Jockey Wheel: 8 Top Picks in NZ for Trailers & Caravans

Choosing a jockey wheel shouldn’t be guesswork. Get it wrong and you’re wrestling a stuck caravan on soft grass, dragging a dinghy trailer across gravel, or watching a cheap tube twist under load. You need a wheel that fits your drawbar, carries the nose weight, rolls where you park, shrugs off salt, and winds smoothly—whether that’s a 48, 60, or 75 mm unit, single or twin wheel, solid or pneumatic, top-wind or side-wind. With so many options on offer in NZ, it’s easy to overpay for features you won’t use—or underbuy and regret it on the boat ramp.

This guide rounds up eight proven jockey wheels available in New Zealand, covering everyday trailers through to heavy off-road caravans. For each pick you’ll get: why it’s a standout, key specs and options, best uses and compatibility notes, real-world pros and trade-offs, plus typical NZ pricing and where to buy. We’ll start with the Trojan range at Action Outdoors, then compare alternatives from Knott, ARK, AL-KO, Wheelco, Manutec and more—so you can match the right wheel to your trailer first time.

1. Action Outdoors: Trojan jockey wheel range for trailers and caravans

If you want a no-fuss match for Kiwi trailers and caravans, Action Outdoors’ Trojan jockey wheel range is an easy starting point. The store stocks Trojan trailer products and backs them with local advice and Auckland pickup, so you can size the clamp, wheel, and duty rating with confidence before you buy.

Why it’s a top pick in NZ

Trojan is a familiar name on New Zealand drawbars, and Action Outdoors pairs that brand reliability with hands-on support. Whether you’re launching at the ramp or shifting a box trailer on the lawn, you get proven hardware, quick availability, and help to choose the right specification for your nose weight and terrain.

Key specs and options

You’ll find practical options to suit common NZ setups, from everyday runabout trailers to heavier caravans. The range covers popular clamp sizes and wheel formats that prioritise strength, rollability, and corrosion resistance for coastal use.

• Popular 48 mm clamp swing-up units: A staple for light-to-medium trailers seeking easy stowage.
• Heavier-duty formats: Built for larger caravans or work trailers needing higher static load capacity.
• Wheel choices: Solid rubber styles for hardstand use, with size options (including 8 inch) for better rolling.

Best for and compatibility

Choose a Trojan jockey wheel here if you want a straightforward, brand-matched fit with support on the counter or phone. Before you decide, confirm your trailer’s measurements and where you typically park or launch.

• Clamp diameter and mounting: Match to your drawbar bracket and clearance.
• Nose weight: Pick a duty rating that exceeds your loaded tongue weight.
• Surface: Select wheel size/tread to suit gravel, grass, or concrete.

Pros and trade-offs

Going Trojan through Action Outdoors means predictable quality and easy after-sales support. The flip side is that you’ll be choosing from proven specs rather than ultra-cheap imports or niche custom builds.

• Pros: Reputable brand, local stock and advice, options that suit NZ marine conditions.
• Trade-offs: May cost more than generic imports; heavier-duty models add weight.

Price range and where to buy

Pricing varies by clamp size, wheel diameter, and duty rating, with light-duty units typically more affordable than heavy-duty or twin-wheel designs. Check current availability and pricing direct with Action Outdoors in Auckland, or compare against other NZ stockists that list jockey wheels and Trojan gear. This keeps you within the right spec and budget without second-guessing fit or performance.

2. Trojan 8 inch swing-up jockey wheel (48 mm clamp)

Trojan’s 8 inch swing-up jockey wheel with a 48 mm clamp is the Kiwi default for light-to-medium trailers. It fits the common 48 mm bracket found on many NZ drawbars, swings up cleanly for travel, and offers the extra rolling ease you want when parking on driveways or compacted gravel.

Why it’s a top pick in NZ

It balances simplicity and durability with wide compatibility. If your trailer already has a 48 mm clamp, this Trojan jockey wheel is an easy, reliable upgrade that won’t fight you on the ramp or at the storage yard, and parts support is readily available through NZ retailers.

Key specs and options

You’re buying a practical, no-drama workhorse. The standout is the 8 inch wheel diameter, which helps it roll more readily than smaller formats and reduces the “digging in” you feel with lighter units.

• 48 mm clamp: Matches the most common light trailer mounting.
• Swing-up design: Stows quickly to keep ground clearance on the road.
• 8 inch wheel: Smoother rolling over joints, potholes, and coarse chip.

Best for and compatibility

Pick this if you run a runabout, box trailer, or small caravan that lives on concrete, sealed drives or firm hardstand. It’s also a smart fit for anglers launching regularly but not carting heavy nose weights.

• Light-to-medium duty trailers: Everyday loads and weekend towing.
• Common 48 mm brackets: Minimal fuss fitting for existing clamps.
• Firm surfaces: Concrete, asphalt, and compacted gravel.

Pros and trade-offs

You get predictable Trojan build and the convenience of swing-up storage. If you often push across soft grass or sand, consider a wider or twin-wheel option for more float.

• Pros: Wide NZ fitment, easy stowage, better rolling from 8 inch diameter.
• Trade-offs: Less float on soft terrain; not the pick for very heavy tongues.

Price range and where to buy

Expect mainstream, competitive pricing in NZ, varying with bracket kits and finish. Buy through Action Outdoors for local advice and Trojan compatibility, or compare against major NZ trailer and marine retailers that stock jockey wheels and Trojan-branded hardware.

3. Knott 8 inch heavy-duty side-wind jockey wheel (75 mm, galvanised)

Built for bigger loads and tougher duty, the Knott 8 inch heavy‑duty side‑wind with a 75 mm tube is the step up many boat trailers and larger caravans need. The galvanised finish suits coastal use, while the side‑wind handle keeps cranking smooth and accessible even when space under the A‑frame is tight.

Why it’s a top pick in NZ

This Knott unit hits the sweet spot of rigidity and durability for Kiwi conditions. The larger 75 mm body resists flex under higher nose weights, the 8 inch wheel helps it roll on coarse chip and ramps, and the galvanised construction stands up to salt and spray.

• Heavy-duty stability: Thicker tube reduces wobble under load.
• Side-wind ease: Comfortable cranking clearance beside gas bottles or winches.
• Marine-friendly: Galvanised steel helps fight corrosion.

Key specs and options

You’re getting a robust, serviceable jockey wheel aimed at serious trailers without unnecessary frills. It’s about strength, leverage, and longevity.

• 75 mm tube/clamp size: For heavy-duty brackets and A‑frames.
• 8 inch wheel diameter: Better rolling than smaller wheels on uneven ground.
• Side‑wind mechanism: Smooth lift/lower with improved leverage.
• Galvanised finish: Designed for outdoor and marine environments.

Best for and compatibility

Choose the Knott 75 mm if your trailer carries a higher tongue weight or you’re regularly moving on gravel and ramps. Check your bracket size before you buy—many light trailers run 48 mm, so upgrading may require a new clamp.

• Best for: Larger caravans, sizeable boat trailers, industrial/work trailers.
• Compatibility notes: Requires a 75 mm clamp and adequate A‑frame clearance.

Pros and trade-offs

The gains are obvious on heavier rigs, but you’ll want to account for size, weight, and bracket upgrades.

• Pros: High rigidity, smooth side‑wind operation, corrosion resistance.
• Trade-offs: Heavier and bulkier; costs more than 48/60 mm units; may need a new 75 mm clamp.

Price range and where to buy

In NZ, this model is commonly listed around $290 including GST, depending on retailer and bracket options. Factor in the cost of a 75 mm clamp if you’re upgrading from a smaller size. Check availability with local trailer specialists; confirm fitment and bracket compatibility before purchasing.

4. ARK XO750 dual wheel off-road jockey wheel

When your camping spots or launch sites aren’t level, sealed, or friendly, an off-road jockey wheel pays for itself fast. The ARK XO750 is built for that reality—using a dual‑wheel setup and a heavy‑duty frame to keep caravans and adventure trailers controllable on sand, grass, ruts and river stones.

Why it’s a top pick in NZ

Kiwi tow rigs often face beach access, DOC sites, and farm tracks. The XO750’s twin wheels spread the load to stop the nose digging in, while the robust body and cranking mechanism give you steady, predictable lift even when the ground under the A‑frame is uneven.

Key specs and options

Rather than chasing gimmicks, the XO750 focuses on real-world traction, strength, and corrosion resistance. Expect a serious, travel‑ready unit designed to swing or stow securely and handle repeated use outdoors.

• Dual-wheel assembly: Wider footprint for better float and control on soft surfaces.
• Heavy-duty construction: Rigid frame to resist flex under higher tongue loads.
• Adjustable height/lift: Practical range to level the drawbar at campsites and ramps.
• Corrosion-resistant finish: Suited to coastal and wet environments.

Best for and compatibility

Choose the XO750 if your caravan or overland trailer regularly leaves the tarmac, or if you launch boats on soft sand or silt. Before you buy, check clearances and bracket sizing on your A‑frame.

• Best for: Off‑grid caravans, overland/camper trailers, beach launches, farm/block access.
• Compatibility notes: Match clamp/tube size, confirm swing-up clearance around stone guards and toolboxes, and select a rating that exceeds tongue weight.

Pros and trade-offs

Off-road capability comes with a few practical considerations. Think through where you park and how often you manoeuvre by hand.

• Pros: Excellent float on soft ground, added stability under load, built for harsh conditions.
• Trade-offs: Heavier and bulkier than single‑wheel units; costs more; can scrub a bit when pivoting on tight concrete.

Price range and where to buy

Expect premium pricing compared with standard 48 mm single‑wheel jockey wheels—twin‑wheel off‑road units sit at the higher end. Check current NZ availability and pricing with local trailer, marine, and 4x4 retailers, and factor in any required matching clamp or bracket.

5. AL-KO premium 60 mm jockey wheel with clamp and swivel

AL-KO’s premium 60 mm jockey wheel hits the sweet spot between the lighter 48 mm units and heavy 75 mm rigs. The larger tube adds stiffness for mid-weight caravans and boat trailers, while the clamp-and-swivel setup keeps things tidy once you’re hitched and rolling.

Why it’s a top pick in NZ

For Kiwi towing, you want smooth winding, dependable strength, and corrosion resistance. AL-KO is a trusted name for caravan hardware, and this 60 mm jockey wheel brings that reliability to everyday coastal and rural use without the bulk of the largest heavy-duty gear.

• Balanced strength: Stiffer than 48 mm without the heft of 75 mm.
• Quality feel: Smooth wind mechanism and solid construction.
• NZ-ready: Corrosion-resistant finish suited to outdoor and marine conditions.

Key specs and options

The focus here is practical durability and easy stowage. The premium clamp and swivel bracket help you deploy and secure the wheel fast, and the 60 mm body resists flex when you’re levelling on uneven hardstand.

• 60 mm tube/clamp size: A step up for mid‑weight nose loads.
• Clamp-and-swivel bracket: Quick swing-up for travel clearance.
• Robust wheel assembly: Designed to roll cleanly on firm ground.
• Serviceable design: Built for repeated use and straightforward maintenance.

Best for and compatibility

Choose this if your caravan, boat, or trades trailer carries a moderate tongue weight and you regularly manoeuvre on concrete, asphalt, or compacted gravel. Verify the bracket size on your A‑frame before upgrading.

• Best for: Mid‑weight caravans, runabouts on braked trailers, work/box trailers.
• Compatibility notes: Requires a 60 mm clamp; confirm A‑frame clearance and a rating above your loaded nose weight.

Pros and trade-offs

The AL-KO 60 mm brings real gains in stability and winding ease. If you often park on soft grass or sand, consider a wider or twin‑wheel option for more float.

• Pros: Strong, smooth, and tidy to stow; credible brand support.
• Trade-offs: Heavier than 48 mm units; less float than twin wheels on soft ground.

Price range and where to buy

Expect mid‑range to premium pricing relative to basic 48 mm jockey wheels. Check current NZ availability through established trailer and caravan retailers, and confirm clamp size and clearances before you purchase to avoid adaptor costs.

6. Wheelco twin wheel heavy-duty jockey wheel

If you need extra grip and control when moving a loaded trailer by hand, Wheelco’s twin wheel heavy-duty jockey wheel is a smart, NZ-available solution. The dual wheels spread the load so the drawbar stays on top of rough or soft ground.

Why it’s a top pick in NZ

Twin wheels make a noticeable difference on grass, gravel, and chip-seal—common surfaces for Kiwi trailers. Wheelco supplies locally, making it easier to match hardware and get it fast.

• Twin-wheel footprint: Reduces sink-in and improves stability.
• Heavy-duty build: Aimed at higher nose weights and frequent use.

Key specs and options

This jockey wheel focuses on traction and stiffness rather than gimmicks. Expect practical height adjustment and fitment choices that align with common NZ trailer brackets—confirm sizes before purchase.

• Dual-wheel assembly: Better float and directional control.
• Height adjustment: For levelling and easy hitching.
• Common clamp/tube sizes: Check your existing bracket to match.

Best for and compatibility

Choose it if you regularly push a boat, caravan, or work trailer over uneven or soft surfaces, or if your tongue weight justifies a sturdier jockey wheel.

• Best for: Heavier runabouts, mid-to-large caravans, trades/industrial trailers.
• Compatibility notes: Verify clamp diameter, A‑frame clearance, and rated capacity above your loaded nose weight.

Pros and trade-offs

Twin wheels tame soft ground and keep steering predictable, with a couple of practical compromises to keep in mind.

• Pros: Excellent float; added stability under load; easier hand manoeuvring on rough ground.
• Trade-offs: Heavier and wider than single-wheel units; can scrub when pivoting tightly on concrete.

Price range and where to buy

Pricing depends on clamp size and configuration. Check current availability and pricing direct with Wheelco or trusted NZ trailer parts retailers, and confirm clamp diameter and clearances to ensure a clean, bolt-on fit.

7. Manutec 8 inch top-wind clamp-on jockey wheel

The Manutec 8 inch top-wind clamp-on jockey wheel is a practical, DIY-friendly upgrade for everyday trailers. The top-wind handle keeps your knuckles clear of winch posts and drawbar gear, while the 8 inch wheel gives smoother rolling on driveways and compacted gravel without adding bulk.

Why it’s a top pick in NZ

It delivers a simple recipe Kiwis value: easy fitment, reliable winding, and useful rolling diameter for common parking surfaces. The clamp-on format makes replacement straightforward on trailers already running a standard bracket.

• Top-wind clearance: Comfortable cranking around gas bottles and winch posts.
• 8 inch wheel: Rolls better over joints and coarse chip than smaller sizes.
• Clamp-on versatility: Suits common drawbar brackets for quick installs.

Key specs and options

This is a no-fuss workhorse focused on fit-and-forget practicality. Expect height adjustment for levelling and a serviceable wheel assembly designed for regular outdoor use.

• 8 inch wheel diameter: Balanced manoeuvrability and stability on firm ground.
• Top-wind crank: Smooth, accessible lift/lower action from above the tube.
• Clamp-on mounting: Matches common bracket styles; simple to swap out.
• Common tube sizes (e.g., 48 mm): Check your bracket diameter before buying.
• Finish options vary: Confirm coating and hardware to suit coastal use.

Best for and compatibility

Ideal for small caravans, runabouts, and single-axle box or trades trailers that live on concrete, asphalt, or compacted gravel. Verify your clamp size and ensure the load rating exceeds your actual tongue weight.

• Best for: Light-to-medium duty trailers on firm surfaces.
• Compatibility notes: Match tube/clamp diameter and check swing/clearance.

Pros and trade-offs

A sensible balance of clearance, rolling, and easy installation—without the weight or cost of heavy-duty twin-wheel units.

• Pros: Easy DIY fit, good clearance, better rolling than smaller wheels.
• Trade-offs: Limited float on soft grass/sand; not for high nose weights.

Price range and where to buy

Typically positioned in the entry-to-mid price bracket for 8 inch clamp-on jockey wheels. Check current NZ availability and specs with established trailer parts retailers; confirm clamp diameter, finish, and rated capacity to ensure a clean, safe match to your trailer.

8. Smart Marine 10 inch pneumatic jockey wheel

If you often push your trailer across grass, soft shingle, or the lip of an older driveway, a 10 inch pneumatic jockey wheel makes life easier. Smart Marine stocks a dedicated jockey wheel range with heavy-duty options and a 40‑day returns window, making it a practical place to source a pneumatic-tyred model suited to coastal, boat-ramp, and yard use.

Why it’s a top pick in NZ

Pneumatic tyres spread load and absorb bumps, so the drawbar rolls rather than ploughs—handy on sand near the ramp or at DOC campsites. Smart Marine’s marine-first focus and clear returns policy give Kiwi boaties and caravanners confidence to pick the right spec without guesswork.

Key specs and options

Look for details that keep a pneumatic jockey wheel rolling smoothly and surviving salt. Prioritise fitment and corrosion resistance before you look at creature comforts.

• 10 inch pneumatic tyre: Better float and shock absorption on rough or soft surfaces.
• Corrosion-resistant hardware: Galvanised/stainless axle, hub, and fasteners for coastal use.
• Sealed or protected bearings: Smoother rolling with less maintenance.
• Top-wind or side-wind: Choose for clearance around winches, gas bottles, and stone guards.
• Clamp/tube size: Commonly 48, 60, or 75 mm—match your existing bracket.
• Swivel/swing-up bracket: Quick stow for road clearance.
• Rated capacity: Exceed your loaded nose weight for safety margin.

Best for and compatibility

Choose a 10 inch pneumatic jockey wheel if you regularly hand‑move a boat or caravan over grass, gravel, or beach approaches. Confirm space around guards and toolboxes, and that your clamp and lift range suit your A‑frame.

• Best for: Beach launches, yard manoeuvring on grass/gravel, off‑grid campsites.
• Compatibility notes: Match clamp diameter, check swing-up clearance, and verify rating above tongue weight.

Pros and trade-offs

• Pros: Superior float on soft ground; smoother rolling over lips and coarse chip; kinder on wrists when hand‑pushing.
• Trade-offs: Needs air pressure checks; puncture/valve issues possible; more sidewall “squirm” than solid wheels on hard concrete.

Price range and where to buy

Pneumatic-wheel jockey wheels typically sit above basic solid-wheel 48 mm units. Check Smart Marine’s current listings for availability and specs, and factor in the 40‑day returns window for peace of mind. Confirm clamp size, lift range, and hardware finish before you buy to ensure a clean, bolt‑on fit for your trailer.

Key takeaways

The right jockey wheel is about fit, duty, and terrain. Measure your clamp (48/60/75 mm), pick a wheel that suits where you park (solid 8 inch for firm ground, twin or pneumatic for soft), and choose a rating that comfortably exceeds your loaded tongue weight. If you tow near the coast, prioritise galvanised or corrosion‑resistant hardware and a smooth, serviceable wind mechanism.

• Measure first: Confirm clamp diameter, A‑frame clearance, and lift range.
• Match the load: Choose a rating above real tongue weight for safety margin.
• Choose for terrain: Solid for hardstand; twin/pneumatic for grass, gravel, sand.
• Pick wind style: Top‑wind for overhead access; side‑wind for tight fronts.
• Plan the install: Budget for a new clamp if upsizing tube diameter.

For local advice and Trojan options, talk to the team at Action Outdoors.