Let’s Talk About Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide promises a simple and affordable solution for securing your motorcycle during transport or storage. Manufactured by Extreme Max, this chock aims to provide a stable base for your bike, preventing it from rolling around in your truck bed or trailer. Its three-piece design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it a potentially versatile option for those on a budget.
My introduction to motorcycle hauling was less than graceful, involving ratchet straps stretched precariously and a constant anxiety about my prized possession tipping over. After one particularly harrowing trip where my bike shifted significantly, I knew I needed a better solution than relying solely on tie-downs.
Upon unboxing, the Extreme Max chock felt surprisingly lightweight, which initially gave me pause. The tubular steel construction seemed adequate, but I couldn’t help comparing it mentally to the heavy-duty chocks I’d seen at dealerships. Its simple design and black powder coat finish, however, are aesthetically pleasing and should resist rust, at least for a while.
Compared to the solid, one-piece chocks from brands like Condor or the adjustable options from Baxley, the Extreme Max felt decidedly more…economical. I ultimately chose it due to the attractive price point and positive reviews highlighting its ease of use for light-duty applications. My hope was that it would provide enough stability for occasional trips without breaking the bank.
My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and a healthy dose of skepticism. The light weight made me question its long-term durability, but the simplicity of the design suggested it might just work for my needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide during a short trip to a local bike night, hauling my Triumph Bonneville in the bed of my pickup truck. The setup was straightforward: I assembled the chock, positioned it in the truck bed, and carefully rode my bike into it. The 5″ width was perfect for my Bonneville’s front tire.
The weather was dry and clear, providing ideal conditions for testing. The chock held the bike upright surprisingly well, allowing me to secure the tie-down straps with greater confidence. It was noticeably easier to strap down the bike with the front wheel stabilized.
It took a few tries to find the optimal placement of the chock in my truck bed, but once I found the sweet spot, it was a breeze to load and unload the bike. Initially, I was a bit concerned about the lack of included mounting hardware, but a quick trip to the hardware store solved that issue.
After the initial use, I was pleasantly surprised by how stable the Extreme Max chock felt, despite its lightweight construction. However, I noted a slight wobble when pushing the bike into the chock, reinforcing the manufacturer’s recommendation to always use straps.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide for transporting my motorcycle to various events and storage over the winter, it has held up reasonably well. I’ve used it roughly twice a month.
There are some minor signs of wear and tear, including a few scratches in the powder coat finish, particularly around the area where the tire makes contact. However, the steel frame itself shows no signs of bending or cracking.
Cleaning the chock is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes any dirt or debris. I’ve applied a thin coat of WD-40 to the joints to prevent rust and keep the assembly process smooth.
Compared to my previous reliance on just straps, the Extreme Max chock offers a significant improvement in stability and peace of mind. While it may not be as robust as some of the more expensive options on the market, it has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective solution for my light-duty hauling needs. The peace of mind knowing the bike is secured is worth every penny.
Breaking Down the Features of Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide
Specifications
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide is designed for motorcycle tires up to 5 inches wide. Its overall height is 13.5 inches, providing adequate support for most standard motorcycle tires.
The interior width of the chock is 5.25 inches, offering a snug fit for tires within the specified range. The total length of the chock is 14 inches, making it relatively compact and easy to store when not in use. The four-hole mounting pattern, spaced 6 inches front to back and 6.25 inches wide (center to center), allows for secure attachment to a trailer or truck bed.
These specifications are important because they determine the compatibility of the chock with different motorcycle tire sizes and mounting surfaces. The 5-inch tire width capacity covers a broad range of motorcycles, and the four-hole mounting pattern provides flexibility in installation. The compact dimensions make it easy to store.
Performance & Functionality
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide performs its primary job of stabilizing the motorcycle’s front tire quite effectively, especially when used in conjunction with tie-down straps. It prevents the bike from rolling forward or backward during transport or storage, providing a stable base for securing the bike.
The main strength of this chock is its simplicity and ease of use. Assembly is quick and straightforward, and the design is intuitive. One potential weakness is its relatively lightweight construction, which may not be suitable for heavier motorcycles or more demanding hauling conditions.
The Extreme Max chock largely meets expectations for a budget-friendly wheel chock. It provides adequate stability for light-duty applications, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a substitute for proper tie-down straps.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide is decent for its price point. The powder-coated tubular steel provides a reasonable level of durability, but it’s not as robust as some of the heavier-duty chocks on the market.
The lightweight design makes it easy to handle and position, but it also contributes to a slightly less stable feel compared to heavier chocks. There’s virtually no learning curve; assembly is intuitive, and using the chock is self-explanatory.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide should last for several years of occasional use. The powder coat finish helps to prevent rust, but it’s important to touch up any scratches or chips to maintain its protective properties.
Maintenance is minimal, consisting primarily of keeping the chock clean and dry. Applying a lubricant to the joints can help to prevent rust and ensure smooth assembly and disassembly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the three pieces required for assembly. The primary customization option is the ability to choose mounting hardware that suits your specific trailer or truck bed.
While the Extreme Max chock is not specifically designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands, its standard mounting pattern should allow it to be used with a variety of tie-down straps and other motorcycle hauling accessories. Securing it to a wooden platform for garage use is a popular modification.
Pros and Cons of Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide
Pros
- Affordable price makes it accessible to budget-conscious motorcycle owners.
- Simple three-piece design allows for easy assembly and disassembly.
- Lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and store.
- 5-inch width capacity accommodates a wide range of motorcycle tires.
- Provides enhanced stability when used in conjunction with tie-down straps.
Cons
- Lightweight construction may not be suitable for heavier motorcycles or demanding hauling conditions.
- Mounting hardware not included, requiring a separate purchase.
- Intended for light-duty applications only.
Who Should Buy Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide?
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide is perfect for motorcycle owners who need a budget-friendly solution for occasional transport or storage. It’s well-suited for riders with lighter motorcycles, such as smaller sportbikes, cruisers, or vintage bikes, and those who only haul their bikes short distances.
Those who should skip this product include owners of very heavy motorcycles (e.g., large touring bikes) or those who frequently haul their bikes long distances or over rough terrain. In these situations, a heavier-duty chock would be a better investment.
Must-have accessories include appropriate mounting hardware (bolts, washers, etc.) and high-quality tie-down straps. A small piece of plywood can be used to provide a more stable mounting surface in some applications.
Conclusion on Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide
The Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide is a solid choice for riders seeking an affordable and simple solution for securing their motorcycles. While it may not offer the same level of robustness as more expensive chocks, it provides adequate stability for light-duty applications.
The value proposition is excellent, especially considering its low price point. The Extreme Max chock offers a significant improvement in safety and peace of mind compared to relying solely on tie-down straps.
I would personally recommend the Extreme Max chock to riders who are on a budget or who only need a chock for occasional use. Just remember to use it in conjunction with proper tie-down straps and to choose appropriate mounting hardware for your specific trailer or truck bed. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to secure your motorcycle, give the Extreme Max 3 Piece Economy Motorcycle Wheel Chock 5″ Wide a try – you might be surprised at how well it performs.