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Post Info TOPIC: Jockey wheels - is there an easier to use alternative for those of us with sore backs wanting something less physical
Pradokakadudavid


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Jockey wheels - is there an easier to use alternative for those of us with sore backs wanting something less physical
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Just had a great weekend away in my piece of crap (my opinion) Retreat caravan where several other things fell apart.  Getting used to this so no big deal but certainly wish I had bought a cheaper brand!

The weekend was some what tarnished by the very sore back I developed after the weekend and I suspect this was partly due to the physical effort and strain on my back caused by use of the jockey wheel.

So my question is, what is the least physically demanding way of raising and lowering the caravan hitch?

Is there anyone out there with a bad back that has purchased a replacement for a standard jockey wheel that is less physically demanding.

I have seen the trailer mate jacks so are they physically  easier to operate than a jockey wheel?

My jockey wheel is easy to use and I turn it with no problem but it is the after affects on my back which I am concerned about.

Mind you my new Retreat caravan will probably have fallen completely apart in six months (my opinion based on personal experience) so I won't have to worry about a jockey  wheel then!

 



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Kebbin


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Have a gander at this very topic.

thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t66334643/a-new-jockey-wheel-needed/

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Kebbin
Whenarewethere


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RE: Jockey wheels - is there an easier to use alternative for those of us with sore backs wanting something less physica
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Lower Discovery D4, drive under, raise D4.



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the rocket


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Bought our second trailer mate yesterday, rocket wanted that, not a jockey wheel.. says its easier.



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cjt55


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Jockey wheels - is there an easier to use alternative for those of us with sore backs wanting something less physical
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I have a Trailer Mate jack which also doubles as a tyre changing Jack. Highly recommend it. I leave mine on the A frame when travelling with plenty of road clearance available. The manufacturer in Adelaide where I had it serviced said this was fine however periodically tighten up the 3 "Allen" key bolts on the shaft and also removed the base plate or wheel and tighten the Allen bolt located a few inches into the shaft.

To compensate for the extra clearance from the ground when I disconnect the van I have a few square blocks of good quality wood. Also have the security cables to stop a thief and which also pulls up the base plate ready for travel. However I am not sure if these are available anymore as the distributor (Stonewolves) have shut down.

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Col

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SouthernComfort


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I swapped my jockey for the trail-a-mate while ago and find little if any difference in the effort required. The hydraulic pump action still requires some reasonable force, maybe with a bit less bending though. I prefer it for 2 reasons: 1. It doubles as the jack, so no need to carry the weight of a jockey as well, 2. The base plate offers more stability than a jockey wheel when uncoupling.

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Aussie1


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I use a BOS Jack. Operated by electric drill. Have found it excellent and so easy to use. Cost around $300. About the same cost as the "Trail a Mate" Can only be purchased "on line" direct from BOS (found their staff very helpful and knowledgeable) However, if in Western Australia you can purchase from Absolute Caravan Service & Repairs in Balcatta.

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Cupie


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RE: Jockey wheels - is there an easier to use alternative for those of us with sore backs wanting something less physica
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I have been using a standard jockey wheel for a long time with never a problem with back pain etc despite my failing strength et al.

Is it an issue of technique/ball weight set up etc?

 

In any case it seems to me that the option of the commercial product with a battery drill operated 'jockey wheel' or the mod  to a standard wheel, seems the go.  Both are discussed in the link posted by Kebbin.



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Iva Biggen


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Aussie1 wrote:

I use a BOS Jack. Operated by electric drill. Have found it excellent and so easy to use. Cost around $300. About the same cost as the "Trail a Mate" Can only be purchased "on line" direct from BOS (found their staff very helpful and knowledgeable) However, if in Western Australia you can purchase from Absolute Caravan Service & Repairs in Balcatta.

 + 1 from me for the BOS leg, they are great.

Cheers

Ivan



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Cheers

Ivan
bobsa


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Jockey wheels - is there an easier to use alternative for those of us with sore backs wanting something less physical
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I have one of these, just hook up to the Anderson plug as needed

ELECTRIC CAR TRAILER JACK STAND CARAVAN JOCKEY PARK LEG 12V

www.ebay.com.au/itm/ELECTRIC-CAR-TRAILER-JACK-STAND-CARAVAN-JOCKEY-PARK-LEG-12V/131969044798~zwN

works well , has a couple of down light as well , I only use it on the draw bar, have a hydraulic jack for changing wheels

Bob

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Pradokakadudavid


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RE: Jockey wheels - is there an easier to use alternative for those of us with sore backs wanting something less physica
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Excellent thank for the advice.

Regards

David



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FMC


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Due to shoulder surgery and a 23 ft van I had problems so I bought and electric jack, runs off my storage battery in the van, could be wired differently if required.

Had to weld on another larger bracket and an anti slip weld on the stand it self, it does the job really well and I don't have to struggle if the hitch slightly gets stuck on the ball as the the jack will lift the van off easily.



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jack.docx (18.6 kb)
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Darian Leckie
Pradokakadudavid


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Thanks Aussie.

After considerable research I have concluded for my personal circumstances, the BOS Jack using a cordless drill (which I carry anyway for the caravan stands) is the best option.

Reasons for this are:

1.  Two kilograms lower weight than my existing jockey  wheel (weight is critical for me as it is a heavy rig!)

2.  Ease of use with cordless drill which I already carry.

3.  Fabulous service from BOS to make sure i got the most suitable model for my situation. 

4. Options of a solid base plate or jockey wheel which often has its uses.

Thanks to all responders for your usual expert advice.

Regards

David 





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Pradokakadudavid


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Thanks FMC.

Your logic and circumstances gel me so I went down a similar track and bought the BOIS Jack with the capacity for cordless operation which fits on easily with no further modifications needed. 

Cheers.

David 



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Delta18


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RE: Jockey wheels -
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As a bonus, the Bos 4?? Jack will take the Trailamate jack bracket and also jack the side of the van for wheel changing.

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Farmhat


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RE: Jockey wheels - is there an easier to use alternative for those of us with sore backs wanting something less physica
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I also am very happy with the BOS Jockey Wheel.

Joe.



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