JMI Medium Universal Wheeley Bar — Telescope Dolly

The JMI Medium Universal Wheeley Bar is the straightforward, no-fuss way to move a fully assembled tripod-mounted telescope from your garage or storage room to your observing spot — in one trip, without disconnecting a single cable, camera, or power supply. Set up once, roll out every session. Lock the wheels at your observing position, level the base using the built-in leveling bolts, and you are ready to observe.

This is JMI's standard-duty Universal model, sized and rated for lighter visual rigs and grab-and-go setups. If your fully loaded setup — tripod, mount, OTA, accessories combined — exceeds 50 lb, step up to one of the Heavy-Duty models rated to 300 lb.

Built by JMI (part of the CXB Astro family) on a welded steel frame with a durable powder-coat finish. Made in California, USA.

Product Overview

The JMI Medium Universal Wheeley Bar is a standard-duty steel telescope dolly designed for tripod-mounted telescopes. It supports setups up to 50 lb and fits tripods with a tip-to-tip distance between 32.3″ and 36.8″. Ships with 2-3/8″ locking caster wheels and 1/2″ leveling screws as standard.

Who Is This Product Best For?

Ideal for visual observers with lighter rigs — a standard C8, a small refractor on an EQ mount, or a compact alt-az setup. If you store your telescope assembled and want to roll it in and out without rebuilding every session, this is the entry point to the Wheeley Bar line.

Why Choose This Product?

• Save your back: No more lifting and carrying telescope components session after session.
• Keep your setup intact: Polar alignment, cable routing, and balance all survive between sessions.
• Observe more often: When setup time drops to under a minute, you get out under the stars more frequently.
• USA-made quality: Welded steel frame, powder-coat finish, built to last decades.
• Upgradeable: Add 5″ polyurethane wheels for cracked pavement, or 10″ pneumatic tires for grass and gravel.

Recommended Uses

• Visual observing with tripod-mounted telescopes under 50 lb
• Rolling a stored telescope from garage to driveway or patio
• Grab-and-go setups where quick rollout matters

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

Fits tripods with a tip-to-tip distance of 32.3″ to 36.8″ at observing height. Tripod foot receptacle is 2-1/4″ I.D., accommodating feet up to 2″ diameter. Optional wheel upgrades (5″ polyurethane or 10″ pneumatic) and Tie-Down Bracket Kit available separately in the JMI Wheeley Bar Accessories collection.

Important Limitations

• Rated to 50 lb total — not suitable for imaging rigs over 50 lb; use a Heavy-Duty model instead
• Designed for hard, flat surfaces in standard configuration
• 10″ pneumatic wheel upgrade required for grass, dirt, or gravel
• Always push or pull below the telescope's centre of gravity

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure tip-to-tip distance?
Set your tripod to observing height. If using 5″ wheels, lower by 6″; if using 10″ pneumatic tires, lower by 3.5″. Then measure between any two tripod feet. Match that number to the 32.3″–36.8″ range for this model.

Is this for astrophotography rigs?
This standard-duty model is rated to 50 lb. Most imaging rigs with mount, OTA, and counterweights exceed this — step up to the Heavy-Duty Shorty, Medium, or Large (all rated 300 lb).

What surfaces does it work on?
The standard 2-3/8″ wheels work on smooth, hard, flat surfaces. Upgrade to 5″ polyurethane wheels for cracked concrete or sidewalks, or 10″ pneumatic tires for grass, dirt, or gravel.

Our Recommendation

The JMI Medium Universal Wheeley Bar is the right pick for observers with lighter visual setups who store their telescope assembled and want a simple roll-in, roll-out routine. If your rig is over 50 lb — or you shoot astrophotos with a loaded imaging train — go straight to the Heavy-Duty Shorty or HD Medium instead. This model shines for compact visual rigs where ease of rollout matters most.