If you are storing your trailer for an extended period, make sure the tires are inflated to the maximum rated pressure indicated on the sidewall or VIN label and that you store them in a cool, dry place such as a garage. Replace the tire before towing the trailer if the tire treads have less than 1/16th inch depth or the telltale bands are visible. Tread depth should be greater than 1/16th inch at any lowest point. Inspect tire tread for worn or bald spots. Repair or replace if needed to avoid a possible blow out while towing. Inspect tire sidewalls for bulges, bubbles, cuts or foreign objects. For swivel jacks, check mounting/swivel hardware for worn or broken parts. Ensure the jack is stable and tightly fastened to the trailer. Grease if needed, use grease fittings if present otherwise pump or hand pack grease into gears. Side wind – Check gears at top where handle cranks jack leg. If they do not wind to raise and lower the leg, usually the complete jack needs replacing. Top wind - Check for proper function, top wind jacks normally require little internal maintenance. They may contain gears if the handle is on the side or an acme screw system if the handle in on the top. They are also used to keep the trailer level while not attached to the tow vehicle as well as stabilizing the rear of the trailer when loading and unloading. Jacks are primarily used to lift and stabilize the trailer tongue, or front corners for lifting the trailer to connect and disconnect from the tow vehicle. Topeka, KS: National Association of Trailer Manufacturers. The Trailer Handbook: A Guide to Understanding Towing & Trailer Safety. If you are removing the tire, you should loosen the wheel nuts before the tire is off the ground. If working on one side of trailer, ensure the wheel on opposite side is blocked before jacking trailer. NEVER crawl under your trailer unless it is supported on properly placed and secured jack stands on firm and level ground. Make sure the jacks are clear of the wiring, brake lines and suspension parts including springs, and torsion bars.ĭo not use the trailer’s axle for support.ĭo not touch the wiring or hydraulic tubing. Some trailers are equipped with attached jack stands at the appropriate location. If this information is unavailable, place jacks and jack stands under the outer frame rail to which the axles are attached. Park the trailer in a safe environment on level ground.Ĭheck the trailers owner’s manual for suggested jacking points. To perform many inspection and maintenance activities, you must jack up the trailer. However, depending on the trailer usage, including cargo weight and mileage, as well as the environmental factors where the trailer is in use, your trailer may need more regular maintenance than that which is described below. What follows is a recommendation for minimum maintenance. Where discrepancies may exist, defer to the manufacturer's manual. Note: In addition to this information, also check your trailer’s owner’s manual and the relevant component manufacturer’s manuals. If you cannot or are unsure how to perform the items listed here, have your dealer do them. You must inspect, maintain and service your trailer regularly to insure safe and reliable operation. After any accident or impact, it is important to have your trailer professionally inspected. Worn or broken trailer parts can cause loss of control and injury may result. Before towing, make sure your trailer and its many components are in safe working order. Regular trailer maintenance is critical to ensuring the longevity of your trailer, as well as making sure you are able to tow to your destination safely. One of our up-the-hill neighbors had their tongue-locked (and a wheel lock) very nice ($$$) teardrop stolen from curbside in front of their house.Inspection Schedules | Preparing Your Trailer | Axles, Wheels, Brakes | Trailer Structure | Trailer Components Trailer Maintenance So I know that there are folks out there in the market for a trailer. If I pull the breakaway switch before I retire the battery still has a good charge when I arise and check to see if the trailer is stil lthere !! FWIW - I am one person who has had his 4x8 utility trailer stolen from the street - on the other side of the fence in front of our bedroom window. My Renogy bettery has 100AH capacity which is 15.6 hours. Ifta thief wants to chain up the tonge and tow it away - I don't want to make it easy for themĪt 3.2 amps each magnet, thats 6.4 amps total. Since I do have a 100AH battery inside the camper, I was thinking of pulling the breakaway switch (removing the pull unit completely) and leave the brakes energized overnight. We have a big ugly tongue lock that a bolt cutter cannot defeat. Tonite the trailer lives outside in Oakland, CA (in our cul-de-sac).
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