FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q)
What is the difference between “bearing buddies” and E-Z
lube?
A) When the tem “bearing buddy” is used, it usually refers
to a brand
grease cap that covers the end so the spindle and has a grease fitting
in the center. It allows adding grease, only allowing fresh grease
to the outer bearing. If this the grease is improperly used it may
result in a ruptured spindle seal. No matter how safe you feel, you
should always pull and repack your bearings randomly. The E-Z lube
hub has a grease fitting but it is part of the hub which has an orifice
allowing grease to both the inner and outer bearings. It can be used
to grease bearings after they are cleaned and reassembled. Randomly
pulling and repacking bearings is still necessary, yet not as often.
Q)
What would cause a tire to get so hot it would smoke?
A) A tire could be rubbing on something, the brakes might be dragging,
or
a bearing might be in bad shape. The smoke is coming from liquefied
grease, which means almost all lubricant is lost by then. If you continue
to ride on it you may lose an axle, if you stop you might be able
to save your spindle. By random maintenance you can prevent this.
Q) How often should I repack my bearings?
A) Depending on the weight and load capacity, it should be about once
a
year or 10, 000 miles for a heavily loaded and used trailer, and about
2
years for a lightly loaded, and seldom used trailer. Your hubs should
be warm enough to place your hand on them and leave it there. Is it
is too hot, it is best to have it checked.
Q) How often should I check my lug nuts?
A) you should check your lug nuts for tightness ever few months, also
within 20-50 miles of where you bought it– more than 50 % of
lost wheels occur within the first 115 miles of where it was purchased.
Q) Are surge brakes better than electric brakes?
A)Typical surge brake systems do not comply with the DOT regulations.
This is because there is no control of the brakes in the cab of the
tow vehicle. Surge brakes are hydraulic brakes operated by a cilindar
built into
the coupler that compresses as the tow vehicle stops. This system
is nice,
but has 3 disadvantages: it casts more than an electrical brake system,
The cab has no manual control inside, difficulty backing up, The cost
may
be 2-3 hundred more dollars per axle than electric systems. Surge
brakes
can be helpful if many other vehicles will be towing these trailers.
Any vehicle containing a hitch may tow this trailer. Make sure you
find out if
surge brakes are illegal in your area before deciding upon these.
Q) Will I need a spare tire?
A) most trailers do not come with a spare tire unless it is requested
in
your options. It is a smart idea to always have a spare tire with
you.
They can be mounted in or on your trailer.
Q) What spare parts or tools should I be carrying with my
trailer?
A) Spare tire, 6 lug nuts or so, lug wrench, wheel chucks, Spare set
of
bearings, Grease seals, grease, jack, magnet for electric brakes,
few pieces of 12 gauge wire, connectors, wire cutters, knife, road
flares/
reflective triangle. This stuff may not always be used, but you should
be prepared for anything.
Q) Do trailers depreciate like cars do?
A) depending on the type of trailer, and the quality. If you keep
a good
quality trailer properly maintained it will hold its value.
Q) What should I do if I cant back my trailer up?
A) you can learn how to. PRACTICE makes perfect. ***it is interesting
the smallest trailers (4’-8’) are the hardest to back
up***
Q) What about trailer warranties?
A) Trailer warranties range from 6 months to one year. Axles are often
covered for 5 years. Some even cover the frame structure for about
5
years.