If you’re someone who frequently hauls a trailer or caravan, having a jockey wheel is crucial for your setup. This part does not only offer stability, also simplifies the task of moving your trailer around. Selecting the jockey wheel is vital for ensuring safe towing experiences. This helpful guide will take you through the factors to keep in mind while choosing the jockey wheel for your needs.
What Is a Jockey Wheel
A jockey wheel is an essential part of a trailer’s setup, designed to support the front end of the trailer when it is not attached to a towing vehicle.Having a jockey wheel is vital for your trailer setup, it helps prevent the part of the trailer from tipping over and ensures stability while the trailer is at rest. If there is no jockey wheel, the entire weight of the trailer would be on its hitch, making it hard to move and possibly resulting in damage. It is crucial for maintaining equilibrium during loading and unloading activities and when the trailer is idle.
Selecting the Right Jockey Wheel
Selecting the jockey wheel is crucial to guarantee a towing experience. Factors like the type of jockey wheel you choose and its wheel diameter and load capacity are considerations in making the decision for your specific requirements.
Different Types of Jockey Wheels
There exist kinds of jockey wheels for different purposes, knowing about these choices can assist you in making a well-informed choice.
Solid Jockey Wheels
Sturdy jockey wheels consist of a rubber or plastic wheel. They work well for lighter loads and flat surfaces and provide stability and longevity for everyday use.
Pneumatic Jockey Wheels
Air-filled pneumatic jockey wheels offer shock absorption and maneuvering capabilities compared to types of wheels typically found in trailers. This feature makes them particularly suitable for trailers that might navigate through terrains like beaches or muddy soil conditions.
Swivel Jockey Wheels
Swivel caster wheels feature a rotating system that enables effortless navigation in confined areas. In addition to this feature, some swivel variations come equipped with a bracket that offers the option to detach the wheel opt for a compact travel setting or modify its elevation level.
Considering Wheel Diameter and Load Capacity
Choosing a jockey wheel involves taking into account the size of the wheel and how much weight it can handle as these factors play a role in its overall performance.
Wheel Diameter
Having a bigger wheel size assists in maneuvering the trailer efficiently across terrains and surfaces due to increased stability and enhanced maneuverability of the trailer.
Load Capacity
Make sure you select a jockey wheel that can handle the weight of your trailer correctly to avoid any issues like instability or damage caused by overloading it. Calculate the weight of your boat and trailer along with all gear then add a 20 percent safety buffer for measure. It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure you stay within the load capacity limits of your chosen jockey wheel.
Quality and Durability Factors
Opting for a top-notch jockey wheel does not guarantee its longevity and safety. Also involves assessing the materials utilized and their resistance to corrosion, alongside the overall durability of the item.
Materials
Choose pulley wheels crafted from top-notch materials like metals or strong plastics which provide enhanced protection, against corrosion and can withstand demanding towing situations.
Corrosion Resistance
Make sure to check for jockey wheels that have coatings or additional features to avoid rust and corrosion issues especially if you intend to use your trailer in rough conditions. It’s crucial to opt for a jockey wheel that is galvanized on both inner pipes as it can effectively prevent rust formation.
Durability
Take a look at famous brand of jockey wheels. Reading reviews or asking for suggestions can help you choose products in the market today! Go Trailer jockey wheels are crafted using materials designed to withstand heavy-duty usage boasting a load capacity exceeding 2000 lbs.
Installation of Jockey Wheel for Your Trailer
Before setting up the jockey wheel on your trailer and ensuring a smooth and secure installation process takes place is preparation work that cannot be overlooked or rushed through hastily under any circumstances. This segment will delve into the steps required to ready and set up your fresh jockey wheel efficiently.
Preparation
Ensuring your jockey wheel is securely and stably installed requires preparation beforehand.
Ensuring Trailer Stability
Make sure your trailer is steady before starting the process by securing the wheels with wheel chocks and activating the handbrake to avoid any shifting while setting it up. Inspect if the trailer is flat using a leveling tool to enhance the efficiency of the jockey wheel.
Locating the Ideal Mounting Position
When it comes to placing your jockey wheel on your trailer frame and ensuring a balanced weight distribution while avoiding any obstructions with other trailer parts is crucial for smooth towing operations.
Preparing the Mounting Area
Before you attach the jockey wheel to your vehicle’s system, take a moment to clear away any dirt or debris that might be in the way. Thoroughly clean the area where you’ll be mounting the wheel and add a lubricant to ensure it moves smoothly when in use.
Installation
Attaching the Mounting Bracket
Make sure to attach the mounting bracket to the trailer by finding the spot on the drawbar or A-frame and using suitable bolts or screws to fasten it firmly in place.
Attaching the Jockey Wheel Assembly
After fixing the mounting bracket in place securely, first comes the attachment of the jockey wheel assembly, next step is to place the jockey wheel assembly onto the mounting bracket and utilize tools like bolts, nuts, and quick-release levers to fasten it in place to ensure that the wheel is firmly secured to avoid any loosening during towing adjust the height and clearance of the jockey wheel according to your towing requirements.
Testing and Adjusting Jockey Wheel Operation
Before using your trailer for transportation or other tasks, it’s important to check the jockey wheel to make sure it’s working properly. Here are the key things to look at:
- Check if the jockey wheel is securely attached
- Test the swivel feature
- Check the height adjustment
- Verify the locking mechanism
Safety Considerations and Maintenance
To ensure the towing of your vehicle is crucial to have a fitted jockey wheel and to practice caution consistently throughout the process. This segment will discuss tips for towing procedures along with the significance of regular upkeep and correct storage methods for your jockey wheel.
Ensuring Safe Towing Practices
Your safety measures while towing a trailer effectively and safely include distributing weight to prevent strain on the jockey wheel and not exceeding its weight capacity as advised by the manufacturer for the performance and longevity of the equipment.
Storing and Securing the Jockey Wheel
When you’re looking to store your jockey wheel think about using a storage option, like a bracket or bag. Ensure that the jockey wheel is securely stored in a place away from anything that might cause damage to it in a garage or shed.
Why Choose the Jockey Wheel of Go Trailer?
Go Trailer is a manufacturer located in Qingdao specializing in top-notch trailer components and a diverse selection of jockey wheels to meet requirements like top wind and side sway mechanisms as well as European style and electric options. With industry experience and a strong focus on quality and safety standards, Go Trailer ensures the production of products through the use of high-quality materials and a rigorous manufacturing process. Furthermore, Go Trailer offers choices that establish them as an ally for fulfilling all your trailer component requirements.
Conclusion
Selecting and installing the jockey wheel is crucial for ensuring hassle-free towing experiences. Recognizing the significance of a jockey wheel and choosing the type while also correctly setting it up and keeping it in condition are essential steps to take. By adhering to the advice provided in this piece of writing, you can elevate your towing experience. Remember to reach out for expert assistance whenever necessary and have a towing journey.
FAQs
What is the ideal load capacity for a jockey wheel?
The ideal load capacity depends on your trailer’s weight. You need to calculate the weight of your boat, trailer, and gear, and then add a safety margin of about 20%. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific trailer.
How do I maintain my jockey wheel?
Regularly inspect your jockey wheel for any damage or rust, and lubricate moving parts, such as the swivel and height adjustment mechanisms, to ensure it operates smoothly. If you notice any problems, address them promptly.
