Jockey wheel stuck in mud

[ScouseIan]

Hi

Just been to check on my caravan today. Left it at the caravan storage 2 weeks ago. Rear steadies down but not the front. The reason for this is that other caravans are parked so close that it is nigh on impossible to get in with the steady brace at the side of the van. The rears are ok because access is from the rear. Anyway, the jockey wheel has 'sunk' about 3 inches. If I now try and raise it I won't be able to get my tow ball under it. My plan is as follows; stop me if I go on.

1. Raise rear steadies

2. Wind the jockey wheel so the front of caravan is raised as far as is now poss.

3. Put front steadies down

4. Wind the jockey wheel so it is raised off the floor as high as poss.

5. Unclamp and lower the jockey wheel, possibly onto a secure base (I saw other people using bread boards). Reclamp and wind jockey wheel so hopefully I can get tow bar under it.

Sorry if this is basic stuff, I'm a newbie, and I'm not very technical.

Does it sound right?

 

[tash]

Ian

1 Raise the rear steadies. Yes

2 If you can place a bottle jack on a secure firm base under the hitch lock and take the weight of the van on it.

3 Then do as you say.

If you just extend the jocky wheel there is a chance you could unsrew the handle from the wheel then you will be in more trouble. Don't worry abot being a newbie I have been caravaning for 20 years and I unscrewed the handle from the wheel once last year. good luck

tash

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Do as you say Ian and you should be ok. When you next put the van back in storage lower your front steadies and then lift them off the ground with the jockey wheel,enough to move the caravan. When you have pushed the caravan into position lower the jockey and your front steadies will be on the ground. You can then lower the rears.

Brian

 

[Iain_5062081]

Better still, carry a socket set rachet and suitable socket and extension bar if required. No problems with the 'vans being close together then.

If they are that close together, can you even get the door open?

Iain

 

[ScouseIan]

Just about enough space to open door.

I suppose I can get to it with the brace, but not opened/extended. I will just have to make sure I do it properly next time. Pads under the steadies and something under the wheel. An old plastic chopping board.

 

[BigAl1]

Hi

I am thinking about your van being stored on mud and got to thinking about the dammage that you are doing to your tyres. Place a couple of lenghts of suitable timber on the ground and position the wheels on them and hopefully you will keep them dry.

 

[ScouseIan]

Thanks Big Al

Will do. Couple of pieces of floorboard I reckon.

Cheers