Jockey Wheel Troubleshooting

 
Treadway Blog Image Jockey Wheel Troubleshooting

If your jockey wheel is difficult to use or not performing as expected, the issue is usually related to load, alignment, or wear. The checks below cover the most common problems and how to resolve them. 

Jockey Wheel Won’t Lift the Trailer 

Possible causes: 
  • Jockey wheel is underrated for the drawbar load 
  • Screw mechanism is dry, dirty, or corroded 
  • Excessive load due to uneven ground 
What to do: 
  • Confirm the jockey wheel’s load rating exceeds your drawbar weight 
  • Clean and lightly lubricate the screw mechanism 
  • Move the trailer onto level ground before lifting 
  • Consider upgrading to a heavy-duty jockey wheel if the problem persists 
Jockey Wheel Slips or Drops Under Load 

Possible causes: 
  • Internal wear in the screw or nut 
  • Overloading beyond rated capacity 
What to do: 
  • Stop using the jockey wheel immediately 
  • Inspect for internal wear or damage 
  • Replace the jockey wheel if slipping continues, as this is a safety issue 
Jockey Wheel Is Hard to Wind 

Possible causes: 
  • Lack of lubrication 
  • Bent tube or misalignment 
  • Debris inside the screw mechanism 
What to do: 
  • Clean and lubricate the moving parts 
  • Check the wheel is mounted square to the drawbar 
  • Replace the unit if the tube is bent or binding continues 
Jockey Wheel Sinks or Gets Stuck on the Ground 

Possible causes: 
  • Wheel type not suited to the surface 
  • Soft ground such as sand, grass, or gravel 
What to do: 
  • Use a pneumatic-tyre or dual-wheel jockey wheel 
  • Place a solid plate or board under the wheel when manoeuvring 
  • Avoid dragging the wheel sideways on soft surfaces 
Jockey Wheel Hits the Ground While Towing 

Possible causes: 
  • Insufficient ground clearance 
  • Incorrect stowage position 
What to do: 
  • Ensure the wheel is fully raised or locked in the travel position 
  • Consider a swing-away jockey wheel for improved clearance (e.g. Knott and Tow-X jockey wheels) 
  • Reposition the mount if clearance remains an issue 
Jockey Wheel Clamp Rotates or Slips 

Possible causes: 
  • Clamp bolts not tightened evenly 
  • Clamp size does not match the drawbar 
What to do: 
  • Re-align the clamp and tighten bolts evenly 
  • Check compatibility with your drawbar size 
  • Upgrade to a heavier clamp or weld-on mount if movement continues 
When to Replace a Trailer Jockey Wheel or Its Parts 

Replace the jockey wheel if you notice: 
  • Cracked wheels or excessive tyre wear 
  • Bent tubes or mounting brackets 
  • Persistent slipping, grinding, or binding 
  • Severe corrosion affecting strength or operation 

For more jockey wheel facts and tips, check out our jockey wheel FAQs page.