Choosing the right jockey wheel is essential for safe, easy trailer handling. Whether you’re moving a caravan, tradie trailer, boat trailer or general-purpose trailer, the correct setup makes a big difference to how your trailer performs.
This guide will help you understand what to look for so you can choose the right jockey wheel the first time.
A jockey wheel supports the drawbar of your trailer and allows you to move, position and level it when not connected to your vehicle. A good jockey wheel should be strong enough to handle the load, move smoothly across surfaces, and provide enough adjustment to make hitching and unhitching simple.
Choose the Right Load Rating
The most important factor when selecting a jockey wheel is the load rating. This refers to how much weight the jockey wheel can safely support.
It’s important to note that the jockey wheel only carries the ball weight of the trailer — not the full trailer weight.
As a general guide:
- Light trailers (box trailers, small campers): up to 250kg rating
- Medium trailers (caravans, trades): 250kg – 500kg
- Heavy-duty trailers: 500kg+
If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to choose a higher-rated jockey wheel to ensure durability and reliability.
Wheel Type – Solid vs Pneumatic
Jockey wheels come with different tyre types, and choosing the right one depends on how and where your trailer is used.
Solid rubber wheels are low maintenance and puncture-proof. They are ideal for hard, flat surfaces like concrete or bitumen and are commonly used on standard trailers.
Pneumatic (air-filled) wheels provide better movement over soft or uneven ground such as gravel, dirt or grass. They are easier to push and reduce effort when manoeuvring heavier trailers in rough conditions.
If you regularly move your trailer off-road or on uneven surfaces, a pneumatic wheel is usually the better option.
Mount Type – Clamp vs Swivel
Jockey wheels are mounted to your trailer in different ways, depending on your setup.
Clamp-mounted jockey wheels attach to the drawbar using a clamp bracket. These are adjustable, easy to install, and can be repositioned if needed.
Swivel-mounted jockey wheels are either welded or bolted directly to the drawbar. They can swing up and lock into place when not in use, making them more convenient for frequent towing and generally more stable under load.
If you use your trailer regularly, a swivel bracket setup is often the better long-term solution.
Lift and Height Range
Another important factor is the lift and adjustment range of the jockey wheel.
Your jockey wheel needs to provide enough height to lift the trailer onto your tow ball and also adjust for uneven ground. If the lift range is too small, you’ll struggle every time you hitch or unhitch your trailer.
Check the extended and retracted height, as well as the total lift range, to ensure it suits your trailer and towing setup.
Braked vs Unbraked Trailers
The type of trailer you have also affects your choice.
Unbraked trailers generally work well with standard jockey wheels, as they are lighter and place less load on the system.
Braked trailers, especially caravans and larger setups, require heavier-duty jockey wheels with higher load ratings and stronger construction.
Always match the jockey wheel to the demands of your trailer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the wrong jockey wheel can lead to ongoing frustration and potential safety issues.
Common mistakes include choosing based on price alone, not checking the load rating, selecting a wheel that doesn’t provide enough lift, or using a solid wheel in soft ground conditions where a pneumatic option would perform better.
Taking a few extra minutes to choose the right setup will save time and effort every time you use your trailer.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re unsure which jockey wheel is right for your trailer, we can help you find the right option.
Browse our range online or get in touch with our team for advice.
👉 https://trailer.manutec.com.au/product-category/jockey-wheels/
📝 Contact Us
✉️ Email Us
📞 08 8260 2277