towing with a trailer that hasn't been used in 3 years

steve-o

i have a tandem trailer and haven't used it it 3 years. besides making sure the tires have the right psi what esle should i be doing/looking for?

i want to use it but it has to be safe.1

goodricht · Posted: Jul 26, 2004 12:08 pm Post subject:

Check the brakes..........and the lights?

i36hyperlite · Posted: Jul 26, 2004 12:09 pm Post subject:

make sure the brakes work, and that the tires havent cracked...

listen for any odd squeaks, something might need a little grease
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watsoc · Addict Joined: 23 Feb 2004 Posts: 574 City: Anthem

Grease your hubs to make sure that they are not dry and cracked.

Swass · Guest

Don't forget brake fluid level and check brake hoses for dry-rot.

Brit Rider · Posted: Jul 26, 2004 1:24 pm Post subject:

might be an idea to change those tires... after leaving trailers sitting they can get flat spots.. once out on the freeway that can get really dangerous..

Wendy Wilcox · Criminal Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 91 City: Long Beach

I don't know too much but how about greasing the axels?

Leggester · Posted: Jul 26, 2004 1:32 pm Post subject:

Wendy, I'd actually suggest changing the bearings if you're going to use it over 50 miles.

As far as greasing the bearings, it's easy. You'll need a grease gun and lithium or marine grease.

There will be a zerk fitting ( grease head ) on the hub. it will either be on the outside of the hub, like a bearing buddy, or on the boat side of the hub.

Either way, the tell tale is outside the hub. If you see a rubber "gasket" on the outside of the hub, you need to pump enough grease into the hub until you see it expand. A "bearing buddy" type will expand also.

Ther may be other styles, but these are the ones I'm familiar with.

Wendy Wilcox · Criminal Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 91 City: Long Beach

Do u grease bearings?

Wendy Wilcox · Criminal Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 91 City: Long Beach

I meant to write axels

Leggester · Posted: Jul 26, 2004 2:13 pm Post subject:

You dont' really grease the axles. Teh "axle" is just a spindle the hub rotates on.

You grease the bearings in the hub, one the axle.

Clear as mud? Smile

Wendy Wilcox · Criminal Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 91 City: Long Beach

Thanks--hopefully I won't have to be doing this anytime soon Shocked

steve-o · Posted: Jul 26, 2004 2:27 pm Post subject:

thanks everyone hopefully the trailer isn't wrecked. Its been sitting on grass, and i'm really only towing it a couple of miles down the hwy.

Leggester · Posted: Jul 26, 2004 2:30 pm Post subject:

Hehehehe, when in doubt, shove at least three large squeeezes into any zerk fittings you find!

Look for smoke when you're driving = burned bearings = nasty roadside repair.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, but spend the 10 dollars and get the grease gun and grease - then grease it up. A Wet Wipe cleans it off your hands so driving is easy. Much better than getting stranded on the side of the highway, believe me!