Posted 2012-09-30 8:08 PM (#147343) Subject: Using an Older Trailer for Long Trips
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
My horse trailer is a 2002, not a lot of miles on it....lots of short trips to local shows. We are thinking about taking a longer trip for a national show next year and I worry just a bit. I know people that have stock trailer much older that mine that haul them everywhere with no worries and I don't think I should have any concerns but wanting some input from the forum. If the bearing are packed and the tires are good there really isn't much to a trailer as far as working parts is there? Do axles wear out? I know there is always the risk of flat tires, blow outs, or fluke accidents but that can happen if a trailer is a week old or 20 years old. Anything specific to check out on an older trailer?
Posted 2012-09-30 8:28 PM (#147346 - in reply to #147343) Subject: RE: Using an Older Trailer for Long Trips
Elite Veteran
Posts: 658 Location: Rayne, LA
Sounds like you have it figured out. Inspect/repack wheels bearing,brakes,tires,lights and have a good trip. I pull a 1999 that has many miles with semi annual inspections and I am not scared. I have a freind that has a 1992 that we have hauled to Colorado, Missiouri, 4 trips to Tennessee, and many local miles and with proper maintenance to has years left to go. Good Luck
Posted 2012-10-01 12:03 PM (#147355 - in reply to #147343) Subject: RE: Using an Older Trailer for Long Trips
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 430 Location: TN
If you are doing routine maintenance and upkeep on your trailer, there is not too much more you can do to prepare for a trip. I would also make sure I was maintaining my truck just as well.
I think having an emergency road service program like US Rider is always a good thing as well. I have had it for six years, but have never had to use it.
Posted 2012-10-03 10:03 AM (#147409 - in reply to #147343) Subject: RE: Using an Older Trailer for Long Trips
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: iowa
I personally do not think 10 years is old. I did just replace all my tires in preparation for a long trip. The others had lots of tread and looked good but there is all this talk that tires do not last that long and you sghould replace them. I have heard anything from every 4 years to 6 yrs. I also replaced my truck tires that were 8 byrs ols and still looked good to be safe.
Posted 2012-10-03 11:25 AM (#147410 - in reply to #147343) Subject: RE: Using an Older Trailer for Long Trips
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Being that you have a 2002 trailer, would pretty much tell me that you have rubber torsion axles. There is little to nothing to go wrong with these axles, unlike the old spring/shackle type axles. Those axles, after a lot of miles had wear issues with spring hangers and bushings. Even leafs in the springs would break if hauling overloaded a lot.
Inspection of your light plug and wiring is a good idea also. A poor ground on lights, or corrosion in the plug can be a small problem, and result in "winky/blinky" lights.
Doesn't hurt to get down, and look unerneath your trailer also. I hve a friend that did this very thing, and found a floor plank that had broke, but hadn't gave way, due to floor mats being on it, but had he not noticed it, the next trip could have been a disaster.
Do a good walk around and look for cracks/broken welds. Cracks will result in larger cracks or breaks if not taken care of.
Know what pressure your tires are rated for; and also what speed rating they have. A lot of trailer tires are rated for 65 MPH. If your used to driving 70-75 on the interstate on a hot day...........your asking to have a blowout. We repair/replace a lot of trailer fenders in our shop, due to blowouts, and a lot of them could have prevented with the right tire pressure and staying with the speed rating of the tire(s).
Good luck on your trip "blackcows" (my favorite color of cows).
Using an Older Trailer for Long Trips
