When it comes to a camper trailer or caravan, you know how vital each small part is. Something that is overlooked is the jockey wheel. However, a good one can make it quite painful to move around your trailer.
What Is a Jockey Wheel?
A jockey wheel is a small wheel on the front of your camper trailer or caravan. Assist in moving the trailer from a point away from the car.
It folds up or down as needed for the purpose of rolling the trailer or parking the trailer. To unload your trailer, the front end is held up by the jockey wheel.
Why is the Jockey Wheel so important?
Thousands of dollars are spent on the camper trailer by many people. However, they don’t remember the little things, like the jockey wheel.
The ideal camper trailer jockey wheel is one that makes it easy for you to drive your rig on your own. It is not necessary to call for help each time you wish to park or hitch up.
When shopping for a heavy duty jockey wheel, you’ll want to pay attention to its size, weight, and price.
There are no “standard” jockey wheels. Here’s a list of things to look for before purchasing one.
Always check the load capacity of a wheel! Off-road trailers can be quite large. Find a jockey wheel which will be able to support 500kg or more.
The jockey wheel should be easily adjusted to go up and down on a camper trailer. Try to find a smooth locking pin or handle mechanism.
There are a variety of different types of jockey wheels available for off road use and here are some of the best.
1. Pneumatic Tyre Jockey Wheels
They roll smoothly over rough terrain, dirt, sand and gravel. The air tyre takes up shocks, which means that when you move your trailer it doesn’t bounce about. Numerous off road camper trailer owners opt for this >
2. Solid Rubber Wheel Jockey Wheels
They won’t require air and will never go flat! They are excellent for those that camp on hard or semi-rough terrain.
3. Swivel Jockey Wheels
These can be rotated from side to side, so you can easily maneuver your trailer on your own. A swivel-type caravan jockey wheel may be considered if you park your caravan regularly in confined areas or drive it by yourself.
There is a simple method to select the right one:
Step 1: Weighing your trailer. Determine the actual weight of your camper trailer or caravan.
Step 2: This will give you an idea of what clamp size you will require.
Step 3: Consider “Where will you camp? Soft ground? Go pneumatic. Was it hard ground or semi-rough ground? Solid rubber is acceptable.
Step 4: Establish a budget. Quality heavy-duty jockey wheels are more expensive, but last much longer. This is good to spend a bit more.
Why Off-Road Camper Trailer Jockey Wheels Are Different
Standard caravan jockey wheels are built for flat driveways and caravan parks. Off-road ones are built for something much tougher.
Off-road jockey wheels have heavier steel, larger tyres, and stronger clamps. They can handle the vibration and rough movement that comes with bush camping and 4WD tracks.
Final Thoughts
A jockey wheel might look like a tiny part of your whole setup. But it plays a big role in how easy your camping trips are.
The right camper trailer jockey wheel makes hitching and unhitching smooth and easy. A heavy duty option means you can trust it on rough terrain without worrying about it failing. Take your time to pick the right one. Check the load rating, the wheel type, and the clamp size. A small investment now can save you a lot of trouble out in the bush.
Original Source: https://www.appclonescript.com/best-heavy-duty-jockey-wheels-for-off-road-campers/
