Jockey wheels are essential to connect or disconnect your trailer from your vehicle. How do they function precisely?
In this post, we’ll examine how a jockey wheel functions, which size is suitable for your vehicle and how to replace the wheel.
What is the Process By Which A Jockey Wheel Works
Jockey wheels are an mechanical device specifically designed to help get your trailer hooked up or uncoupled from your car.
It’s pretty simple. It is made up from a shaft at the top, which is fixed to the A-frame on your caravan and the bottom shaft, which houses the wheel. A winding handle on the top shaft lifts or decreases the lower shaft, and the wheels permit manoeuvrability.
In some ways it’s similar to an RV jack.
The process of using a jockey wheel is easy as long as you follow the steps in the following steps:
Step 1: Attach the jockey wheel on the A-frame.
Find a suitable location to place your jockey wheel. By using the brackets, secure the wheels of your jockey with the help of tightening your bolts.
Step 2: Turn the handle of the winding counter-clockwise
The winding handle is rotated counterclockwise. will raise the front of the trailer.
Step 3. The trailer coupler should be aligned with the tow ball.
Manually move on the back of the truck to ensure that the trailer coupler lines exactly with the ball of the trailer.
Step 4: Turn the handle of winding clockwise to place it in the desired position.
Then, turn the winding handle clockwise until you lower the trailer’s front and attach the tow ball onto that coupler.
What size Jockey Wheel do I require?
There are two key dimensions to take into consideration when selecting a wheel for your jockey. What is the diameter of the wheel jockey and the height of the closed and open sides.
For the size of the wheel there are six common sizes available: 35mm, 42mm, 48mm 48mm serrated, 60mm and 63mm.
The majority of caravans need 48mm to 63mm , depending on the dimensions that the vehicle. To determine what size trailer you require it is necessary to verify the nominal nose weight of your caravan . Also, determine the capacity of the jockey wheel.
The height between the open and closed is the highest height it is able to reach to lift the trailer, and the lowest level it could lower the trailer. It is important to make sure that the jockey wheel has been set at its highest elevation the trailer coupler must have a higher level than that of the ball towing it.
How to Replace A Jockey Wheel
The replacement of your jockey wheel is contingent on the way it’s installed within your caravan.
For caravans in which jockey wheels are installed externally changing the wheel is as easy as taking off the bracket, dismantling the old wheel, replacing it with the brand new wheel, then fixing the bracket.
In some cases, however, if it is mounted within the A-frame, you may do this as follows.
Step 1: Turn around the entire corner steadyes
Turn all the corner stabilizers of the caravan, so that it is easier to transfer weight onto the jockey wheels.
Step 2: Ensure that the handbrake is in the engaged position.
Before proceeding make sure that the handbrake of the caravan is in use. You can push the caravan to check how it reacts. Also, you can place chocks or wedges on the wheels of your caravan to make certain.
Step 3: Lift the head of the caravan
The winding handle should be rotated counter-clockwise to lift the nose of the caravan.
Step 4: Put blocks on the corner and lower it to create for stability
When the nose of the caravan has been lifted, place blocks underneath the corner steady, then lower them so the caravan’s nose stays elevated as you crank up the jockey wheels.
Step 5: Take off the jockey wheels.
Release the clamp on the jockey wheel, and push it as high as you can. Then , tighten the clamps to ensure it stays in its place. Then, turn it downwards until the wheels are off the shaft at the top.
Then release the clamps and take the top shaft out of the A-frame.
Step 6: Dismantle your brand new jockey wheel.
Remove the upper shaft and bottom of the jockey wheel and wind it until it unwinds itself.
7. Install your brand new jockey wheel
Install the new jockey wheel on the A-frame, through inserting the shaft on top and tightening the clamp. Then before inserting the lower part and then winding it up.
Once the wheels of the jockey are operating, remove blocks, and then lower the rear of your caravan. The fresh jockey wheel will be in place and operational.
Final Thoughts
Utilizing a wheel for a jockey or replacing one is simple. When you adhere to the guidelines given above, you’ll be able to utilize the wheel of your jockey to connect to your trailer, or even replace it if needed.
