What is a retractable jockey wheel?

Jockey wheel are vital, but frequently overlooked component of the trailer. Due to their importance picking the proper size for your trailer is essential. The main function of the jockey wheel is to ensure that your trailer stays in a level, steady position when it is not hitched, and to ensure stability when loading your trailer. They also help reduce the stress on your back due to the fact that they help in the maneuverability of your trailer too.

A smooth or serrated jockey wheel?

This is probably the first question that you might encounter while choosing a jockey wheel. What is the different? The smooth jockey wheels are the most commonly used and are the norm for the majority of light to heavy duty trailers. One drawback of the smoother ones, however it is that when the clamp isn’t held sufficiently the shaft could slip through the clamp, and then hit the road while traveling. This can result in a severe damage to the tire and the possibility of having to replace the whole assembly.

Serrated wheels for the jockey comes with an outer sleeve that is ribbed. It is typically the case for commercial models that have the diameter of at least 48mm. The drawback is that they need an appropriate clamp to match the ribbing of the outer sleeves. The ribbing on the sleeves can solve the problem of the shaft moving through the clamp.

Which is the retractable wheel?

Retractable Jockey Wheel
The second question you could encounter when searching for a wheel for your jockey is what exactly are retractable wheels? What’s the difference between it and one that’s not? The retractable type does away with the need for clamps. Instead, it is bolted straight to the opposite side of the coupling for trailers an adjustable fixing plate with multiple holes (typically for a square-tube coupling or T-pole coupling).

What does the different sizes mean?

The next issue to take into consideration. There are two dimensions to consider. The largest size is that of the jockey’s wheel. We stock six different diameters. They are the 35mm, 42mm 48mm and 48mm serrated 60mm and 63mm.

For light-weight trailers, the 35mm diameter would be the ideal size.
For larger trailers as well as certain trailers for boats that are not braked it is recommended to use 42mm.
Car and commercial trailers need a minimum of 48mm
Commercial trailers that are heavy duty usually require a 48mm serrated 60or 63mm diameter.

The diameters of 60 and 63mm are the most commonly used and can be able to support up to 750kg of nose-weight capacity. The width is crucial when selecting jockey wheels where the clamp is a part of the moulding of the whole coupling, and isn’t able to be altered.

The other dimension to consider is the closed and open height. It is only accessible on adjustable height models however, although it’s not as than essential, it is helpful to understand what the limits of lift are between the two sizes.

So…in the end

There are many things to think about when selecting the right jockey wheel. These include the type of trailer it will be mounted on, the size you’ll need and whether you require an unidirectional or serrated model or it is possible to retract the wheel. be an ideal solution. Make sure that, when you choose a retractable model be sure ensure that there’s no clamp that is attached to the coupling. However, it can be a multiple-hole fixation plate to which it can be fixed.