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Dobbie

Dobbie

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Jun 18, 2014
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We are seriously annoyed by the need to stow the jockey wheel inside the vehicle and really looking for alternatives.

Considering a trailamate with just a base plate but would appreciate some feedback from those who've used it.

  • Are there different models?
  • Does it replace the Jayco supplied jack?
  • If so, are the Jack points suitable on the van?
  • And the right size?
  • Can I then ditch the Jayco jack?
  • Is it easy to use? Can a weak idiot wind it up with ease?
I realise the weight will not be lower than the supplied jockey wheel....and it still has to be stowed somewhere accessible but wondered if we take out the Jayco Jack, free up some space in the tunnel boot, it could be a multipurpose tool.

That is....if it's as useful as I think. Cost is a factor as well as weight and I'm confused by the research done so far.

Thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone has found it useful and easy!
 
dagree

dagree

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Mar 3, 2012
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Perth. WA
We have one and are 99.9% happy with it compared to using the jockey wheel.
Likes:
  • Operates hydraulically and no need to wind a handle.
  • No more skinned knuckles on the chequerplate box :o
Dislike:
Not able to fit the supplied jacking plates on the outback :(

Dobbie said:
  • Are there different models? (There is a Mark II model out now with slightly higher capacity)
  • Does it replace the Jayco supplied jack? (Unfortunately being an outback there is no where to have the supplied jacking points fitted :( )
  • If so, are the Jack points suitable on the van? (NO)
  • And the right size? (YES)
  • Can I then ditch the Jayco jack? (Apparently not seeing the supplied jacking points won't fit)
  • Is it easy to use? Can a weak idiot wind it up with ease? (Simple answer... YES.... If I can operate it anyone can)
Click to expand...

I leave it stored in the jockey wheel bracket while travelling (Make sure it's as high up as possible). The only thing to do is make up, or buy a steel cable similar to THIS ONE to make sure the plate doesn't drop while traveling.

You probably have been HERE but it gives more details....
 
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Dobbie

Dobbie

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Jun 18, 2014
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Thanks for that.

We have an outback and have already fitted an extra bracket for an optitech power mover so couldn't fit yet another on draw bar.

It seems I may have to leave things as they are......but may adapt another jockey wheel by taking off the wheel and replacing with a steel plate. I've found the actual wheel goes out of shape and have never even tried to roll the van via the jockey wheel so that might give me a bit more stability.

We've been camped on sand and had to use a block set in the sand for the jockey wheel and I was contemplating what I'd do if it toppled off the wood....hence the base plate idea.

Will ponder a bit more now you've given me the info I was lacking!
 
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bigcol

bigcol

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Nov 22, 2012
6,814
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Swan Valley Perth
while I do have a Trailamate I brought off someone on this forum (sorry, but is was awhile ago and have forgotten who it was........DOH)
I have yet to use it

only because I am still reasonably happy with what I use currently, but I brought it with the thought that I would use it instead of what I do use

first, I have added a holder for my Jockey wheel across the draw bar - when travelling, the handle also keeps the cable from dropping too low
and
I use an old old old Jack stand for frontal stability, nice wide base - great on sand, un-even ground, etc
you can see both in the below pictures

IMAG0711.jpg

IMAG0712.jpg

dont know if this could or would help you @Dobbie
 
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B

Bluey

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Mar 31, 2014
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Australia
I use a jockey wheel from bcf with a folding handel makes it very easy to put in car ????? Not very expencive i love it
 
Billrw136

Billrw136

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Jun 20, 2011
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North Rothbury
Check out BOS jockey @Dobbie - that's what I use for our Journey - stays fixed to drawer bar. I use the original jockey wheel clamp for our Optitech mover (thus is only used at home).
I have found the BOS very good. There is a photo of it in my Journey thread.
Bill
 
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Roosterman

Roosterman

Active Member
Jul 18, 2015
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Hunter Valley
Ive considered one of these also, but not sure id get value for it, I store my jockey wheel in the front tunnel boot when traveling, and when setting up I use the jockey wheel, and a small jack stand which works great TBH, at times I need to fiddle bit to get the height right, but other then that my set up works well.....I understand they would simpler and a bit quicker I guess, just not sure if the outlay would be beneficial....

Just my thoughts...

Cheers...
 
Dobbie

Dobbie

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Jun 18, 2014
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Thanks. Will check out the BOS.

We've decided we really need the flat plate....just wondering (and checking) if there's any caravan bylaw which requires a wheel rather than a plate??

Haven't heard of one...but should check I guess.
 
Dobbie

Dobbie

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Jun 18, 2014
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Been checking out the BOS but can't get an idea on price or if the standard jockey wheel clamp will fit it.

It looks good.

Just have to be sure and work out if it's justified.

Can't see any distributors in Qld but notice they go around the shows.

Might have to call them if we're really serious.
 
Bellbirdweb

Bellbirdweb

Well-Known Member
Jan 24, 2014
1,921
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Sydney
Dobbie said:
We are seriously annoyed by the need to stow the jockey wheel inside the vehicle and really looking for alternatives.

Considering a trailamate with just a base plate but would appreciate some feedback from those who've used it.

  • Are there different models?
  • Does it replace the Jayco supplied jack?
  • If so, are the Jack points suitable on the van?
  • And the right size?
  • Can I then ditch the Jayco jack?
  • Is it easy to use? Can a weak idiot wind it up with ease?
I realise the weight will not be lower than the supplied jockey wheel....and it still has to be stowed somewhere accessible but wondered if we take out the Jayco Jack, free up some space in the tunnel boot, it could be a multipurpose tool.

That is....if it's as useful as I think. Cost is a factor as well as weight and I'm confused by the research done so far.

Thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone has found it useful and easy!
Click to expand...

@Dobbie I purchased a trailermate at the Sydney show last year, and I love it.

I still take it off and store it in the tunnel boot, but have the flat plate fitted to it all the time, but it did come with a wheel as well.

The biggest advantage for me is the additional travel compared to the standard jockey wheel. I was always having to chock and remove and adjust the old wheel because the height of my hitch was just in the wrong spot. With 700mm travel, this is no longer a problem.

The unit also came with some jacking fittings, which I'm going to get welded on the chassis to allow it to be used as a jack. The standard jacking points are not suitable. If you get these fitted, I believe you could ditch the crap Jayco jack.

They do come in 2 sizes. I got the original smaller model and it fits into the standard jockey wheel bracket on the draw bar. Having the largest Expanda made, I'm pretty confident you wouldn't need the larger model, which would require a new bracket welded onto the draw bar.

It's super easy to use, SWMBO is now easily able to use it to raise and lower the van onto the car.

The only down side is that it's heavier than the standard one, but SWMBO put it away last week and didn't find it too much of a struggle.

All in all, if highly recommend it.
 
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dagree

dagree

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Mar 3, 2012
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Perth. WA
Bellbirdweb said:
The unit also came with some jacking fittings, which I'm going to get welded on the chassis to allow it to be used as a jack. The standard jacking points are not suitable. If you get these fitted, I believe you could ditch the crap Jayco jack.
Click to expand...

I'd be very interested to see where they put them @Bellbirdweb as the Service Agent I took mine to said there was nowhere suitable on the 17.56.2OB!!!!!
 
Bellbirdweb

Bellbirdweb

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Jan 24, 2014
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Sydney
dagree said:
I'd be very interested to see where they put them @Bellbirdweb as the Service Agent I took mine to said there was nowhere suitable on the 17.56.2OB!!!!!
Click to expand...

Yep that's the only issue now, I've had a look and can't see where I'd put them, so I'm going to discuss it with our service guys to see what's possible.

I have a little bit more room on the 21.64-1 but may have similar issues.
 
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peterg

peterg

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Jan 17, 2015
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warrnambool
I use to have a jocky wheel on a boat trailer that simply rotated 90 degrees. No storage issues with that setup..
 
dagree

dagree

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Mar 3, 2012
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Perth. WA
bigcol said:
while I do have a Trailamate I brought off someone on this forum (sorry, but is was awhile ago and have forgotten who it was........DOH)
I have yet to use it
Click to expand...

Does that mean I have to put the cover on mine AGAIN before "The Boss" notice's it at Easter and August? :kev:
 
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