Posted 2008-03-10 9:08 AM (#79158) Subject: spring check up time
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
My trailer is about a year old. It's probably got 1000 miles or less on it. We've had a long tough winter here in Maine (as has most of the country). They have used a lot of salt and sand and also that spray on stuff, whatever it is, that melts the snow and ice on the roads here, and the trailer has been hauled a few times through some of that nasty stuff. As soon as the weather warms a bit, I will get out there with my pressure washer and give it a good going over. I plan to have my mechanic give the trailer a once-over later this month or early April. Can someone provide me with a simple checklist of things that should be done for a spring tune up?
There are no trailer dealerships within 150 miles of here, so I have to bring it to a regular car mechanic. Would I be better off to haul it to an RV place (2.5 hours away) or can a regular mechanic do as good a job?
It is a steel (galvaneal) Titan Avalanche II - if that makes any difference.
Posted 2008-03-10 10:49 AM (#79165 - in reply to #79158) Subject: RE: spring check up time
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Cleaning the trailer of the road salts is most important and will contribute greatly to its longevity. As soon as the temperatures rise above freezing, the corrosive effects will increase.
A qualified mechanic closer than your RV dealership should be able to repack your wheel bearings. He will have to obtain grease seals from an auto parts store. While he is repacking the bearings, he can inspect the brakes.
Inspect your running lights and trailer plug. Some dielectric grease on the pins/blades will promote a good contact and allow the two halves to slip together easier. Lubricate all the door and window hinges, latches, locks and window slides.
Inspect the tires, including the spare for dry rot and thread depth and air pressure. Wash and wax and enjoy.
If you have a LQ, there are several things to do with the water system and appliances. Your owner's manual can help with the specifics.
Posted 2008-03-10 10:57 AM (#79167 - in reply to #79158) Subject: RE: spring check up time
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
You shouldn't need a lot of service at 1000 miles of use.
Make sure the tires have the proper air pressure, make sure the batteries are full of water ( Distilled water)
Grease any zerk fittings.
Greese or oil any hinges, jack stand, gooseneck coupler, any moving parts.
A good wash job to remove any of the salt/snow melt and a wax job and you should be good to go.
Give the floor a good going over. Make sure the planks are in good condition.
I'm pretty sure the manual for my dexter axles said that packing the bearings is only required every 8,000-10,000 miles Of course if you only drive 1000 miles a year, I wouldn't wait 8 years to repack them. I'm sure somebody with more experience will comment on the bearings.
spring check up time
