Jockey wheel came apart

DocFoz
DocFoz Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited June 2020 in Caravans #1

Hi new to caravanning and after first trial tow and arriving to manoeuvre back on drive jockey wheel came apart in two pieces, got it back together eventually, lots of dirt and grease and seems ok now. Is this normal and how can we prevent it happening again?

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  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #2

    jockey wheels that are in the centre of the A frame rather than clamped to the side of it can only be fitted in 2 halves .... they are designed to come apart. Just don't wind it too far. 👍

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #3

     Yes most do reach the end of their thread and are then separated, make sure when you begin to wind that you unclamp and lower the tube enough to ensure levelling front to back is reached before running out of thread. Practice, that's all 👍🏻

  • bandgirl
    bandgirl Forum Participant Posts: 440
    100 Comments
    edited June 2020 #4

    That frequently happened to us with our previous caravan.  As Emily’sDad says, it’s caused by overwinding the jockey wheel (as in raising the A frame too high) beyond the thread. When I did the Club’s towing course several years ago we were taught to drop the jockey wheel down, but not to rest the wheel directly on the ground, when preparing to unhitch from the car.  It was suggested you drop it to a couple of inches off the ground, then tighten the clamp.  You can then wind the wheel down and it gives enough leeway without running out of thread and the wheel dropping off.

    I’m blowed if I know the science behind it, but it worked for us.  We never had the problem again.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #5

    I’m blowed if I know the science behind it,

    the threaded bit is only so long 😉

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #6

    Before unwinding, I lower the jockey wheel about half way down, dependent upon the slope, and then use the handle to raise the nose off the hitch, then move the tow car and then to level the caravan using the wind mechanism; don't forget to apply the caravan break!  Yes, I too have managed to 'unscrew' the jockey wheel but as with most things with practice you will get used to it.  Sounds as though the inner part needs a good clean and then the application of a little grease.

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