I just can't see the point in raising the jockey wheel on site. Apart from the weight issue, if you raise a jockey wheel when you set up on site, you have to lower it when you move the van to hitch up just before you leave. It's just extra unnecessary effort, IMHO. Leave it down all the time, I say.
actually, Al-KO the chassis manufacturers say it makes no difference whether the jockey wheel is up or down, as all the weight is taken by the road wheels.
So unless you claim to know better than the original manufacturer, I suggest you refrain from giving incorrect information,as some people may believe that you know what you are talking about.
Quote: Originally posted by Al+Mel on 28/5/2011
If that was a fact, noseweight wouldn't exist.
Try this. Measure your noseweight, then get four friends to sit in the front of your caravan and measure it again.
No change?
I suggest you argue the point with AL-Ko design team, maybe you do know more about chassis design than they do, but in the meantime, I will follow the advice of the manufacturer.
Quote: Originally posted by Steve W 77 on 28/5/2011
actually, Al-KO the chassis manufacturers say it makes no difference whether the jockey wheel is up or down, as all the weight is taken by the road wheels.
You may, indeed be right. But I have put dishwasher proof items in the dishwasher before now, and after a time they have deteriorated quite badly. My point about the jockey wheel is to ask why anyone would want to raise it only to have to lower it again when packing up. I know it only a minute, but thats a minute more as well as putting up the awning. I could be half way down a glass of wine in that time.
So unless you claim to know better than the original manufacturer, I suggest you refrain from giving incorrect information,as some people may believe that you know what you are talking about.
Just a suggestion Steve. Might it be a good idea to direct your comment to a specific post, therefore giving the person the opportunity to explain in detail or retract what they have said. Just a thought.
I think it is always worth questioning a manufacturer. I know it's another issue completely, but I had quite a long conversation with a manufacturer last year about towballs and the 'S' rating on their A50-X towballs. After a consultation with their technical department the company agreed that they needed to advise cusomers to check the 'S' rating of their towbars, and if necessary purchase a higher 'S' rated towball from a different supplier - I think they were making the mistake on some of their test vehicle, which hopefully they have now either rectified or disproved my 'theory'. I'm just saying it's worth questioning people.
Just been to our storage site. Only saw one van without a jockey wheel, must be considerable pressure transferred to the steadies, as they had sunk about 2" into the tarmac!
Wonder what was going on at the caravan end of the steadies.
Quote: Originally posted by Al+Mel on 28/5/2011
Just been to our storage site. Only saw one van without a jockey wheel, must be considerable pressure transferred to the steadies, as they had sunk about 2" into the tarmac!
Wonder what was going on at the caravan end of the steadies.
That could be a deterrent against theft as it is very difficult to hitch a van to a car without using the Jockey Wheel.
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Topic: Raised jockey wheel
