Jockey Wheels (solid wheels/pneumatic
tyres/ratchet), Power Movers, Trailer Drive Systems or front tow bars?
Which is best and which is the right one for you?
Related
Articles:
Caravan Jacks
Jacks, Trail-A-Mate, Sidewinder Jacks
and Bottle Jacks can be used to position your caravan at
home, change a wheel or raise the van or trailer for
maintenance purposes.
A jockey wheel often comes standard with your
caravan or trailer. The ‘A’ frame or draw bar will
have a jockey wheel clamp. The shaft of the jockey
wheel can come in different lifting heights eg: 35
mm, 42 mm, 48 mm, 60 mm etc.
There are different types of jockey wheels such as
standard solid wheels or those with inflatable
(pneumatic) tyres. Some jockey wheels can be
permanently attached to the ‘A’ frame or draw bar
and pivot from a vertical position when in use to a
horizontal position when towing.
When the caravan or trailer is parked you can use a
jockey wheel stabiliser to eliminate sideways
movement.
It is a good idea to service and re-grease your
jockey wheel at least once every twelve months.
To assist a single person park or manoeuvre an RV
there are the ratchet operatedjockey
wheels. A handle can be used to operate the
ratchet. The single wheel ratchet jockey wheel can
be used for the single axel boat trailer, camper
trailer and caravan and the two (or dual) wheel
ratchet type for the tandem (two) axels caravans and
trailers or if greater traction is required.
HitchDrive
is also another device available for single axle caravans
and trailers up to 1,200 kg loaded (Safe Working Load 2,000
kg). The manufacturer claims it will handle gradients of up
to 1:7 and manoeuvre the caravan or trailer through a
complete 360 degree.
Power Movers
The power mover is a device that operates on 12V DC power
from a battery usually mounted in your caravan or trailer
but a battery box can be fitted to the top of the unit
itself.
One such power mover, Aussie Wheel, has three models and the
manufacturer claims the capacity ranges from 1,500 kg to
3,500 kg and the power output 124NM to 295 NM. There is an
option for a ball hitch or jockey post to be able to connect
your caravan or trailer to the power mover device.
Another manufacturer of a power mover is
Powrtouch. It is British designed caravan or
trailer mover operating on two 12V motors with
reduction gearboxes. The manufacturer claims no
matter what size and weight your caravan is they
have a Powrtouch to suit.
The Powrtouch device clamps onto the chassis of the
caravan or trailer and comprises drive rollers that
can be positioned on and off the tyres. The caravan
or trailer tyres are driven by a locking CAM system
and operated by a remote control handset which
enables the caravan or trailer to be moved in all
directions.
The Powracturator system kit can be fitted to the
Powrtouch. It is a 12V linear actuator which
replaces the over-lock CAM system for disengaging
and engaging the rollers to the tyres.
The Powrwheel is a device that fits onto the jockey
wheel of your caravan or tailer. The manufacturer
claims it will pull loads up to 1,500 kg and will
give you a 5 year guarantee.
The Powrhitch is a similar device but the
manufacturer claims this will pull loads up to 3,500
kg.
Truma
UK
also has a product called the Mover SE suitable for
most single axle caravan or trailer chassis with a gross
weight up to 1,800 kg. At the push of a button on the
remote handset the drive rollers are engaged and
disengaged. The manufacturer claims the ‘Smooth Start’
drive feature provides jerk-free starting and stopping.
Purple
Line Limited UK
also has a 12V power mover called enduro with
lightweight alloy rollers. The manufacturer claims the 12V
motors will supply enough torque for operation on a 1:4
gradient.
All of these power movers are designed for manoeuvrability
and to take the physical strain out of moving your caravan
or trailer.
For more information do a Google
Search in the box at the
top of this page.
Trailer
Drive Systems
If you wish to investigate, there are trailer drive systems
available from the USA. The ProJack trailer drive system
operates on 12V and includes a wireless remote and not only
drives and steers your RV without being hitched to the tow
vehicle but also raises and lowers the RV . The
manufacturer claims it has a lifting capacity of 1,000 lbs
and a moving capacity of 10,000 lbs
Other Ideas for Manoeuvring your RV
The jockey wheel will operate best on a flat surface so if
you need to move your caravan or trailer on uneven ground or
up an incline then you may be better off installing an
electric winch say at the end of your driveway and
hooking it to a properly fitted winch point on your RV and
use the jockey wheel to steer the direction of the RV.
Another idea for manoeuvring your RV is to have a
front tow bar (with a tow ball) or push bar fitted
to the tow vehicle. Get a qualified person to
do the fitting especially if your tow vehicle is
fitted with air bags as any bumps to the front of
the vehicle may cause the air bags to activate.
This device will enable you to face your caravan or
trailer with your RV hitched to the front of your
tow vehicle and make parking or manoeuvring of your
RV just that much easier. There may be legal
requirements for the tow ball not to protrude past
the front bumper of your tow vehicle and for you to
remove the coupling/tow ball from the front of your
tow vehicle when not in use.
Truma
UK
Purple
Line Limited UK 
