Good evening
Today I took my new to me bailey orion to a site to try it out for the first time.
When we engaged the motor mover to reverse on to our pitch the jockey wheel seemed to struggle in the gravel and then the hitch slipped and landed on the wheel. I'm sure we had the clamp tight as this happened at the storage yard and that time we assumed it wasn't tight enough so double checked it today. What can be causing the clamp to do this ? And also the wheel really seemed to struggle to turn when we had to change direction. Does this mean a new wheel needed or clamp or both ?
If the outer tube part of the jockey wheel has a slot at the bottom watch it is not wound down over the part that holds the actual wheel, as this makes it nigh on impossible to turn the van.
As for it slipping, it has to be really tightly clamped.
Whereabouts in Ayrshire are you?
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
The threads of the jockey wheel clamp handle may well be partially stripped with overtightening by previous owner and therefore not gripping tightly enough. If so then a new one can be purchased if the threads are ok in the clamp. Click on this link
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 31/5/2024
If the outer tube part of the jockey wheel has a slot at the bottom watch it is not wound down over the part that holds the actual wheel, as this makes it nigh on impossible to turn the van.
As for it slipping, it has to be really tightly clamped.
jockey wheels were never designed for motor movers.. keep them as short as possible the longer they are the more stress gets put on the clamping bracket.. this get bent and needs to be over tightened to stop it from slipping
also larger wheels are better for grass and gravel..
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 31/5/2024
If the outer tube part of the jockey wheel has a slot at the bottom watch it is not wound down over the part that holds the actual wheel, as this makes it nigh on impossible to turn the van.
As for it slipping, it has to be really tightly clamped.
Whereabouts in Ayrshire are you?
Hi I’m in Ayr
I work in Prestwick so could come and see if I can help.
But wouldn’t be for a couple of weeks as currently in the South of France.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I've just been on a site with deep pea shingle/gravel for the hardstanding, and my heavy duty, wide solid wheeled jockey REALLY struggled as I MM'd my van onto pitch. Such was the depth and sinkage into the gravel (nearly up to the axle), the wheel didn't actually rotate so much as act as a plough shear and just carve a rut! Most alarming was the flexing of the entire A frame under the strain!
Never had a hint of a problem with my jockey in the past, and coped with usual stoney hardstandings aplenty before, just the loose nature and depth of this one! So, there may not actually be anything wrong (shaft clamp slipping aside) with your jockey wheel, it 'may' be the unsuitable nature of the pitch!
As to the slipping clamp, a number of potentials there. Firstly it most certainly shouldn't slip, not only is that a problem when moving van, it also a risk on the road if the jockey wheel drops and contacts the road surface when towing! In those circumstances, it's usually a totally destroyed wheel as a result, potentially if the wheel fails totally and disintegrates then the wheel attachment bracket could also get damaged! Needless to say, a non functioning jockey wheel is a real handicap if trying to move the van, so needs sorting ASAP.
As mentioned before, the thread could be worn/damaged and not clamping properly, also it may be corroded and not tightening the clamp before the corrosion binds on the thread, giving only the illusion of being correctly tightened. Then again it may have had a replacement threaded shaft that is too long, causing it to bottom out on an obstruction before really tightening the clamp. If a pressed steel clamp, it could have been distorted and no longer have the ability to clamp tightly. I suppose there is also the possibility that the shaft or clamp has been replace with one of the wrong diameter, and the clamping force attainable is just insufficient.
It needs stripping and inspecting to determine the cause. I'd guess some replacement parts are more likely than not required. If only just acquired, this may be the sellers responsibility! If a private purchase, then maybe by goodwill, but little legal comeback, 'buyer beware' is the rule, once you've agreed the purchase, then you've bought the problems and all!
We had issues with our jockey wheel dropping down whilst moving, we had just set off for France and heard a massive thud, luckily we had just left our storage and with that being the second time it had happened I decided to use a bungee cord to tie it up for the whole France trip, when we got back I ordered a new Jockey wheel and it's been fine ever since, be careful with overtightening the clamp as there are a few videos on YouTube where the clamp has snapped, that would leave you in a bad place!
As other have said, when you take the caravan off the car and before using the motor mover, wind the jockey wheel down as much as possible to prevent putting strain on it, especially when using it on gravel
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 28/6/2024
Quote: Originally posted by lor6126 on 27/6/2024
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 31/5/2024
If the outer tube part of the jockey wheel has a slot at the bottom watch it is not wound down over the part that holds the actual wheel, as this makes it nigh on impossible to turn the van.
As for it slipping, it has to be really tightly clamped.
Whereabouts in Ayrshire are you?
Hi I’m in Ayr
I work in Prestwick so could come and see if I can help.
But wouldn’t be for a couple of weeks as currently in the South of France.
That would he very kind if you would have a look when you are back. The van is in storage at digital storage yard in Ayr
We will have another shot at using it with all your points in mind. One of the occasions it happened was in really deep gravel. Luckily it is a light van and my husband managed to lift it so I could get the clamp back on.
as i said earlier jockey wheels were never designed for the loads motor movers can put on them..
keep them as short as possible.. larger blow up wheels work best but do have other problems.. keep an eye on them when in used moving the van with a mover..
mine has always been a pain in the arse.. i have thought about buying a ribbed heavy duty one but never got around to it..
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Topic: Jockey wheel problems
via mobile 30/5/2024 at 11:49pm
