cushion the sharp edges.

Perhaps a couple of baguettes would do, if Sally's baking is anything like my wife's?

The first one that says “you’re going to need considerably bigger buns” will be sent outside.

Did you see any interesting birdlife at Lanefoot Farm, apart from the chickens ?
Keith

My van over- winters on a steep slope. Handbrake is off, rear wheels chocked with bricks and in first gear.

Yep KMRTOPAZ wrote:Did you see any interesting birdlife at Lanefoot Farm, apart from the chickens ?
Keith

Hi Keith

Unfirtunately no, which was a surprise to me. I was out and about a lot (a walk towards Barrow, shopping in Keswick) but I hoped to see a bit more. I didn’t even see deer, which I normally do on every visit to the Kakes. Geese were starting to appear ready for over wintering. 

But the closest I got to birdlife was the chickens which ended up inside the van!

Sally

inspiredron wrote:My van over- winters on a steep slope. Handbrake is off, rear wheels chocked with bricks and in first gear.

As a spendthrift I would love to buy some chocks, but after the comments on here I’m going to settle on bricks!

Sally

Buy some bricks - simple!