The jockey wheel is one of those components most camper/RV owners only think about after theirs fails. Choosing the right one upfront means it handles your rig's nose weight, survives rough surfaces, and won't corrode out after two seasons.
What Load Rating Do You Need?
The most important spec is the load rating — the maximum static load the wheel can support. This needs to exceed your camper/RV's nose weight with a safety margin.
Typical nose weights by rig type: Small camper trailer (1,000–1,500 kg / 2,200–3,300 lb ATM): 80–130 kg (≈175–285 lb). Mid-size RV (2,000–2,800 kg / 4,400–6,200 lb ATM): 150–250 kg (≈330–550 lb). Large off-road RV (3,000–4,000 kg / 6,600–8,800 lb ATM): 220–350 kg (≈485–770 lb).
Select a wheel rated at least 25% above your measured nose weight.
Swivel vs Fixed Jockey Wheels
Fixed jockey wheel: Fixed in one orientation. Fine for hitching in a straight line, but makes moving the rig sideways difficult.
Swivel (castor) jockey wheel: Pivots 360°, letting you push the rig in any direction while unhitched. For most owners, a swivel wheel is worth the extra cost.
Wheel Size and Surface Type
Small wheels (4"/100mm): Fine for sealed pads. Will dig in on soft ground or gravel.
Large wheels (6"/150mm+): Roll more easily over rough surfaces. Better for rigs on unpaved sites.
Solid rubber wheels: Zero puncture risk — the most common choice for durability.
For off-road RVs, a solid rubber 6" wheel is the practical default.
Clamping Mechanism
Tube clamp (bolt-on): Grips the vertical A-frame tube. Compatible with standard 48mm (≈1.9 in) and 60mm (≈2.4 in) tube sizes. Before ordering, measure your A-frame tube diameter.
The ARK Jockey Wheel Range
ARK makes the benchmark jockey wheels in the market, widely used on Black Series, MDC, Jayco, and other rigs.
ARK XO350 (350 kg / ≈770 lb): For most HQ Series Black Series RVs — covers the 150–250 kg (≈330–550 lb) nose weight range of the HQ15–HQ21 with appropriate margin.
ARK XO500 (500 kg / ≈1,100 lb): For very heavy rigs or A-frames with additional equipment weight.
ARK XO750 (750 kg / ≈1,650 lb): For boat trailers and commercial applications.
Signs Your Jockey Wheel Needs Replacing
- Leg won't stay locked at height: Replace immediately — the rig can drop suddenly.
- Deep corrosion on the tube: Weakens the tube and can cause collapse under load.
- Wheel won't roll smoothly: Bearing failure or flat spot.
- Clamp body is cracked: Will fail under load.
Fitting Tips
- Set wheel height so the A-frame is level when unhitched.
- Torque clamp bolts to spec — over-tightening can deform the A-frame tube.
- Grease the leg tube lightly to prevent corrosion seizing the height adjustment.
- Check clamp bolt torque periodically — vibration on rough roads can loosen it.
Shop ARK jockey wheels at RV Parts Giant.