Trailer Tips

If you are having a trailer built, go oversized on the axles, so you have oversized bearings and spindles. An example would be if you only need a 3,500 lb axle, go with a 5,500 lb capacity so you get the bigger bearings and spindles. You can still spring it for 3,500 lbs. This applies to a tandem axle trailer, too.

On a heavier capacity trailer, I LOVE oil bath bearings. I am not sure they are better than grease, but you can always SEE that they are lubricated, and you never have to wonder if the guy who greased them last time knew what he was doing.

If your load is light enough, don’t buy trailer tires for your trailer. Buy LT (light truck) tires and they’ll last longer. The ONLY trailer tires I ever had ANY luck with were Load Range G. You might get away with those…..

Most flat tires on trailers are because the tires overheated. Check your tire pressure before you start. 50 miles into the trip, FEEL the tires. If they are pretty warm to the touch, you need more air pressure in them. I have frequently run 10 PSI over the recommended pressure and that will help keep them cooler.

Check your safety chains and make sure they aren’t dragging. Many people hook up, then put more load on the truck/trailer, or they hooked up on uneven ground. When they are driving, the chains every time they hit a minor bump on the highway. If you have a 4” to 6” sag in them, that is MORE than enough. NOBODY needs to have the 12” loop in them. You can double check me by jack knifing your trailer. Twist the chains to use more of it up to keep the loop shorter.

The ballgreaser will eliminate coupler wear, and your trailer will tow more smoothly. Give it a try!

Make sure your spare tire has the same air pressure in it that your other tires have. Make sure you can get TO the spare tire if you need it.

Jacks (for changing a flat) are a disaster on a trailer. The easiest way (with tandem axles) is to break the flat tire lug nuts loose, then drive the trailer up on blocks. You can stack wood (not a great/fun idea) or go with a Jiffy Jack, or a Rapid Jack. Google them and you’ll get the idea. WAY better than a stack of wood.

Two spare tires is never too many, especially if you are going across the country with a big load. If they are on your RV, don’t wait till your tires fail. When they start to LOOK worn out, just go spend the money buy new ones. Waiting might ruin your trip.