Jockey wheels are crucial to connect or disconnect your trailer from your vehicle. How do they function precisely?
In this article, we’ll examine how a jockey wheel functions, which size is suitable for your vehicle and the best way to replace the wheel.
What is the Process By Which A Jockey Wheel Works
Jockey wheels are an mechanical device made to assist in getting your trailer hooked up or uncoupled with your automobile.
It’s pretty simple. It is comprised consisting of two shafts: a top one, which is fixed to the A-frame of your caravan , and an underside shaft which is home to the wheel. The 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 straightforward as follows: steps in the following steps:
Step 1: Attach the jockey wheel onto the A-frame.
Find the right place for your jockey wheel to be mounted. 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. Make sure that the trailer coupler is aligned with the tow ball.
Manually move around the rear of the trailer until the trailer coupler lines exactly with the ball of the trailer.
Step 4: Turn the handle to wind it clockwise. place it in the desired position.
Then, turn the winding handle clockwise until you lower the trailer’s front and attach the tow ball on that coupler.
What size Jockey Wheel do I require?
There are two dimensions to take into consideration when selecting a wheel for your jockey. Its diameter 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-63mm, based on the dimensions that the vehicle. To determine the size of trailer you require it is necessary to verify the nominal nose weight of your vehicle and also determine the capacity of the jockey wheel.
The height between the open and closed is the highest height it can reach to lift the trailer, and the lowest level it could lower the trailer. It is important to make sure that, when you have your wheel jockey at its highest level the trailer coupler has to not be lower than your tow ball.
How to replace a Jockey Wheel
The replacement of your jockey wheel is contingent on how it’s installed within your caravan.
For caravans in which jockey wheels are mounted externally replacing the jockey wheel is as easy as taking off the bracket, dismantling the old wheel, installing it, then fixing the bracket.
However, for certain situations where it is installed in the A-frame, you may use the procedure below.
Step 1: Start by winding around the entire corner slacks
Make sure you wind up the corner steadyes of the caravan, so that they can transfer the load to jockey wheels.
Step 2: Ensure that the handbrake is engaged.
Before you proceed be sure to check that the handbrake of the caravan is in use. Push the caravan to check whether it moves. Also, you can add chocks or wedges to the wheels of the caravan to make certain.
Step 3. Raise the head of the caravan
Turn the winding handle counterclockwise to lift the nose of the caravan.
Step 4: Set blocks on the corner and lower it to create for stability
When the nose of the caravan is lifted, put blocks underneath the corner steady and then lower them so the caravan’s nose remains elevated when you turn up the jockey wheels.
Step 5: Disconnect the jockey wheels.
Unlock the clamp of the jockey wheel, and make sure to pull the wheel as high as it can. Then , tighten the clamps until it remains in its place. Then, turn it downwards until the wheels are off the shaft at the top.
Then release the clamps and remove the top shaft of the A-frame.
Step 6: Remove your jockey wheel.
The top shaft must be separated from the lower of the jockey wheel and wind it until it comes out.
7. Install the new jockey wheel
Install the new wheel inside the A-frame through inserting the shaft on top and tightening the clamp. Then and inserting the bottom one and winding it.
Once the wheels of the jockey are operating, remove blocks from the car and move the forward of it. This is it, your brand newly installed jockey wheel has been in place and operational.
Final Thoughts
The use of a jockey wheel or replacing one is simple. In the event you stick to these guidelines given above, you’ll be able to utilize the wheel of your jockey to connect your trailer , and possibly change it when needed.
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