Post by Calaminty Jane on Apr 11, 2013 18:43:50 GMT -5
Spring means getting the cobwebs out of training AND trailering. The Trailer Depot's Bobby Fantarella has these suggestions for making sure the riding season is full of good, SAFE times. Some of these tips are Do It Yourself. Others need a mechanic.
Thanks, Bobby!
Most manufacturers recommend service every 12,000 miles or every 12 months. Since most people will never put 12,000 miles on it, annual service is cheap insurance.
Basic service consists of:
pulling the wheels
re-packing the bearings with fresh grease
putting new seals back.
One crucial thing people seem to forget is to check the air pressure in all the tires. Low pressure can cause sway, poor tire wear, etc.
ALSO, when putting proper air pressure in tires, DON’T forget to check the spare, too.
Check that all running lights, blinkers, and brake lights are working.
Check the ‘break-away’ battery. That little guy engages your brakes if your trailer ever became separated from the tow vehicle.
**** To check to see if the 'break-away' battery is still working: While the trailer is properly hooked up, pull the safety key out. Then try to move the vehicle a few feet. If you can feel the brakes working, your fine. If you don’t feel any breaking, chances are your battery is shot or you have other wiring problems.
As for the flooring:
At least 3-4 times a year you should pull the mats out of the trailer.
Wash the floor and the bottom of the mats.
While the mats are out, inspect the floor. Even aluminum floors can have problems if urine is left to sit between the mats and the floor.
If everything is ok, wait until both the mats and the floor are completely dry before putting them back in the trailer
Lastly:
Lubricate your hitch, hinges on doors, ramps, etc. (WD-40, PB Blaster, spray grease, etc.)
Just give your trailer a good ‘once over’ checking for any problems. Window trim, screens hanging out, etc.
Take care of you trailer, and it will take care of you, along with its precious cargo!
AND EVERY TIME YOU LOAD UP…………….CHECK FOR BEES AND WASPS!!!!!! THEY BUILD THOSE NESTS OVERNIGHT.
Carol
Always think about what you want..... not want you don't want.
I promise my horse, I will always reward softness and
never release on a brace.
Thanks, Bobby!
Most manufacturers recommend service every 12,000 miles or every 12 months. Since most people will never put 12,000 miles on it, annual service is cheap insurance.
Basic service consists of:
pulling the wheels
re-packing the bearings with fresh grease
putting new seals back.
One crucial thing people seem to forget is to check the air pressure in all the tires. Low pressure can cause sway, poor tire wear, etc.
ALSO, when putting proper air pressure in tires, DON’T forget to check the spare, too.
Check that all running lights, blinkers, and brake lights are working.
Check the ‘break-away’ battery. That little guy engages your brakes if your trailer ever became separated from the tow vehicle.
**** To check to see if the 'break-away' battery is still working: While the trailer is properly hooked up, pull the safety key out. Then try to move the vehicle a few feet. If you can feel the brakes working, your fine. If you don’t feel any breaking, chances are your battery is shot or you have other wiring problems.
As for the flooring:
At least 3-4 times a year you should pull the mats out of the trailer.
Wash the floor and the bottom of the mats.
While the mats are out, inspect the floor. Even aluminum floors can have problems if urine is left to sit between the mats and the floor.
If everything is ok, wait until both the mats and the floor are completely dry before putting them back in the trailer
Lastly:
Lubricate your hitch, hinges on doors, ramps, etc. (WD-40, PB Blaster, spray grease, etc.)
Just give your trailer a good ‘once over’ checking for any problems. Window trim, screens hanging out, etc.
Take care of you trailer, and it will take care of you, along with its precious cargo!
AND EVERY TIME YOU LOAD UP…………….CHECK FOR BEES AND WASPS!!!!!! THEY BUILD THOSE NESTS OVERNIGHT.
Carol
Always think about what you want..... not want you don't want.
I promise my horse, I will always reward softness and
never release on a brace.