Trailer Servicing

Our Comprehensive Trailer Servicing Routine:

Please Note : We do not service Hydraulics, 240v, Gas or Water Systems on trailers

Initial Checks:

When we are servicing a trailer we inspect everything thoroughly down to the small details. We begin by looking over the trailer on the inside and out for any damage. We do this check to ensure there aren’t any issues before we begin getting into the smaller details. If all is well we proceed to check any body fittings.

This is a more common check we perform on the likes of horse boxes and catering trailers. It is more common on these trailers as they have several doors and hatches that if damaged could become dangerous to tow. Our team then inspect whether the trailer has prop stands and whether they are loose or seized. After inspecting all body work we make our way to the front of the trailer.

Coupling and Jockey Wheels Checks:

Here the servicing staff begin to inspect the coupling and jockey wheel. They do this to ensure that your trailer will be safely attached to your vehicle during transit. We check to make sure that your jockey wheel and clamp are in working order. This check is to ensure the jockey wheel retracts smoothly and isn’t loosely held by the clamp. This is to make sure it doesn’t drop and cause damage while towing. When servicing the coupling we inspect all the moving parts found on the coupling. We do this as the coupling is the key component to keeping your trailer safely attached to your vehicle.

On the coupling we can test to see how well your head seats onto a standard tow ball. In doing this we see how much wear is in the head. If the head is too loose or has any damage we can change a head without having to replace your coupling.

We take a look at your brake away cable for any signs of fraying. Fraying can cause the cable to weaken and cause it to be less effective.

After this we inspect the adjustment on the handbrake. As well as making sure it is all in working order. If the adjustment is poor as a rule we can solve this later in the process. We do this once we have the trailer on our ramp provided it isn’t a broken component in the brake system. In checking the how well adjusted your brakes are we can also see what condition your energy store is in.

Lights and Reflector Checks:

Before loading your trailer onto the ramp there are still a few more checks we need to do. We inspect all reflectors on the trailer, making sure they are securely fastened and haven’t been damaged in any way. After your reflectors we check lights.

When checking lights we have a tool that uses your standard 7 or 13 pin to check all the lights. This ensures that they are getting the right amount of voltage to be at their maximum brightness and most importantly to ensure that they turn on.

Wheels Checks:

After everything at ground level is complete we move onto getting your trailer into the air. We use a ramp suitable for up to 5 tonne to ensure that we can service all types of trailer. Once your trailer is in the air we begin by removing the wheels and performing checks on them. Initially we look for any tyre perishing as a red flag as to whether you will need new tyres. Here at Towing and Trailers we supply wheels and tyres together as there isn’t a huge difference in cost as appose to getting tyres fitted.

On your wheels we take three measurements at every quarter of a turn on tread to get and accurate result. If your depth is under 1.6mm we recommend replacing your tyres as they may not be deemed road legal.

Next we take a reading of tyre pressure and compare it to what the recommended pressure on the tyre says and will pump up the tyre accordingly. Unless asked otherwise.

Finally on your tyres we check for dates of manufacture. If your tyre is over 5 years we take note and will inform you that they may need replacing. If the tyres are over 10 years we highly recommend changing them as they are not deemed road legal. They also may have began to perish.

Hubs and Bearing Checks:

Now that the wheels are off and have been inspected we move onto the hubs and bearings. In these checks we look for any heat damage and pitting on the bearings. On the hubs/drums we look for any cracks on the drum and that the bearings seat properly to avoid causing damage.

If your trailer bearings are taper we will remove them from the drum and thoroughly clean any old grease that may have been burnt due to heat or come into contact with any shards of dust and or metal. In doing this we can then take a closer look at your bearings for any damage.

Once we have fished the cleaning and inspection of the bearings they are put back into the trailer provided there is no visible damage. We re-grease the bearings with either standard grease or marine grease if you have a boat trailer and put them back into the hub/drum.

Brake Checks:

When checking brakes we start by cleaning any excess dust for better visibility. This allows us to see any damage on the back plate and to check for cracks along the brake shoes.

We then check spring condition. In this check we look for any springs fit incorrectly. This will cause them to over stretch the spring and cause the brakes to be less efficient.

We then check the condition of the expander and brake cables. We check the condition of the cable to see for any exposed metal that could cause the cables to seize. However depending on how often you are using your trailer and the age the brake cables may have seized naturally over time.

Suspension and Axle Check:

Finally we check the condition of your axles and suspension. On this check we look for and cracks along your axle and suspension. These may become a weak point and potentially snap. The service team then check the axle to make sure it is fastened securely to the trailer and isn’t at risk of falling off.

End of the service:

Now that we have completed servicing your trailer if there is anything that will need changing we create an invoice and inform you, the customer. If you wish to have what we’ve found fixed we get right to making your trailer ready for road use and your collection. We do not replace any parts without your permission so there are no hidden fees along the way. Once your trailer has been rebuilt we torque every bolt we have loosened or replaced to ensure that nothing is liable to break on your journeys. After all this is complete we will contact the customer and they are free to collect your trailer when they’re ready.

Pricing:

Single axle, unbraked with sealed/taper bearings. = £85 (note sealed bearings require One Shot Nuts which aren’t included in this price)

Single axle, braked with sealed/taper bearings. = £ 120 (note sealed bearings require One Shot Nuts which aren’t included in this price)

Twin axle, braked with sealed/taper bearings. = £150 (note sealed bearings require One Shot Nuts which aren’t included in this price)

Tri axle, braked with sealed/taper bearings. = £185  (note sealed bearings require One Shot Nuts which aren’t included in this price)

Please Note – If you have any questions or if you would like any further information regarding this product. Then please feel free to call us on 01909 473749. We are more then happy to help and look forward to your call.

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