News

When shopping for a trailer jockey wheel, one of the most common decisions you’ll face is choosing between a 48mm and 60mm model. These two sizes are widely used across trailer applications, but they are not interchangeable. Picking the wrong jockey wheel can lead to unstable support, difficult manoeuvring, or even safety risks. This guide breaks down the differences to help you select the correct size for your trailer.

What Is a Jockey Wheel?

A jockey wheel is the adjustable support wheel fitted to the front drawbar of a trailer. Its job is to lift and hold the trailer’s coupler when you are hitching, unhitching, or manually moving the trailer on flat ground. It bears the nose weight of your trailer, so the tube diameter directly impacts load capacity and durability.

48mm Jockey Wheel Overview

The 48mm jockey wheel is the smaller-diameter option.

• Best for: Light-duty trailers, small utility trailers, jet ski trailers, small boat trailers and lightweight box trailers with low nose weight.
• Advantages: Lighter weight, more compact, easier to manually crank and store. It is a budget-friendly choice for light loads.
• Limitations: Lower maximum load rating. It is not suitable for heavy trailers, as the thinner tube is more prone to bending under high nose weight.

60mm Jockey Wheel Overview

The 60mm jockey wheel features a thicker outer tube.

• Best for: Medium to heavy-duty trailers, larger caravan trailers, horse trailers, big boat trailers, and heavy cargo trailers with high nose weight.
• Advantages: Higher load capacity, stronger tube construction, better resistance to bending and deformation. It offers stable support when holding heavier trailer nose loads.
• Limitations: Heavier and bulkier. It requires more effort to crank compared to the 48mm version, and usually comes at a higher cost.

Key Comparison: 48mm vs 60mm Jockey Wheel

1. Tube Strength & Load Capacity 60mm jockey wheels have a thicker wall and larger diameter, delivering significantly higher load capacity. If your trailer’s nose weight exceeds the rating of a 48mm wheel, you must go for the 60mm model for safety.
2. Trailer Drawbar Fitment Check your trailer drawbar mount first. The mounting clamp must match the outer tube diameter. A 48mm jockey wheel will not fit a 60mm bracket, and vice versa. This is the first check before purchase.
3. Portability & Operation 48mm models are lightweight and simple for frequent manual moving of small trailers. The 60mm jockey wheel is built for heavy loads, so it is sturdier but less convenient for light, casual use.

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Trailer

✅ Choose 48mm jockey wheel if:

• You own a light trailer with low nose weight
• Your drawbar mount is sized for 48mm tube
• You prioritise lightweight, easy cranking and low cost

✅ Choose 60mm jockey wheel if:

• Your trailer has heavy nose weight (caravan, heavy cargo, large boat trailer)
• You need higher structural strength
• Your trailer drawbar mount accepts a 60mm jockey wheel tube

Final Safety Tip

Never use a jockey wheel with a load rating below your trailer’s nose weight. Even if the mount fits, overloading will bend the tube and create dangerous failure risks. Always confirm your trailer nose weight and the bracket diameter before ordering.

Wrap Up

48mm and 60mm jockey wheels serve different trailer weight classes. The 48mm size is perfect for light trailers, while the 60mm heavy-duty version is built for larger, heavier trailers. Match the tube diameter to your drawbar mount and your trailer nose weight, and you will get reliable, safe support every time you move your trailer.