Jockey wheel off its thread?

Mike Brace
Mike Brace Forum Participant Posts: 41
edited May 2017 in Caravans #1

OK,  so problem number 2 today (see annoying beeping thread for number 1)...

Our pitch is on a hill and when I arrived I wound the jockey wheel up as far as it would go to level out the van. I ran out of thread before it was perfectly level but it's almost there so that's OK.  However, it appears that I can't wind it back down and I suspect that it's come off its thread  (is that possible?).

We're not leaving until tomorrow so I've got some time to work it out and my idea it's to raise the van a little higher using the steadies to take the weight off the jockey wheel which I'm hoping allows me to maneuver it around a bit to locate the thread.

Does this seem sensible or is there a better tried and tested method as I'm assuming that I'm not the 1st person to have this issue. I'm a newbie by the way, bought my 1st van last Sept and this is only our 5th trip in it.

Thanks in advance folks :)

Comments

  • compass362
    compass362 Forum Participant Posts: 619
    500 Comments
    edited May 2017 #2

    I think you maybe correct  , sounds like its come off the thread you need to release the jockey wheel side clamp this will enable some movement of the jockey wheeltube & you should be able to relocate the two parts back together.

    Don't try & take the full weight on the steadies you'll end up damaging something .

    Personally I would ask someone on site for help  , ask at reception first or someone nearby ........hope you sort it

  • Mike Brace
    Mike Brace Forum Participant Posts: 41
    edited May 2017 #3

    Thanks Compass. If I release the clamp, won't that effectively put all of the weight onto the front steadies anyway as the hitch will want to slide down?

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #4

    As above release jockey wheel clamp and a bit of "jigerling" while winding the handle normally works 

  • Kerry Watkins
    Kerry Watkins Forum Participant Posts: 325
    100 Comments
    edited May 2017 #5

    Hi Mike

    I agree with Compass, it does appear as though you have disconnected the thread beween the bottom and top of the jockey wheel. If the jockey wheel goes through the front cover, undo the jockey wheel clamp and raise it up a little. Then get underneath and re-insert the thread back into the upper tube and then turn the top handle so that you reconnect the thread. Then lower the whole unit so that the wheel touches the ground again and tighten up the clamp. We have had this problem many times. Again ask for help and good luck. Before undoing the clamp make sure that all of the corner steadies are all secure on the ground to support the van.

  • compass362
    compass362 Forum Participant Posts: 619
    500 Comments
    edited May 2017 #6

    It will but , but not for long if you're unsure how to go about it someone on site will help  , I would ask I've found other members are more than willing to help ........

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #7

    That will not be a problem we have always taken the weight off the jockey wheel on site or in storage, what supports the rear of a c/van when steadies are downwink 

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #8

    Whilst I agree that you should not use the steadies as jacks I have used them to take the weight off the front whilst I have sorted out a similar problem.  If you do not want to use the steadies use a jack to take the weight.  The threads should reengage quite easily but you may get dirty handswink.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
    1000 Comments 250 Likes Photogenic
    edited May 2017 #9

    I have wound the top off the jockey wheel before and it went in again easily enough. Basically you need the wheel firm on the ground to hold it steady and it should wind back in easily. if you have a problem I would lower the front steadies a bit to get weight on the wheel and then hold the wheel with one hand and push and turn the handle. If there are two of you your partner might be able to steady the wheel and this could help.

  • Mike Brace
    Mike Brace Forum Participant Posts: 41
    edited May 2017 #10

    Thanks folks, good advice.  I'll wait until the family are out of the van and release the clamp as suggested and wiggle the wheel back into place :)

  • bandgirl
    bandgirl Forum Participant Posts: 440
    100 Comments
    edited May 2017 #11

    The same thing happened to us a couple of times with our previous van.  We haven't experienced it with our latest van (touch wood, fingers crossed and all that), but I still get anxious about winding the jockey wheel down too far.  It sounds as though you're having a frustrating time, Mike.  I hope it gets better for you.

  • Mike Brace
    Mike Brace Forum Participant Posts: 41
    edited May 2017 #12

    Sorted it now guys, thanks for the support and advice.  It took less than 50 seconds in the end :)

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