Jockey Wheels: Choosing the Right Jockey Wheel for Your Trailer
A quality jockey wheel is essential for safely hitching, unhitching, and manoeuvring your trailer. Whether you’re setting up a boat trailer, box trailer, or general-purpose trailer, the right jockey wheel makes handling easier while protecting your coupling and drawbar.
At R&M Trailer Spares, we stock jockey wheels suited specifically to Australian trailers, focusing on strength, correct load ratings, and easy installation.
What Does a Jockey Wheel Do?
A jockey wheel supports the front of the trailer when it’s not connected to the tow vehicle. It allows you to:
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Raise and lower the coupling safely
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Position the trailer by hand over short distances
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Keep the drawbar stable when parked
A worn or under-rated jockey wheel can bend, bind, or fail — making hitching difficult and unsafe.
Jockey Wheels Available on Our Website
Clamp-On Jockey Wheels
Clamp-on jockey wheels are the most common option for light to medium trailers. They mount directly to the drawbar and are adjustable for height.
On our site, these are ideal for:
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Box trailers
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Light boat trailers
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General-purpose trailers
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8 inch clamp-on jockey wheels
https://www.trailersparesonline.com.au/collections/8-inch-jockey-wheels -
AL-KO 8 Inch Premium Clamp-On Jockey Wheel (Extra Height)
https://www.trailersparesonline.com.au/products/al-ko-8-inch-premium-clamp-on-jockey-wheel-extra-height
Swing-Up Jockey Wheels
Swing-up jockey wheels pivot out of the way when towing, improving ground clearance and reducing the risk of contact on ramps or uneven surfaces.
They’re commonly used on:
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Boat trailers
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Trailers launched on steep ramps
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Setups where clearance matters
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Swing-up jockey wheels
https://www.trailersparesonline.com.au/collections/jockey-wheels
Heavy-Duty Jockey Wheels
For trailers with higher ball weight, heavy-duty jockey wheels offer thicker tubes, reinforced clamps, and higher load ratings.
These are best suited to:
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Larger boat trailers
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Fully loaded trailers
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Frequent-use trailers
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Heavy-duty jockey wheels for trailers
https://www.trailersparesonline.com.au/collections/jockey-wheels
Choosing the Correct Jockey Wheel From Our Range
When selecting a jockey wheel on our website, we recommend checking:
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Load rating – Must comfortably support your trailer’s ball weight
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Wheel size – Larger wheels roll more easily on gravel and uneven ground
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Mounting style – Clamp-on or swing-up to suit your drawbar
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Winding direction – Side-wind or top-wind depending on clearance
Jockey Wheels for Boat Trailers
Boat trailers place extra strain on jockey wheels due to wet conditions, steep ramps, and heavier drawbar loads.
Many customers choose:
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Swing-up jockey wheels for improved ramp clearance
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Heavy-duty clamp-on jockey wheels for higher ball weights
Why Buy Jockey Wheels From R&M Trailer Spares?
When you buy from R&M Trailer Spares, you’re choosing:
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Parts designed for Australian trailer standards
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Trusted brands including AL-KO
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Clear specifications on every product
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Fast Australia-wide shipping
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Support from a trailer-parts specialist
Final Thoughts
A reliable jockey wheel improves safety, protects your coupling, and makes trailer handling far easier. Choosing the correct size and load rating helps avoid premature wear and failure.
If you’re replacing a worn unit or upgrading your trailer, selecting a quality jockey wheel designed for Australian conditions is a smart investment.
🔧 Shop Jockey Wheels Online
Browse our full range of jockey wheels here:
👉 https://www.trailersparesonline.com.au/collections/jockey-wheels