How often should I service my car transporter trailer?
Discussion
That's good mileage for a trailer, depending on use, mainly how much breaking, often you can go years without doing anything, but it is advisable to have it checked over at least yearly.
Obviously wear occurs to the hitch/damper unit, wheel bearing, brakes, tyres. in light usage often age catches up with tyres before wear.
Daniel
Obviously wear occurs to the hitch/damper unit, wheel bearing, brakes, tyres. in light usage often age catches up with tyres before wear.
Daniel
Partyvan said:
Could you explain that please?
I understand it activates the brakes, via a pushrod?
How do they wear?
The main thing that fails is the damper, just like the suspension damper on a car, which then makes it jerky and snatchy like the old fashioned spring only drawbars. Not sure how much you can inspect that, but if it's getting jerky get it swapped.I understand it activates the brakes, via a pushrod?
How do they wear?
You can also theoretically get wear on the socket, ball, slider, however in practice I've not seen it anywhere where it's kept clean and greased.
Daniel
Partyvan said:
How do they wear?
The hitch moves relative to the towing ball so it will wear. It will also move relative to the rest of the trailer every time the brakes are applied in order to operate the trailer brake mechanism. It doesn't need to move far and I wouldn't expect it to wear much (compared to suspension pivots, brakes etc) but I suppose it will eventually wear. Edited by GreenV8S on Thursday 23 January 21:19
I service a lot of trailers, as well as the above points the common issues I get are worn shackle bushes and on trailers that don't get used as much or are abused seized/manky brakes often with friction material separation, bearing failure etc. And brake cables. So many brake cables.
Do not omit a look at your brake shoes!
Two years ago, long continental trip, the trailer was slamming the hitch, even under gentle braking. I thought damper (see above) but inspection on return found that OK, but of the eight shoes (twin axle) on six the brake material had come off the shoes.
No shoes have rivetted material these days, they are glued on. Sparse use lets them get damp, and rust pushes the brake material off!
Use your trailer more, or check it more often! (annually will do!)
PS, just noticed wildoliver, professional trailer man, already made this point!
Two years ago, long continental trip, the trailer was slamming the hitch, even under gentle braking. I thought damper (see above) but inspection on return found that OK, but of the eight shoes (twin axle) on six the brake material had come off the shoes.
No shoes have rivetted material these days, they are glued on. Sparse use lets them get damp, and rust pushes the brake material off!
Use your trailer more, or check it more often! (annually will do!)
PS, just noticed wildoliver, professional trailer man, already made this point!
tapkaJohnD said:
Do not omit a look at your brake shoes!
Two years ago, long continental trip, the trailer was slamming the hitch, even under gentle braking. I thought damper (see above) but inspection on return found that OK, but of the eight shoes (twin axle) on six the brake material had come off the shoes.
No shoes have rivetted material these days, they are glued on. Sparse use lets them get damp, and rust pushes the brake material off!
Use your trailer more, or check it more often! (annually will do!)
PS, just noticed wildoliver, professional trailer man, already made this point!
Common on boat trailers. I've had the same problem.Two years ago, long continental trip, the trailer was slamming the hitch, even under gentle braking. I thought damper (see above) but inspection on return found that OK, but of the eight shoes (twin axle) on six the brake material had come off the shoes.
No shoes have rivetted material these days, they are glued on. Sparse use lets them get damp, and rust pushes the brake material off!
Use your trailer more, or check it more often! (annually will do!)
PS, just noticed wildoliver, professional trailer man, already made this point!
If left long term leave the brakes off as the damp can cause the friction material to rust to the drum. Then a PITA to get the drum off to free it all up.
Partyvan said:
paintman said:
If the hitch on the trailer is one of the type with small friction pads that act on the towball the towball must not be greased.
Very interesting. ThankyouMr MXT said:
I’m struggling to find someone to service mine - anyone have a recommendation Chesterfield / Worksop area?
Can't say I've tried, always done bits in my own, but I would expect most small backstreet independent garages would do the work, just a case of ringing and a bit asking round till you find someone who says yes with reasonable enthusiasm....Not sure if these guys come out quite as far, they do the peak district and have done my Ifor Williams in the past, very good and reasonable price.
https://www.peakcaravanservices.com
https://www.peakcaravanservices.com
dhutch said:
Partyvan said:
paintman said:
If the hitch on the trailer is one of the type with small friction pads that act on the towball the towball must not be greased.
Very interesting. ThankyouBoth are available separately so could be fitted to any trailer & neither must be greased.
I believe Westfalia used to do a similar hitch.
We don't know what the OP has on his trailer.
Mr MXT said:
I’m struggling to find someone to service mine - anyone have a recommendation Chesterfield / Worksop area?
I'm using a guy who's based in Hockerton near Newark. Probably only 20-30 minutes from you.He's mobile too. He modified my ramps last year with good results.
Tom - 07736386745 (I can't remember the business name sorry! But he's legit!)
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