Jockey wheels are crucial to connect or disconnect your trailer from your vehicle. How do they function specifically?
In this article, we’ll explain how a jockey’s wheel functions, what size is suitable for your vehicle and the best way to replace the wheel.
What is the Process By Which A Jockey Wheel Works
The jockey wheel is a device made to assist in getting your trailer hooked up or uncoupled with your automobile.
The way it operates is easy. It is made up from a shaft at the top, which is secured to the A-frame on your caravan and an underside shaft which is home to the wheel. The winding handle on the top shaft lifts and lowers the shaft at its bottom, and the wheels permit manoeuvrability.
In some ways it’s similar to the jack of a caravan.
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 to place your jockey wheel. By using the brackets, secure the wheels through tightening bolts.
Step 2: Turn the handle that winds 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 around the rear of the trailer until the trailer coupler lines precisely with the ball on 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 place the trailer’s front and then attach the tow ball on the coupler on your trailer.
What size Jockey Wheel do I need?
There are two key dimensions to take into consideration when selecting a jockey wheel. Its diameter jockey wheel as well as the height of the closed and open sides.
In terms of wheel sizes there are six common sizes available to select from: 35mm 42mm,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, make sure you check the weight stated on the nose of your vehicle and also verify 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 can lower the trailer. It is essential to ensure that, when the jockey wheel has been at its highest level the trailer coupler must not be lower than your tow ball.
How to Replace A Jockey Wheel
The replacement of your jockey wheel will depend on the way it’s installed within your caravan.
In caravans where jockey wheels are installed externally replacing the jockey wheel is as easy as taking off the bracket, dismantling the old wheel, replacing it with the brand new wheel, then fixing the bracket.
However, for certain situations where it is installed within the A-frame, you may use the procedure below.
Step 1: Start by winding across the whole corner slacks
Make sure you wind up the corner steadyes of the caravan, so that they can transfer the load onto the jockey wheels.
Step 2: Ensure that the handbrake is engaged.
Before you proceed make sure that the handbrake on your caravan is engaged. You can push the caravan to check how it reacts. It is also possible to add chocks or wedges to 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 raise the front of the caravan.
Step 4: Set blocks on the corner and lower it to create to stabilize the corner.
When the nose of the caravan is lifted, put blocks under the corner steady and then lower them so the caravan’s front stays elevated as you crank up the jockey wheels.
Step 5: Disconnect the jockey wheels.
Unlock the clamp of the jockey wheel, and push it as high as you is able to go. Then , tighten the clamps until it remains in the same position. Then, you can wind it down until the wheels drop off the shaft at the top.
Then you can loosen the clamps, and take the top shaft out of the A-frame.
Step 6: Remove your jockey wheel.
The top shaft must be separated from the lower of the new jockey wheel, by winding 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 before inserting the lower part and winding it.
Once the wheels of the jockey are operating, remove blocks from the car and move the forward of it. The fresh jockey wheel will be now installed and operational.
Final Thoughts
Utilizing a wheel for a jockey or replacing one is easy. In the event you stick to these guidelines that are given above, you’ll be able to utilize the wheel of your jockey to connect to your trailer, or even change it when needed.
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