Performing a jockey wheel service every couple of years will ensure that the jockey wheel stays working smoothly and doesn’t become rigid and immovable while you are enjoying your adventures. As the jockey wheel is exposed to weather, dirt and potentially salty air, the internal parts can become stiff. A neglected jockey wheel (as they often are) will seize up and eventually make the caravan impossible to hitch and move.

A jockey wheel service can be carried out with a few tools and a degree of practical skill. Performing a jockey wheel service is a process of taking the jockey wheel apart, cleaning the internal parts and applying grease and replacing the bearing as needed.

As a first step, the handle should be removed by punching out the pin that holds it in place. Keep the pin as it will need to be reused or replaced with a new pin of the same size. Next the outer tube can be separated from the inner tube, allowing you to remove the bearing. Clean and re-grease the bearing. If the bearing is worn then it will need replacing. Replacement bearings for Alko brand jockey wheels are available in store. It is a good idea to clean and re-grease the threaded shaft. When you have re-assembled the jockey wheel you should find it working smoothly.

The wheel can become stiff and hard to move and removing the wheel to clean and grease the axle should see the wheel moving again.

If you are looking at your old jockey wheel and thinking that it may be time for a new one, we stock a range of jockey wheels including the terrific hydraulic jockey wheels by Trail-A-Mate. Our customers rave about how easy the Trail-A-Mate jockey wheels make setting up the caravan. The Trail-A-Mate jockey wheel doubles as a jack with the included base plate and spare parts are available in store. Our professional team at the RV Service Centre can perform a jockey wheel service on the Trail-A-Mate jockey wheel. Visit our showroom or give us a call.