Paktron Swivel Caster Skid Wheels

The Dutchmen is a “low rider” as were most of the trailers in the mid 90’s. The trailer rides on drop axels. It makes a wonderful, stable trailer with a low center of gravity. There is one drawback. With a long trailer the rear bumper takes a lot of abuse on parking lot exits and on quick little hills. So much so that factory installed skids generally don’t last long. 

The problem is further exacerbated with rocky camp roads and low hanging dump valves. No matter how careful you are sooner or later one of those ugly things is gonna rear up and getcha. 

Last fall I pondered my options as I was spending time on the rig getting it out of storage. I discounted changing the axles due to the cost and time involved. A lift kit was out of the question as I was uncomfortable with the cornering stability an handling of side wind loads. I found the solution when I was browsing a camp store catalog I came across the Paxtron Skid Wheels. 

I spend some time comparing models and visiting the Paxtron web site. I purchased the Swivel Casters as I figured many times the trailer back end is moving in an arc while exiting ramped parking lots so the swivel would reduce side loads on the mount.

I purchased the hitch mount kit, and 7 1/2 bolts and mounted the casters to the very end of the 6 inch box frame. It took a bit of adjustment but they fit beautifully.

These steel wheels are very heavy duty and appear to be cut from a billet. The hub is equipped with grease fittings to prevent seizing. The mounting plates are stamped steel with 4 bolt mounting holes. They are packaged with all necessary hardware for mounting to a hitch cross tube.

They are a tad pricey at around $100.00 for the pair but after the fall trips over varying terrain these casters are worth their weight in gold. No more anxiety after leaving a filling station with a down ramp exit, no worries about cracked pipes or frayed electrical wires. 

This is one accessory that I rate as 10 out of 10 if you have a need to protect your rigs back end and frame from road rash.