Trailer Maintenance?

I've got a 5x8' open utility trailer, w/ no trailer brakes. Its made by Premier. What kind of maintenance do I need to do on this thing? I'm really wondering if the axles and bearings need to be greased. The hub has a little grease seal on it but I am not sure how to fill it after I remove the seal.

I tried contacting the manufacturer for an owners manual, but no luck there.

-Thanks!

 

With my boat trailers I like to pull the bearings out and clean out all the old grease every couple of years. I then repack the bearings. Makes me feel much better. You might also touch the wheel hub after driving for awhile. If its hot you have a problem! If you have never packed bearings just do a quick search on youtube.

 

If the trailer is new to you, I'd repack or replace the bearings. Sounds like you have a simple trailer so it shouldn't require much just tires and bearings.

 

Like he said

 

Cool Thanks guys, I'll pull a wheel off when I get back this weekend and see whats required to remove and repack the bearings. Do these generally require a bearing puller? I can get a packer - I've seen those at Adv Auto.

 

I not sure if you would need the puller. Ive never needed one. Ive always packed them by hand and never tried the packer.

 

I'd also recommend going over the trailer's fasteners periodically - they vibrate so much that they tend to come loose faster than normal vehicle fasteners. I'd also give your coupler a good lubrication and adjustment at the same time - I've seen a lot of trailers come loose due to seized or too-loose couplers. The nut on the bottom of the "jaw" on most cheaper couplers can back out on it's own over time, and make the jaw too loose. You know it is right when it takes moderate force to close the coupler, verifying that the jaw has come down below the ball, but can still be done by hand (not stomping on it with your boot).

-Sam

 

Does your trailer have a wood floor? If so I would recommend applying a wood sealer to it to prolong the life and keep it from cupping and rotting.

 

What type of axle is under it?

I had a car hauler and the axles were Dexter. Dexter website has some awesome literature and diagrams of their axles. Perhaps you should find out what axles you have and search for maintenance and diagrams.

The dexter axle trailers had bearings that needed repacked, retorqued, and seals replaced. No bearing puller needed (hub nuts). I went 1.5 years before doing that the first time after I bought it. Everything looked fine inside even after that long. Depends on how it gets used. Torqueing the wheel bearings is similar to torquing vehicle axle/hub bearings (I have a writeup if needed).

 

You generally will only need a bearing puller if you are going to remove the rear seal. I typically do not pull the rear when repacking bearings unless it is damaged but replace the front seal each time. Add a set of bearing buddies when you do the job (about $20) and get some lithium wheel grease. A little squirt every now and then will do ya.