Jockey Wheel blues
This story happened on: 12/03/2012
I set off from Norwich, towing my Gobur Carousel folding caravan to Beechwood Grange, York. I did all my pre-trip checks, and all was well when I pulled in to East Heckington parking layby on the A17, after two hours on the road. I stretched my legs, had my packed lunch, and did a quick check before setting off again. Not much further on, I bumped over a pothole, and then started hearing muffled noises when the road was uneven- but couldn't find a layby that was clear for several miles. When I eventually found one, and with trepidation got out of the car to check the caravan, I found that the Jockey wheel shaft had shifted in the clamp, and the pneumatic tyre was ruined. I readjusted the clamp, and continued my journey, as the caravan itself was fine.
When I checked in at Beechwood Grange, I told the warden my plight, and she helpfully told me that there was a newly reopened caravan store about 6 miles away on the A64 towards Scarborough. I set up the caravan on the chosen pitch, and with the corner steadies lowered, was able to unclamp the jockey wheel. I drove to the caravan store (Ebor Caravans)- they had the right size of wheel/tyre, but the axle fitting was wrong for an Alko fitment, so I had to buy a complete new setup, but at least I was able to get one. I drove back to Beechwood Grange and fitted the new jockey wheel to the clamp. Now I can get on with my holiday! I will have to be mega careful on the way back home to avoid any future damage to the tyre.
HalifaxAndy
Caravanner