Jockey Wheel Collapse while driving

[Sporneyman]

I have read a few other notes regarding this problem, with some replies on how to mitigate it or resolve it. I had an unfortunate experience just before Christmas 2025, when I had just collected our new caravan (an ex-demo 2023 model) and on a dual carriageway heard a knocking, so I stopped at the earliest opportunity as safely as possible and found that the jockey wheel had dropped right down with the actual wheel virtually torn to shreds. The sleeve had not unwound as the slot in the tube was still located in the correct position on the wheel arm. The dealer had tightened the locking lever before I left and I again checked it to be tight. I am therefore somewhat perplexed as to how this could have happened and it has made me feel uneasy about future towing.

I have read various articles about dropping jockey wheels and have noted the check recommended about locking the sleeve a few inches above the ground, in order that it can centralise itself easier, rather that locking it when it has pressure on it when it is on the ground. Taking this into account, when the hitch is coupled to the car the jockey wheel is then lifted up, so it should centralise itself (as it is off the ground with no pressure on it). I am therefore wondering if anyone knows of a failsafe solution to this problem. I have been caravanning for 5 years now and travelled extensively throughout the UK, without this problem occurring so any help or advice would be most welcome.

 

[borderbilly]

I had that on my ifor williams trailer, jockey wheel dropped and ruined, new one put on and had no problems ever since. I put it down to pilot error.

 

[JTQ]

Solutions noted over the years, though one problen I have not faced myself:

1) Tension the winding handle in the tightening direction with a bungie cord?
2) Remove the Jockey wheel?

 

[CaravanRamblings]

After a jockey wheel drop on a Spanish motorway we now lock a T Bolt hose clamp around the shaft so it can't drop if the locking mechanism fails.

The shredded jockey wheel of hot rubber made a heck of a mess.

Amazon.co.uk

 

[JTQ]

After a jockey wheel drop on a Spanish motorway we now lock a T Bolt hose clamp around the shaft so it can't drop if the locking mechanism fails.

The shredded jockey wheel of hot rubber made a heck of a mess.

However, this will not stop the self unscrewing of the jockey wheel's jacking leadscrew, with the same road impact risks.

It's that unscrewing, with its associated handle rotation, I have seen happen, rather than the whole assembly come undone, but accept that is a further risk that you solution nails.

 

[CaravanRamblings]

However, this will not stop the self unscrewing of the jockey wheel's jacking leadscrew, with the same road impact risks.

It's that unscrewing, with its associated handle rotation, I have seen happen, rather than the whole assembly come undone, but accept that is a further risk that you solution nails.

Our failure was the clamp so it addresses that.

Never had the handle turning. It locks the wheel very firmly in the two side slots. Without locking it in the side slots the wheel can easily rotate and unwind though...

 

[Sporneyman]

I really appreciate all of the replies to my query, it seems bizarre that there is no given solution to this problem, especially as it can have serious safety concerns. The manufacturers should come up with a solution and adapt it into all new caravans and allow current owners to have a remedial fix completed at a caravan service.

 

[otherclive]

I really appreciate all of the replies to my query, it seems bizarre that there is no given solution to this problem, especially as it can have serious safety concerns. The manufacturers should come up with a solution and adapt it into all new caravans and allow current owners to have a remedial fix completed at a caravan service.

If it’s the handle unwinding you could consider changing to a Kartt jockey wheel which has a stop lock. They are also well regarded for their quality too. Several forum members have fitted them when their OEM’s gave up the ghost.

Trailer Jockey Wheel with Turn-Lok by Kartt

Trailer Jockey wheel with Turn-Lok technology by Kartt Orange - a premium trailer jockey wheel range that ensures the handle locks automatically, helping to make for safer transit.

www.kartt.com

 

[JTQ]

If it’s the handle unwinding you could consider changing to a Kartt jockey wheel which has a stop lock. They are also well regarded for their quality too. Several forum members have fitted them when their OEM’s gave up the ghost.

Trailer Jockey Wheel with Turn-Lok by Kartt

Trailer Jockey wheel with Turn-Lok technology by Kartt Orange - a premium trailer jockey wheel range that ensures the handle locks automatically, helping to make for safer transit.

www.kartt.com

The OP's issue, as "Ramblings" was not the handle unwinding which I have seen several times but the assemblies clamp. I can't recall ever coming across that, and its design is IMO a very effective clamp and if really done up properly has to be very effective in the towing non real loaded condition, just dynamic loading from carrying its mass.


"The sleeve had not unwound as the slot in the tube was still located in the correct position on the wheel arm. "

Edit: is the "shoe" piece [Pressure pad] feature in tact? LINK
Can't recall if its one or two and not going out in this rain to explore!

 

[birdman101]

The OP's issue, as "Ramblings" was not the handle unwinding which I have seen several times but the assemblies clamp. I can't recall ever coming across that, and its design is IMO a very effective clamp and if really done up properly has to be very effective in the towing non real loaded condition, just dynamic loading from carrying its mass.


"The sleeve had not unwound as the slot in the tube was still located in the correct position on the wheel arm. "

Edit: is the "shoe" piece [Pressure pad] feature in tact? LINK
Can't recall if its one or two and not going out in this rain to explore!

When our Daughter bought her Caravan the pressure pad as on link was missing. and I only noticed this because I fitted a new jockey wheel for her.

 

[IanB1485]

If you did lock the arms into the two slots on the outer shaft then the outer sleeve must have slipped down ,. this can be caused by grease /oil on the shaft or pressure plate or both, or on older caravan a worn thread on the clamp handle boss or the shaft being not coaxial with clamp bracket , i.e under a side force when clamped.
To avoid this when I raise my jockey wheel I first lift it off the ground and provisionally clamp it then I wind the inner shaft up until the arms lock into it and then wind it until tight, then unclamp it lift the whole assembly and turn the assembly until the jockey is tucked inside the A frame then relock the wheel clamp and give the top of the shaft a good shake to check its firm. Applying the clamp whilst the wheel is still on ground may cause the outer shaft to be clamped at a slight angle and cause it to become loose whilst travelling even over the UK's really smooth roads ( Ha Ha)). I regularly clean the outer shaft with brake cleaner to prevent slippage due to grease build up. final thing is to re-check everything once I've travelled about 30 miles including the wheel nuts , another area where things can go horribly wrong( to aid visual checks I have fitted these )