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Looking for the right jockey wheel for your trailer?
A jockey wheel might seem like a small component, but it plays a big role in safe towing and easy manoeuvring. From supporting the trailer front when unhitched to helping you hitch up without strain, the right jockey wheel makes towing simpler and safer.
This guide explains what jockey wheels are, the different types available, how to choose the best jockey wheel for your trailer, and how to maintain it for long service life.
A jockey wheel is a retractable support wheel fitted to the front of a trailer drawbar. Its primary purpose is to support the trailer when it is not connected to a tow vehicle and to make it easier to move, align, and hitch the trailer.
When correctly sized and fitted, a trailer jockey wheel allows you to:
Jockey wheels have multiple attributes and designs to accommodate different trailer types. We’ve categorised these attributes here to help explain the many kinds of jockey wheels available and to help you narrow down the right option for your trailer.
Mounting Style
Mounting style refers to the way the jockey wheel is installed or attached to the trailer.
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Clamp‑On Jockey Wheels
Clamp‑on jockey wheels are secured using a clamp that wraps around the drawbar. They are quick to install, adjustable, and easy to replace. Clamp‑on designs are common for general‑purpose trailers and are ideal when flexibility or future replacement is important.
Best for: General light to medium-duty trailers users; no welding required.
U-Bolt Mounted Jockey Wheels
U-bolt mounted jockey wheels are secured to the trailer drawbar using one or more U-bolts that wrap around the chassis and fasten through a mounting bracket. This style provides a firm, load-spreading attachment without the need for welding.
Because the U-bolts must match the drawbar size, it is important to measure the drawbar width, height, and profile before purchasing. Correctly sized U-bolts ensure even clamping force and help prevent movement under load.
U-bolt mounts are commonly used where a more secure fixing is required than a standard clamp-on, but where permanent welding is not desirable.
Best for: medium to heavy trailers, box-section or RHS drawbars, users wanting a strong, non-welded mounting solution.
Weld‑On Jockey Wheels
Weld‑on jockey wheels are permanently welded to the drawbar. They offer a more rigid installation and are often used on commercial or custom‑built trailers where strength and long‑term durability are prioritised.
Best for: Heavy‑duty/commercial trailers subjected to higher loads and frequent use.
Stowage
Stowage describes how the jockey wheel sits on the drawbar when towing.
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Vertical-Lift (Fixed) Jockey Wheels
Vertical-lift jockey wheels raise and lower in a straight up-and-down motion and remain upright on the drawbar when not in use. Although sometimes called “fixed,” they are fully adjustable and collapsible — they simply do not fold sideways.
This style is simple, easy to install, and cost-effective, making it a common choice for lighter trailers used on level ground.
Best for: light trailers, occasional use, sealed surfaces.
Swing-Away (Swivel) Jockey Wheels
Swing-away jockey wheels pivot sideways on a mounting bracket and lock into a raised travel position when not in use. Moving the wheel out of the centreline of the drawbar improves ground clearance while towing.
They are well suited to trailers that are frequently launched, loaded, or manoeuvred, especially on ramps or uneven surfaces.
Best for: boat trailers, car trailers, frequent users.
Load Capacity
Load capacity determines how much static drawbar weight the jockey wheel is designed to support.
Standard-Duty Jockey Wheels
Standard-duty jockey wheels are intended for lighter drawbar loads and general trailer use. They typically feature smaller tube diameters and simpler brackets.
Best for: domestic trailers, box trailers, light boats.
Heavy-Duty Jockey Wheels
Heavy-duty jockey wheels are built for higher static loads and repeated use under weight. They usually feature thicker tubes, reinforced clamps or brackets, and higher load ratings.
These are commonly specified for commercial, plant, and multi-axle trailers.
Best for: commercial trailers, plant trailers, high drawbar loads.
Type of Wheel
The type of wheel affects how the entire jockey wheel assembly performs on different surfaces.
Solid Wheel Jockey Wheels
Solid wheel jockey wheels use solid rubber or polymer wheels. They require minimal maintenance and perform consistently on sealed surfaces.
Best for: concrete, asphalt, storage yards.
Pneumatic-Tyre Jockey Wheels
Pneumatic-tyre jockey wheels use air-filled tyres to improve rolling performance over uneven ground. They absorb vibration and reduce effort when manoeuvring trailers on gravel or grass.
Best for: gravel, grass, rural properties, soft grounds.
Dual-Wheel Jockey Wheels
Dual-wheel jockey wheels use two wheels to spread load across a wider contact area. This reduces ground pressure and improves stability on soft or unstable ground.
Best for: heavy trailers, soft ground, sand or loose gravel.
Handle Type
The handle type affects how easily you can raise and lower the trailer, especially when space around the drawbar is limited.
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Side-Wind Handles
Side-wind jockey wheels use a handle mounted on the side of the tube. This allows you to operate the wheel while standing beside the drawbar, often with better leverage and visibility.
They are generally easier to use on heavier trailers or where frequent adjustment is required.
Best for: heavier trailers, frequent use, users who prefer easier cranking.
Top-Wind Handles
Top-wind jockey wheels have the handle mounted on the top of the tube. This design is more compact and can be useful where space around the drawbar is restricted, such as if you have gear installed along the draw bar.
However, top-wind handles may require more bending or reaching, particularly on taller trailers.
Best for: lighter trailers, tight storage spaces, occasional use.
Tip: If your trailer is used often or carries higher drawbar loads, a side-wind handle is usually more comfortable and efficient to operate over time.
Selecting the correct jockey wheel for new installations or replacements ensures safe towing, easy manoeuvring, and long-term durability.
Here are important factors to consider when choosing the right one for your trailer build.
1. Trailer Weight and Drawbar Weight
The first and most important factor is the weight of your trailer. Every jockey wheel has a static load rating, which is the maximum weight it can safely support when the trailer is unhitched.
Tips for choosing based on weight:
Example: A 1,200 kg trailer with a 150 kg drawbar load should use a jockey wheel rated for at least 200–250 kg.
Pro tip: Heavy-duty or commercial-rated jockey wheels are a better choice for heavier trailers or frequent use. Brands like Knott have options for medium to higher loads, while Tow-X offers practical options for lighter trailers.
2. Drawbar Height and Lift Range
Your jockey wheel must have a lift range sufficient to raise and lower the trailer coupling safely.
Step-by-step guidance:
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Measure the height of your trailer’s coupling from the ground.
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Compare this with the jockey wheel’s adjustable range. Ensure the wheel can raise the coupling high enough to clear your tow ball and lower it enough to reach the tow ball safely.
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Swivel or swing-away jockey wheels can provide extra ground clearance while towing, reducing the chance of impact on ramps or uneven terrain.
Example: If your coupling sits at 550 mm, a jockey wheel adjustable between 400 mm and 650 mm will work well.
3. Surface and Terrain
The type of ground where your trailer is stored and moved affects wheel selection:
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Sealed surfaces (asphalt, concrete, workshops): Solid wheels work well, require minimal maintenance, and are less likely to get stuck.
Example: A trailer used on a gravel driveway will benefit from a pneumatic-tyre jockey wheel, as the air-filled tyre rolls smoothly over uneven surfaces, while a trailer stored and moved mainly on concrete will perform well with a solid-wheel jockey wheel, which will require minimal maintenance when used on hard, sealed ground.
4. Frequency of Use
Consider how often you hitch and move the trailer:
Tip: Fleet owners trying to maximise the use of their towing vehicles or power units, where towing units might swap trailers frequently to reduce empty miles, will benefit from heavy-duty jockey wheels.
5. Additional Considerations
Beyond load capacity, lift range, and terrain, a few other factors determine compatibility and can affect long-term performance:
Materials and Corrosion Protection
Jockey wheel bodies are commonly made from galvanised steel, powder-coated steel, or stainless steel, which offer different levels of resistance against rust and corrosion. Options that are galvanised in and out often offer the best protection for trailers used in marine environments.
For the wheels, rubber and nylon materials offer different advantages as well. Nylon wheels are rigid and resistant to oils, greases, fuels, solvents, and most cleaning chemicals, making them well suited to workshops, depots, and industrial settings where spills or regular wash-downs occur. Rubber wheels, on the other hand, provide more grip and vibration absorption on mixed surfaces, but can degrade over time when exposed to oils, fuels, or strong solvents.
Choosing the right materials extends the life of the jockey wheel, especially in coastal areas or where trailers are exposed to water, salt, or chemicals.
Spare Parts Availability
Wheels, bearings, and screw mechanisms can wear over time.
Choosing a brand with readily available replacement parts ensures you can maintain the jockey wheel easily, which adds long-term value and reduces downtime.
Ease of Maintenance
Grease fittings or simple lubrication points, and swivel-type models reduce greasing and cleaning time. These features when combined with corrosion-resistant coatings and high-performance parts all contribute to easier maintenance and longer service life.
Tip: Thinking about these factors alongside weight, terrain, and usage frequency will help you choose a jockey wheel that not only works well now but continues to perform reliably for years.
If in doubt, consult your trailer manufacturer or a reputable supplier like Treadway.
Installing a jockey wheel is a straightforward task for most trailer manufacturers and experienced owners, but it’s important to position and secure it correctly to ensure safe operation and long service life.
Before You Start
Before installing the jockey wheel, check the following:
Installing a Clamp-On Jockey Wheel
Clamp-on jockey wheels are the most common and easiest to install.
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Position the jockey wheel on the drawbar, usually just behind the coupling.
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Ensure the wheel sits square and vertical when lowered.
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Ensure there is sufficient ground clearance when towing
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Fit the clamp around the drawbar and insert the bolts.
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Tighten the bolts evenly, alternating sides to keep the clamp aligned.
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Raise and lower the wheel to confirm smooth operation.
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If using a swing-away model, check that it locks securely in both the operating and travel positions.
Tip: Do not overtighten to the point of crushing the drawbar but ensure the clamp cannot rotate under load.
Installing a Weld-On Jockey Wheel
Weld-on jockey wheels provide a permanent and rigid installation and are usually fitted during trailer construction or major modification.
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Position the jockey wheel bracket in the correct location on the drawbar.
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Confirm there is enough clearance for full wheel movement and stowage.
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Tack weld the bracket in place and test the wheel’s operation.
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Complete the weld once correct alignment is confirmed.
Note: Welding should be carried out by a qualified person to avoid weakening the drawbar.
Final Checks After Installation
Once installed, always perform these checks:
When to Seek Help
If the jockey wheel binds, slips, or does not lift the trailer easily, the wheel may be undersized, incorrectly positioned, or overtightened. In these cases, seek advice from a trailer specialist or supplier.
Now that you know which jockey wheel to choose, it’s important that you also learn the best way to maintain it.
Regular maintenance extends the life of your jockey wheel and reduces the risk of failure, so here are important maintenance practices to follow:
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To prevent corrosion, wash your jockey wheel after exposure to road salts, chemicals or dirt. Regular cleaning, even when not in use, will also help keep it from rusting.
It’s also important to check the condition of your jockey wheel before using to prevent damage or injuries. Replace the jockey wheel or its parts if you notice:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why won’t my jockey wheel lift?
A: Common causes include overload, lack of lubrication, internal wear, or corrosion in the screw mechanism.
Q: What size jockey wheel do I need for a boat trailer?
A: Boat trailers often benefit from swivel jockey wheels with pneumatic tyres to handle ramps and uneven ground. Capacity should match the drawbar load.
Q: Are solid or pneumatic tyres better?
A: Solid tyres require less maintenance and suit sealed surfaces. Pneumatic tyres provide smoother movement on gravel, grass, and uneven ground. The better choice is the one that suits your application.
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