Replacing a jockey wheel on your trailer is a straightforward DIY project that can save you money and keep you safely on the road. This guide provides a step-by-step process and crucial tips to ensure a successful replacement, covering everything from choosing the right jockey wheel to ensuring proper installation.
Why Replace Your Jockey Wheel?
A functioning jockey wheel is essential for safe and easy maneuvering of your trailer when it’s detached from your vehicle. Over time, jockey wheels can become damaged, worn out, or simply seized due to rust and lack of maintenance. Issues like a bent shaft, a broken clamp, or a flat tire on the jockey wheel can render it unusable, making hitching and unhitching a real struggle, and potentially a safety hazard. Ignoring these issues can lead to further damage to your trailer and even personal injury. Recognizing the need for replacement early on is crucial for a hassle-free trailering experience.
Preparing for the Replacement
Before you even touch your trailer, proper preparation is vital. This includes gathering the necessary tools and ensuring a safe working environment.
Assembling Your Tools and Materials
You’ll need the following:
- A new jockey wheel (matching the specifications of your old one or an upgrade).
- Wrench or socket set appropriate for the clamp bolts.
- Penetrating oil (if the old clamp is rusty or seized).
- Jack and stands (to support the trailer tongue).
- Gloves for hand protection.
- Safety glasses to protect your eyes.
- Measuring tape to ensure the new jockey wheel fits correctly.
Ensuring a Safe Working Environment
Safety is paramount. Park your trailer on a level, solid surface. Engage the trailer’s parking brake or chock the wheels to prevent movement. If your trailer is heavily loaded, consider removing some weight to ease the strain on the jack. Most importantly, always use jack stands to support the trailer once it’s raised. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.
The Replacement Process: Step-by-Step
With your tools ready and safety measures in place, follow these steps to replace your jockey wheel:
1. Loosening and Removing the Old Jockey Wheel
Begin by applying penetrating oil to the clamp bolts of the old jockey wheel. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes to help loosen any rust. Using your wrench or socket set, loosen the clamp bolts that secure the jockey wheel to the trailer tongue. You may need to wiggle the jockey wheel to break it free. Once loosened, remove the clamp completely and carefully slide the old jockey wheel out.
2. Inspecting the Mounting Point
Before installing the new jockey wheel, inspect the mounting point on the trailer tongue. Check for any rust, corrosion, or damage. Clean the area thoroughly with a wire brush to ensure a smooth and secure fit for the new clamp. If there’s significant rust, consider applying a rust inhibitor before proceeding.
3. Installing the New Jockey Wheel
Carefully slide the new jockey wheel into the mounting point. Ensure that the jockey wheel is positioned correctly, with the handle facing the direction you prefer. Align the clamp with the mounting holes.
4. Securing the Clamp
Reinstall the clamp and tighten the bolts gradually. Start by hand-tightening the bolts, then use your wrench or socket set to tighten them further. Tighten the bolts evenly to ensure a secure and even clamping force. Avoid overtightening, as this could damage the clamp or the trailer tongue. Refer to the jockey wheel’s instructions for specific torque recommendations, if provided.
5. Testing and Adjusting
Once the clamp is securely tightened, test the new jockey wheel by extending and retracting it. Ensure it operates smoothly and that the locking mechanism functions correctly. Adjust the height of the jockey wheel to ensure it can reach the ground when the trailer is unhitched.
Post-Installation Check and Maintenance
After replacing the jockey wheel, perform a final check to ensure everything is properly installed and functioning correctly.
Checking Stability and Operation
Extend the jockey wheel fully and place some weight on it to check its stability. Ensure that it doesn’t wobble or flex excessively. Operate the crank mechanism to ensure it moves smoothly and effortlessly.
Regular Maintenance Tips
To prolong the life of your new jockey wheel, perform regular maintenance. Lubricate the moving parts with a suitable grease or oil. Check the tire pressure (if applicable) and inflate it to the recommended level. Inspect the clamp bolts regularly and tighten them as needed. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can ensure that your jockey wheel remains in good working condition for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about replacing jockey wheels:
FAQ 1: What size jockey wheel do I need?
The correct size depends on the weight of your trailer and the height of your tow vehicle’s hitch. Measure the distance from the trailer tongue to the ground when the trailer is level. The jockey wheel needs to extend far enough to reach the ground plus allow for adjustment. Check your trailer’s documentation for recommended specifications.
FAQ 2: Can I upgrade to a heavier-duty jockey wheel?
Yes, you can. Upgrading to a heavier-duty jockey wheel is often a good idea, especially if you frequently load your trailer to its maximum capacity. Just make sure the mounting bracket is compatible with your trailer tongue.
FAQ 3: How do I choose between a solid tire and a pneumatic tire jockey wheel?
Pneumatic tires provide a smoother ride, especially on uneven surfaces, but they can go flat. Solid tires are maintenance-free and puncture-proof but can be harder to maneuver. Consider the terrain you’ll be using the trailer on.
FAQ 4: What if the clamp bolts are rusted solid?
Apply penetrating oil liberally and let it soak for several hours, or even overnight. If that doesn’t work, try using a bolt extractor or a heat gun to loosen the rust. As a last resort, you may need to cut the bolts off.
FAQ 5: How tight should I tighten the clamp bolts?
Tighten the clamp bolts until they are snug and the jockey wheel is securely held in place. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the clamp or the trailer tongue. Refer to the jockey wheel’s instructions for specific torque recommendations, if provided.
FAQ 6: What if the new jockey wheel doesn’t fit?
Double-check that you ordered the correct size and type of jockey wheel. If the mounting bracket is slightly different, you may be able to adjust it or use shims to ensure a proper fit. If the mismatch is significant, you’ll need to return the jockey wheel and get the correct one.
FAQ 7: Can I replace the jockey wheel while the trailer is loaded?
It’s generally not recommended to replace the jockey wheel while the trailer is heavily loaded. The added weight can make the process more difficult and increase the risk of accidents. Consider removing some weight from the trailer before proceeding.
FAQ 8: How often should I lubricate my jockey wheel?
Lubricate your jockey wheel at least twice a year, or more frequently if you use your trailer regularly or in harsh conditions. Use a suitable grease or oil specifically designed for trailer components.
FAQ 9: What is the best type of grease to use on a jockey wheel?
A lithium-based grease is a good general-purpose option for lubricating jockey wheels. It provides good water resistance and protects against corrosion.
FAQ 10: What should I do with my old jockey wheel?
If your old jockey wheel is still in reasonable condition, you can try to sell it or donate it. Otherwise, dispose of it responsibly at a recycling center or landfill.
FAQ 11: Can I adjust the height of my jockey wheel?
Most jockey wheels have a height-adjustable mechanism. This allows you to raise or lower the jockey wheel to match the height of your tow vehicle’s hitch.
FAQ 12: What are the signs that my jockey wheel needs replacing?
Signs that your jockey wheel needs replacing include a bent shaft, a broken clamp, a flat tire (if applicable), difficulty cranking, excessive rust, or a seized mechanism. Ignoring these signs can lead to further damage to your trailer and potential safety hazards.