It is time for Trailer Maintenance
by Dr. John O'Keefe
A client told us she had a trailer bearing go out on her way to a trail ride last fall. When she finally made it to the camp site and retold the story, another camper revealed they had the same problem. How often you drive your trailer up and down the road and the type of trailer you have will dictate how often it needs maintenance. Smaller bumper-pull trailers that don't travel much or very far need a lot less work than a three-horse with living quarters. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you hook up to your trailer this spring.
Bearings:
One important area that you don't want to overlook is the trailer's wheel bearings. Unlike your car or truck that have sealed bearings that need little or no maintenance, trailer bearings are often unsealed and need regular maintenance. The wheel bearings serve two functions: they keep the wheels rotating with minimal friction and they support the trailer's weight.In order to do their job, bearings need to be well greased. Since horse trailers are prone to sit for lengthy periods (like over the winter, for example) moisture build-up can occur. This build-up can affect the grease which in turn can damage the bearings, leading to bearing failure. Bearing failure can leave you on the side of the road with your trailer propped up.
Most trailer manufacturers suggest you service the wheel bearings once a year. If you're mechanically inclined, you could repack the bearings yourself. Otherwise, take your trailer to a trailer dealer in your area. (We'd be glad to help you find one if you like.) While you are greasing things, don't forget to grease the parking jack and the trailer ball-and-socket.
The first sign of wheel bearing trouble is noise. If you hear a rumbling or growling sound, don't delay, get it checked out. You can lose a wheel if the bearings fail, so this isn't something to take lightly.
Tires:
Tire maintenance for your trailer is similar to car tire maintenance. Check the air pressure regularly, watch the treads for unusual or excessive wear, and especially keep an eye on the side walls for cracks or weather checking. Check your spare tire to make sure it is in good condition as well. It is suggested that you replace the tires on your trailer at least every 5 years regardless of the mileage. Speaking of spare tires: Does the jack work, and do you have all the equipment needed to change a tire along the road? Now is the time to have a plan in place and practice changing a tire.Brakes:
Your trailer brakes should be cleaned and serviced at yearly intervals or more often as use and performance requires. Brakes drums should be inspected and the drum surface should be examined for excessive wear or heavy scoring. Depending on the amount of wear, the drums may have to be turned or replaced. Magnets and shoes should be changed when they become worn or scored.Electric brakes can be checked by simply holding the electric brake hand control while pulling forward. This test works best on sand or gravel. At least one wheel on each side of the trailer should lock up and leave a drag mark. Check emergency "break-away" brakes by pulling the rip-cord and repeating the above test. Failure of the brakes to lock up on their own signifies a dead emergency brake battery or wiring problem. Be sure to reinsert the rip-cord plunger all the way back into the break- away switch when done!
Wiring:
Check the wiring, and note anything that looks cracked or broken. If the wiring is hanging down, it may snag as you drive down a potholed dirt road or through the hayfield parking lot at your next show. Try to re-adjust the wiring, or note it as something a repairman should fix. Frayed or broken wires will need to be replaced. Hook up your electrical system and have a friend stand behind your trailer to confirm that the lights are working as you try your brakes and turn signals.Living quarters:
Closely look at seams around windows, vents, doors, air conditioners and joints to ensure the seals and weather stripping are still intact. Cracked or damaged seals can lead to water damage inside the trailer, and no one wants a soggy mattress or tack from a seam leaking water! Also check for critters; many times they will have enjoyed using your trailer as a winter home.Floor:
Crawl under the trailer with a flashlight and a long, sharp screwdriver. Probe all the metal parts of the undercarriage with your screwdriver, looking for cracks and rusting, especially at the joints and rear cross members where urine and manure tend to collect and eat away at the metal. Manure and urine get between the floor and the floor mats, so pull the mats out of the trailer and wash them and the trailer floor. If the floor of your trailer is wood, take your screwdriver and try to stick the blade in to see if they need replacing. Solid boards are firm, hard, and don't give way to the screwdriver; rotted boards will have the consistency of a cork.The enjoyment of your trip and the safety of your horse(s) depend on the reliability of your tow vehicle and your trailer. Preventive maintenance is much easier, handier and safer than repair after breakdown along the road.