Jockey wheels for the trailer - what you need to know!

Trailer support wheels play a key role in making the trailer easy to maneuver while camping. Their task is to ensure the stability of the trailer when parked and during maneuvers related to its positioning on the plot. However, many people do not realize how important it is to properly select support wheels for the characteristics of the place of use and to maintain them properly. In today's article, we will present key information on checking the drawbar load in a trailer, and we will also advise which support wheel to choose for a trailer - hard or pumped. We will also give you practical tips on how to maneuver your caravan! Enjoy reading.

How to check the trailer drawbar load?

To check the drawbar load on your caravan, follow a few simple steps:

1. Make sure the trailer is positioned evenly and stably.

2. Use a scale to measure the drawbar load. The scale should be placed under the drawbar. Then check the result on the clue. Dedicated scales are available for checking the trailer drawbar load, but there are also support wheels with a scale already installed.

3. Determine whether the drawbar load is within a safe range for your caravan and tow bar.

4. If the maximum drawbar load is exceeded, the weight should be reduced or distributed evenly on the trailer.

Which jockey wheel for a trailer?

When choosing a jockey wheel for a caravan, pay attention to several important issues, namely:

• Load capacity - choose a support wheel with appropriate load capacity to ensure that it can withstand the appropriate load.

• With weight - standard support wheels only have a crank that allows you to raise the trailer to the appropriate height of the tow hook. The higher-end ones also have a scale installed, which allows you to easily check the current hook load.

• Size - Wider wheels can make the trailer easier to maneuver on soft surfaces.

The above tips are not a rule. They can be used to help you choose the right support wheel for your trailer, but we recommend contacting specialists.

If you are interested in various caravan support wheels and other accessories, you should decide to visit the ACK store . The proposed solutions stand out from the competition primarily due to their attractive prices and high quality of workmanship.

Inflatable or hard jockey wheel for a caravan?

Both solutions have their advantages and disadvantages. Below are the details.

Inflatable wheel for a caravan

• lighter (easier to transport),

• guarantees better shock absorption (beneficial solution on uneven terrain),

• may be punctured (there is a risk of loss of tire pressure).

The inflatable wheels are relatively wide, so the weight is distributed over a larger surface. If you often maneuver the trailer on soft or wet terrain - this is a solution for you, but you should remember to check the tire regularly.

Hard jockey wheel for a caravan

• very durable (requires less frequent maintenance, most often used in cargo trailers, which are used, for example, in construction areas, where the inflatable tire can easily get punctured or damaged),

• lack of shock absorption (this may lead to significant vibrations of the entire trailer when maneuvering on uneven terrain).

Hard support wheels are particularly suitable for maneuvering on hard-surfaced terrain, and a tire puncture is practically impossible.

How to maneuver a caravan at a campsite?

1. Choose the appropriate place where you want to park your trailer. It should be large enough and allow for easy maneuvering.

2. Check your surroundings. Pay special attention to trees, poles, parked cars or other trailers.

3. Adjust the towing mirror. Place them in such a way as to have the best possible view of the trailer.

4. Set up the trailer. Preferably in a straight line with the place where you want to park it.

5. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction you want the trailer to turn. If you intend to turn the trailer right, you must turn the steering wheel to the left.

6. Get help from another person. Ask her for directions to make maneuvering easier.

7. Be patient and take your time. Maneuvering a caravan takes time and patience (avoid sudden acceleration and braking).

A very good solution in caravans are mover drives, which allow you to position the trailer at the campsite using a remote control. The ACK Benimar store has an entire section with drive systems for caravans .