MAINTENANCE TIPS AND SERVICE

tips to get the most out of your painted trailer

This is why we should galvanise trailers, they will most probably outlast its owner, however they are more expensive.

A. When storing your trailer outside always have the front of it raised so as to allow any water to run out .

B. Jockey wheels are good for this also. If this can’t be done, then drill some drain holes into the floor.

C. We recommend either requesting that the angle chassis be fully welded upon ordering your trailer,

or, as a cheaper option, run a gap filler along the angle where it meets the side panels,

as well as along the inside where the sides meet the floor. this option can be ordered with all trailers.

All rusted-out trailers tend to have holes in these spots, as that's where it starts first. The water gets trapped in any small tight spot where the paint can’t penetrate.

D. If possible, cover the trailer with a cheap plastic tarp & in turn use this for covering your loads.

E. If you scratch it, touch it up. We sell touch up paint.

F. Don't lend it to anyone, it will come back broken

Trailer Maintenance Procedures

Fitting the wheels to a new axle (After installation, before first use.)
1. When fitting the road wheel to the hub/drum assembly, the wheel nuts should be tightened in star sequence (See Figure 1 below) to the correct tension for the size of wheel nut with an accurate tension wrench. (See Table 1 below).

2. Place the first nut on a stud and tighten by hand. Proceed to the next stud in the appropriate sequence as illustrated in Figure 1, put on the next nut and tighten by hand. Continue until all the nuts are tight enough to secure the wheel in place. Repeat the procedure with a tension wrench and tension each nut as appropriate, in the same sequence, to the appropriate tension for the size nut/stud.
Do not use an impact tool ('rattle gun' or similar) to tighten wheel nuts.
Do not over or under tension wheel nuts.

Table 1 Tension Wrench Settings for Common Trailer Wheel Stud Sizes, (always check with your trailer manufacture for your trailer)
Stud Size (UNF) Tension (Metric) Tension (Imperial)
7/16" 110 Nm 80 ft/lbs
1/2" 125 Nm 90 ft/lbs
9/16" 140 Nm 100 ft/lbs

A. Check tyre pressure is as per indicated on side wall of tyre or on V.I.N plate, never run on un-inflated tyre or over inflated tyre.

3. Check that the road wheel rotates freely but firmly with no sideways movement. If the bearing retainer nut is too tight or too loose (when tightening the bearing retainer nut, tightening the nut till it stops do not over tighten or you will damage the bearing surface them turn back one full castellation on the nut if half thru still turn 1 full castellation) it will significantly reduce the life of the axle, bearing and brake assembly. Check the Bearing Fitting and Adjustment Guide and Brake Adjustment Guide from the relevant manufacturer for detailed instructions on adjusting bearings and brakes for best results.

4. Check and confirm that the nuts on the axle retaining U-bolts are correctly tensioned.

5. For axles fitted with hydraulic brakes, ensure that you bleed and adjust them correctly before use. Check Item 3 again and also refer to Item 7.

6. For axles fitted with mechanical or electric brakes make sure you adjust them correctly before use. Please note that electric brakes require magnet 'bedding in' before final adjustment can be made. Check Item 3 again and also refer to Item 7.

7. All axles fitted with brakes have a right and left hand side and a top and bottom. They must be fitted accordingly. Failure to fit, adjust and check axle, bearings, brakes or wheel nuts correctly will void any axle, bearing or brake manufacturer's warranty and risks serious damage, fire and/or cause a vehicle accident which may lead to serious personal injury or death.
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT
Load your trailer or caravan to trip readiness then have it weighed at your nearest weighbridge to confirm that you have not exceeded the trailer manufacturers stated Gross Trailer Mass capacity (GTM). The GTM can be found on the Manufacturer's Data Plate normally attached to the draw-bar or the mudguard of the trailer.
WARNING
EXCEEDING THE STATED GTM WILL VOID ALL AXLE, BEARING, HUB/DRUM AND BRAKE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTIES. IT MAY ALSO VOID YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE POLICY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO CONFIRM THE EXCLUSIONS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR POLICY. EXCEEDING THE GTM IS A DANGEROUS AND UNLAWFUL PRACTICE THAT MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND CIVIL OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY AS A CONSEQUENCE.
NEVER EXCEED THE TRAILER'S RATED GROSS TRAILER MASS. IF IN DOUBT ABOUT THE GTM FOR ANY REASON, CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER OF YOUR TRAILER.
Routine Checks (At first use or after 'wheel off' maintenance.)
1. After traveling about 100Km check the wheel nuts with a tension wrench and re-tension (in the appropriate sequence - see Figure 1.) if necessary.
a) After traveling about 200Km carefully 'touch test' the hub/drum just behind the grease cap for excessive heat. It should be slightly warm to the touch at most.
b) There should be no significant difference in temperature between hubs/drums.
c) Check for ease of wheel rotation to ensure brakes are not dragging or binding.

2. A noticeably hot hub/drum indicates one of the following conditions are present:(CAUTION braked axles may be hot after going down long hills or slopes or after a few stops and starts)
a) Not enough grease in bearing/incorrect grease/grease water damaged (emulsified)
b) Bearing retaining nut too tight.
c) Brake stuck on or dragging or otherwise incorrectly set up or adjusted.

1. Should any of the above conditions be identified, check and re-grease, adjust or repair as appropriate.
2. Failure to correct the above conditions at the earliest opportunity may cause damage to the axle, bearings, hub or drum assembly and may lead to fire or an accident

Routine Checks

1. Check wheel nuts and re-tension if necessary
2. Check bearing settings and adjust if necessary.
3. Check brake adjustment and adjust if necessary.
4. Check that all spring shackle-pin nuts and U-bolts nuts are correctly tensioned.
After changing a wheel and tyre always tension wheel nuts correctly and in the correct sequence,

then check again at 100Km as detailed under Routine Checks (At first use or after 'wheel off' maintenance) and re-tension as required.

IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT
The frequency of regular checks and maintenance should be increased if you are using your trailer daily, commercially, traveling long distances and or are venturing off road or onto unsealed roads.
If your trailer is used on rough roads or off-road you should decrease the load carried and carry out the listed checks and maintenance at least weekly.

For further information you should contact the manufacturer of your trailer, caravan or horse-float for advice specific to your specific vehicle and circumstances.

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