Here’s the Rub: Which Hub Lube is Best for Your Hauler?

Trailer bearing maintenance has recently gotten more complicated, with the introduction of hybrid lubrication products to the market. Which is best for keeping your hauler running smoothly? Let’s take a look at the evolution, performance, and maintenance needs of today’s trailer bearing lubrication options… 

Which Hub’s for You? Advantages & Disadvantages of Trailer Hub Systems

●        Grease-filled Hubs
The Low-Down: The old standby for hub lubrication, grease-filled hubs are commonly found on boat trailers.
Advantages: Thick and viscous, grease stays where you put it, requiring only periodic renewing.
Disadvantages: Grease-filled hubs don’t allow for the inspection of grease quantity and quality without disassembly.
Maintenance Needs: Grease-filled hubs require removing, repacking, and reassembling each 3,000-4,000 miles (or annually if your trailer sees minimal use), as bearing wear-and-tear is set into motion upon contact with moisture. Because of this, hub additions called bearing protectors (such as Bearing Buddy) are often incorporated to aid in the prevention of water intrusion and corrosion, holding a small reservoir of grease within the hub that is released under pressure/submersion to prevent water intruding.

●        Oil-filled Hubs
The Low-Down: Most commonly found on trailers hauling tournament fishing boats, as well as those that frequently travel long distances, oil-filled hubs provide less resistance, and thus greater efficiency while towing.
Advantages: Oil-filled hubs have a longer service and maintenance interval, allowing up to 40,000 miles between oil changes. They also allow you to easily monitor the condition of bearings, oil quality, and whether the hubs are filled or lacking via clear plastic caps on the ends of each hub.
Disadvantages: The plastic caps are weak, and if you clip another trailer or the dock while parking or loading/unloading, your trip is over. Once the oil leaks out of the hub, bearings will cease functioning pretty fast – especially on highways. Oil-filled hubs are also more prone to moisture penetration, as hubs are typically only filled halfway. Because of this, frequent rotation – via trailer use or manually spinning trailer wheels every few weeks – is necessary to prevent corrosion to bearings above the fill line.

●        Hybrid Hubs
The Low-Down: Hybrid hubs provide the best of both forms of lubrication: Grease and oil.
Advantages: Promising years of maintenance-free operation, hybrid systems (such as The Vault) offer a pressurized, oil-filled hub with a unique lube combination that thins out to the viscosity of oil at operating temperatures, yet maintains the viscosity of grease at normal temperatures. No maintenance is advised for 5 years, and hybrid products typically come with a 10-year warranty.
Disadvantages: Obviously, hybrid hubs require a specific type of lubricant, which is more costly. In addition, to safeguard the warranty of most brands, you are wise to have ANY bearing service or adjustment completed at a licensed, trusted shop.

Considering a Switch?
The pros at Ainsworth Trailer Repair have experience with all types of bearing lubrication systems and accessories. To learn more about which lube may be best for you hauler, or to schedule a fast, affordable swap, contact us and schedule a free estimate today.
This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/heres-rub-hub-lube-best-hauler/

Sure Signs You Need Trailer Brake Service

Feel like you’re starring in the latest rendition of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride? Chances are, it’s long past time for trailer brake service. Water, heavy loads, pothole-ridden roads, and steep hills take their toll on brake system components, making timely brake maintenance and repair essential to the safety and longevity of your trusty trailer.

How Can You Tell it’s Time for Service?

●       Brakes won’t release after a sudden stop.
This issue is common on boat trailers whose drum brakes are not routinely flushed following use/submersion, as well as on trailers that aren’t used very often. It indicates a mechanical or hydraulic problem preventing fluid from traveling back to the reservoir. Investigation will be necessary to determine whether clogs affecting your brakes, or the master cylinder or surge actuator slide assembly has malfunctioned.

●       Brakes work on some wheels, but not on others.
If you’ve been neglecting your bearings in addition to your brakes, a grease leak may be affecting your braking system. Worn drums and rotors also commonly cause this issue, as will misadjusted brake linings, air in the lines, blocked/kinked lines, or a frozen wheel cylinder/disc caliper.

●       Brakes operate in reverse. (When you don’t want them to.)
A common issue on surge brake systems and a major annoyance for boaters, this issue can be combatted with the help of manufacturer recommended brake assemblies that safely workaround the issue. This includes ‘free backing’ assemblies that allow brakes to disengage in reverse only, as well as electric solenoid valve additions, wired to and activated by reverse lights, which allow brake fluid to bypass back to the reservoir when in reverse.

●       Brakes don’t work at all.
If your brakes have gone on sabbatical, you may be low (or empty) on brake fluid. Never a fun (or safe) scenario, this is not the time to dump in more fluid and get back on the road. If there’s no fluid in the reservoir, you have a leak, which must be found to prevent recurrences. If the reservoir is empty, a master cylinder and wheel cylinder replacement is also highly recommended to prevent the corrosion and breakdown of your entire brake system and steel lines. If fluid is not the issue, your drum brakes may be out of adjustment, wheel cylinder(s) frozen, brake lines clogged, or master cylinder shot.

There’s a Reason Commercial Truck Drivers Must Check Their Rigs Daily
Even seemingly small problems with brakes can lead to serious safety issues and costly, potentially deadly accidents down the road. This is why brake service is recommended for all trailers every XXXX miles or XXX time period. When was the last time you had your trailer serviced?

Head off problems at the pass, keeping yourself and other roadway travelers safe. Schedule a free maintenance or repair estimate and ensure the safety of your trailer with the help of the trusted professionals at Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.
This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/sure-signs-need-trailer-brake-service/

Don’t Let Snowmobile Tilt Trailer Maintenance Slide

It’s exciting to go through your snowmobile with a fine tooth comb in preparation for the upcoming season, but have you given any thought to your snowmobile tilt trailer? Commonly used, abused, and ignored, your hauler needs a little TLC too.

No Trailer – No Ride
As essential to the sport as the sled, overlooking snowmobile trailer maintenance is unwise. Luckily, the fall is a great time to tackle any pre-season maintenance issues that could leave your slick snowmobile high and dry. 

Get Ready to Hit the Trails with Essential Snowmobile Trailer Maintenance
Truck dirty with road salt and grime? Your snowmobile trailer is likely worse, covered in chemicals that can corrode hubs, wheel studs, wiring, and more. Now is the time to maintain essential components to ensure snowmobile fun:

●        Trailer Hubs
Check hubs for leaks, ensuring they are properly sealed and have adequate grease. Replace worn bearings and repack hubs now to avoid becoming stranded roadside in the snow.

●        Jack
Also look to auxiliary jack gears and bearings, which also need lubrication.

●        Lighting & Wiring
Ensure the main wiring connection is in good shape, checking for worn/rusted connectors. Also check turn signals, stoplights, and emergency flashers. Bulb changes are much easier in warmer weather.

●        Tires
Check tires for wear, pressure, and damage. Ensure any replacement tires ordered match necessary specifications, adding air pressure as required for heavy loads to ensure hauling ease and safety.

●        Coupler
Verify the coupler is not bent or in need of adjustment. Does it latch securely and properly?

●        Pin Lock
If you use a pin lock, determine if it needs lubrication.

●        Tilt Beds
Tilt beds need proper lubrication to keep movement free and easy. Plus, making sure clamps and bed retention devices are in proper working order can prevent your toys from sliding or rolling off onto the freeway.

●        Body
Check enclosed trailers for roadside abuse like dents, dings, chips in paint and even corner notching. Ensure rooftop vents are clear and in good working order, and latches and ramps are fully functional. 

●        Accessories
Check chains and lubricate clips. Muck out center rails on models with sliding tie downs. Did you struggle with anything last season? Now is the time to add ease-of-use accessories like adjustable tie-down clamps, plastic guide strips, and auxiliary winches to make loading easier.

Letting trailer maintenance issues slide turning into an avalanche of problems? The professionals at Ainsworth Trailer Repair are here to help – even roadside. Prep for emergencies by plugging us into your phone, and schedule your seasonal trailer maintenance today. 

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/dont-let-snowmobile-tilt-trailer-maintenance-slide/

Know When Semi-Trailer Leaf Springs Go Bad

Gravity is rough. As time goes by it can work against you, taking a toll on your manly/girlish figure, and the figure of your truck. Among the top body parts taking a beating? Your semi-trailer leaf springs, bouncing and banging their way through thousands of miles of heavy loads and pothole-ridden abuse. Are you just assuming yours are up to the task?

How to Tell if Trailer Leaf Springs Are Bad
It’s easy to overlook leaf spring components, assuming prime function when reality is their performance has fallen flat. Luckily you don’t have to be a rocket scientist – or a certified mechanic – to figure out if it’s time to replace them. Here’s how to tell if it’s time for an upgrade…

1. Find ‘em.
   Leaf springs can be found at the front or rear of the trailer, attached above or below the axle. They look like an array of bowed, narrow strips of steel stacked atop one another. This ‘smiley’ or bow-shape configuration allows them to absorb the gravity of the load in your trailer bed.
2. Think about how things are shaking.
   If your vehicle bounced or sways every time you hit a bump, your leaf springs may be wearing out – they’re designed to absorb and prevent such movement.
3. See if they’re showing their age.
   Check to see if the leaf springs are cracked, broken, or missing pieces. (Hint: You’re going to get dirty.)
4. Beware of sag.
   Sag under heavy load indicates well-worn springs.
   
   

Leaf Springs Showing Their Age?
Ainsworth provides high-quality, OEM heavy-duty replacement springs, as well as coil components.
Serving the Denver area for nearly 20 years as a preferred provider of trailer service and repair, our affordable, A+ Better Business Bureau rated services are supported not only by local Colorado clientele, but a nationwide customer base that seeks out our trustworthy work. 

Looking for fast, dependable trailer repair? Experience the Ainsworth Trailer Repair difference today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/know-semi-trailer-leaf-springs-go-bad/

Is Your Small Trailer Axle System Putting You in Danger?

Regular maintenance to small trailer axles can prevent a mountain of woe. Daily wear, unknown damage, and overlooked or ignored repair and maintenance needs can take a toll on the complex geometry of the system, potentially resulting in a slew of expensive situations.

It’s Typically Not the Trailer Axle Beam that Requires Maintenance
While the axle is indeed a major part of the axle system, all its attached components work together to keep the system running straight, true, and safe. When a part of the axle system is out-of-whack, symptoms are rarely seen in the beam. What components are most often in need of attention?

●     Bearings
A large percentage of trailer problems stem from failure to perform this simple and inexpensive maintenance procedure. Ungreased and neglected, bearings will overheat, destroying spindles, hubs, shaking tires, and eventually causing wheels to fall off, resulting in extensive trailer damage. Bearings should be greased once a year or every 3,000 miles. In-between, keep an eye out for wobbly tires and grease on the back of the rim, which indicate a leak.

●     Oil Seal
Leaks from the oil seal typically point back to wheel bearing issues.

●     Spindles
Uneven tire tread wear could indicate spindle misalignment. Scratches or nicks on spindle components could also lead to bearing damage. 

●     Wheel Hubs
Wheel runoff crashes are often the result of improper/ignored maintenance. Lack of lubrication and axle nuts that are too tight or too loose are typical causes. Most times, your trailer will give you signs of impending failure via steering feedback, tire wear, sounds and smoky smells. As with other components, it pays to be aware of trailer operation.

●     Castle Nuts
Castle nuts should only be slightly more than hand-tight. Anything further puts excess pressure on bearings, and can lead to premature bearing failure.

●     Tires
The end of the road for the axle system literally and figuratively, issues in the system are often felt and seen in the tires. If you’re eating through tires, seeing odd/uneven tread wear, experiencing poor fuel mileage, or having difficulty controlling your trailer in-motion, look to the above component issues, as well as axle alignment in relation to the frame, to detect the cause. Ignoring the situation could eventually lead to tread separation or failure by blowout.

Reduce downtime and repair costs with regular trailer axle inspection and maintenance. Get off to the right start and ensure a smooth journey with the help of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/small-trailer-axle-system-putting-danger/

Why Quick & Dirty Roof Leak Repairs May Be a High & Mighty Mistake

Barraged by branches, wind, rain, snow and ice. Beaten by road debris and chemicals. Dinged (or annihilated) by low-hanging road signage. Subject to extreme temperature changes… Subject to such extreme conditions, all trailer roofs can suffer leaks, even new ones. Should you slap a band aid on it, or take your trailer into a professional for help repairing a trailer roof leak? The wrong decision now could cost you later.

Common Quick Fixes
If you’re just trying to ‘get there’ with your cargo, you may be able to patch things up temporarily with fixit favorites like caulk, roofing putties, sprays and roll-ons, mastic-backed and other specialty tapes, or patches. However these quick fixes merely ‘band aid’ the underlying issues – and like a real band aid, will eventually fall off.

Patching Things Up
With minor issues, like a leaky rivet, you could forego the repair shop for the time being. But even seemingly small holes – those over an inch in diameter – are best addressed with replacement sheeting over patches, and inspected by a professional to determine consequent damage and issues with structural integrity. The lightweight structure of trailers is heavily reliant on the roof and rails for support, and when leaks are left unattended, will eventually compromise the trailer structure.

Without Proper Attention, Trailer Damage Will Amplify from Leaks

●     Saturating pallets and boxes to compromise the structural integrity of loads.

●     Damaging goods and causing clients to reject cargo.

●     Rotting floorboards.

●     Degrading other essential structural components like trailer rails and walls, resulting in total trailer loss.

The Pay Now or Pay Later Conundrum
At Ainsworth, we’re honest folks, and we understand the appeal of quick fixes – because they’re typically also cheap, and seem like they keep you on the road. But the cold, hard truth is, this is a ‘penny-wise and pound-foolish’ assumption. A band aid cannot fix a progressing infection. For lasting repair, a trailer roof must be mended with the proper components. Environmental conditions must be right, and affected areas must be thoroughly cleaned, with loose roof coatings, sealant, and other stuck-on debris removed and surrounding materials completely dry for proper, lasting repairs. Without such attention, you’ll end up needing to replace the entire roof - or trailer! Proper, timely repair results in far less labor, downtime, damage, and money lost in the long run.

Luckily, repairing a trailer roof leak can be accomplished correctly, quickly, and affordably. Nix the ‘quick fix’ and schedule ‘express service.’ Find out more about our ‘fast lanes’ and fast, industry-renowned, dependable service and estimates. Contact Ainsworth today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/quick-dirty-roof-leak-repairs-may-high-mighty-mistake/

Different Brake Systems for Trailers

Brake Systems for Trailers – Which is Best?

Frequent haulers and those lugging heavy loads require more braking power than the typical tow vehicle provides. In these situations, additional brake systems for trailers can provide the necessary stopping power to ensure safety and reduce wear-and-tear on tow vehicle brakes.

Adding a Trailer Brake System
There are two major types of trailer braking systems: Surge and electric brakes. What’s best for your application? 

●     Surge Brakes
Best Uses: Boat trailers and the occasional tower.
These self-contained systems take advantage of a trailer's weight and momentum to actuate the brakes. Unlike electric systems, no added controls or electrical connections are necessary for operation.  You press the tow vehicle’s brakes, and trailer pushes against a connection that compresses a hydraulic cylinder, transferring pressure from the trailer to the trailer brakes to provide added stopping power. Properly adjusted, they are easy to use. The downside? No capacity for driver control or adjustment, and maintenance and operational procedures require spot-on adherence to avoid issues that could result in vehicle damage when backing up or transporting over bumps and downhill.

●     Electric Brakes
Best Uses: Heavy hauling, frequent towing, and those looking for added braking control.
With the help of an in-cabin brake controller and an added electrical connection, electric trailer brakes give drivers more customizable brake operation via programming adjustments. Simple in operation, they employ an electromagnet to actuate drum brakes as programmed. You can even operate brakes on-the-fly, when descending hills, in high winds, or with trailer sway. However there are more than one type of in-cabin control module, affecting performance:

o      Proportional or Inertia-Based Brake Controllers
An inertia-based sensor provides power to trailer brakes proportional to vehicle momentum, allowing for smoother stops and more efficient braking than time-based controllers. These systems offer superior braking on hills (up or down), and are a boon for hauling livestock or other sensitive cargo, detecting changes in momentum and powering brakes accordingly.

o      Time-Based Brake Controllers
These systems activate with brake pedal use, performing as programmed by the driver. Effective and simple to use, but not as precise as inertia-based controllers, they are often sufficient for light duty hauls like pontoon boats and smaller campers.

Bring Braking Problems to an Abrupt Halt
Towing a trailer can take a heavy toll on your trailer and tow vehicle. Get the extra stopping power you need to better protect cargo and the brake system on your hauler. Upgrade your trailer brakes affordably and easily with the help of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/different-brake-systems-trailers/

Boat Trailer Bearing Replacement: How Long Do They Last?

Putting off boat trailer wheel bearing replacement? If bearings fail, wheels can literally fall off the vehicle, and your boat will definitely go sailing off in the sunset… Just not quite the way you’d envisioned. Bearings should be greased, taken apart and serviced at least once per year. But that’s not a hard and fast rule. Maintenance and replacement needs will vary based on frequency of trailer use, wear-and-tear from water, mud, and road conditions, and how well you kept up with (or ignored) bearing service needs over the year.

How Do I Know When My Trailer Wheel Bearings Need Repacking/Replacement?

The bearings on your boat trailer reduce friction, allowing trailer wheels to spin freely about the axle. This takes a constant supply of lubrication – bearing grease – which must be regularly replaced to prevent damage. Luckily, your trailer will drop little hints when bearing issues are imminent. Are you ignoring these signs of worn wheel bearings?

●     Warm/Hot Hubs
Lack of lubrication can cause bearings to generate excessive heat. Carefully put your palm on the hub of each trailer tire. If it is too hot to comfortably handle or one is warmer than the other, this indicates the need for trailer bearing attention.

●     Noise
Grinding, clicking, and squeaking from trailer wheels often indicate a worn or defective wheel bearing in need of replacement – or the need to repack bearings with grease.

●     Grease in the Hub
When bearings seals go bad, grease can leak out and collect in the hub, and can even be blown into the fender.

●     Lost/Loose Dust Cap
Dust caps often come loose when issues with the bearing assembly exist, and should be replaced when bearings are serviced.

Grease the Wheels of Progress
Your boating time is sacred. Don’t spend your weekend stuck on the side of the road. Contact Ainsworth to schedule wheel bearing maintenance for your trailer today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/boat-trailer-bearing-replacement-long-last/

The Woes of Improper Trailer Alignment

Most weekend warriors never give a second thought to trailer alignment. Even some hard-earning haulers overlook it. However neglecting regular alignment can cause you to leave a trail of money in your wake, adversely affecting safety, performance and function. 

Big Trouble from Minor Misalignments
Pre-aligned from the factory, potholes, curbs, and even everyday driving conditions slowly beat alignment out of spec. Involving the minute measurements and adjustments of just 3 components: Axle orientation, axle toe, and axle camber, ensuring the proper alignment of your trailer (or tow vehicle) will keep it tracking straight and true, as will the proper alignment of the hauler with the trailer. But what happens if alignment is off just a smidge?

Improper Alignment Can Cause a World of Woes

●     Irregular Tire Wear & Increased Frequency of Replacement
When axles are improperly aligned, tires scrub and oppose one another, wearing quickly and unevenly and resulting in the need to replace expensive tires far more often.

●     Loss of Control
A misalignment of as little as ¼-inch can make it nearly impossible to keep your vehicle centered in the lane. In addition, excessive tire wear or uneven tread from misalignment robs steering control, particularly on low-friction surfaces such as wet pavement, making it difficult to accomplish quick, precise maneuvers, and negatively affecting vehicle stability.

●     Poor Fuel Economy
Dog tracking (when it looks like a vehicle is moving sideways down the road when viewed from behind – or when you look at your side mirror and clearly see one side of the car more than the other), also results from misalignment. When this occurs, drag and rolling resistance are increased, putting strain on the engine and gobbling up more fuel as the motor works harder to haul the tow vehicle down the road.  

●     Excessive Vehicle Vibration
Axle misalignment can also cause excessive vibration in the steering wheel or operator’s seat, not only creating an uncomfortable ride, but contributing to muscular fatigue and driver stress.

Get the Most Out of Your Rig
If your trailer is eating tires and your gas mileage is giving you heartburn - and you’ve checked the obvious – it might be your alignment. Avoid unnecessary downtime, repair costs, and wear-and-tear with this simple, cost-effective service. From household boat trailers to corporate car haulers, we’ve got you covered. Schedule your alignment with Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/the-woes-of-improper-trailer-alignment/

The Skinny on Heavy Equipment Trailer Axle Repair

The Skinny on Heavy Equipment Trailer Axle Repair

Whoa nelly. Heavy equipment trailer axle repair is a big deal. Mega loads. Massive weight. Major responsibility. Safely and successfully transporting such loads requires equipment built and maintained to handle these extremes – and drivers with the skills to get them where they’re going. 

Big Responsibilities
Hauling heavy-duty loads requires discipline, attention-to-detail, and follow-through, especially when it comes to trailer operation and care. That’s why hauling heavy loads and equipment requires proven driver experience. Because hauling such extreme loads is more dangerous, it also involves extra rules and regulations to ensure the safety of all those on the road, including those involving maintenance and repair.

Are You Toeing/‘Towing’ the Line?
Whether you’re hauling logs or delivering excavating equipment or automobiles, there’s little margin for error when hauling exceedingly heavy or oversize loads. To put it plainly, such absurdly large loads – if mishandled or carelessly towed with sub-par equipment – can likewise lead to an absurd amount of damage or even life-altering injury should an incident occur. Because trailer components bear the brunt of this repetitive abuse, your maintenance schedule must be followed like the timeline of a space shuttle launch, and should include ALL axle components, not just the quick and dirty repacking of bearings…

●     Axles
Axle geometry and axle components should be regularly inspected every 6-12 months, with adjustments to axle orientation, toe, and camber to ensure straight, true tracking. Failure to do so can lead to reduced vehicle stability and loss of driver maneuverability that could prove deadly. Proper alignment also preserves fuel economy and tire life, lessens muscle-fatiguing vibrations, and prevents unexpected and costly breakdowns.

●     Bearings
One of the most important services you can perform on your trailer, wheel bearings should be repacked every XX months, at an absolute minimum. Though the process seems simple, however, the devil is in the details, and if improperly performed, could cause your brakes to malfunction. Expert knowledge of manufacturer's specs, high-quality grease, and new (not re-used) cotter pins are detrimental repacking to ensure proper operation and safety.

●     Brakes
Your brakes are all that’s standing between you and stopping that overlarge load. Do you regularly check yours? Regular inspection and timely maintenance reduce the likelihood of increased braking distances and related accidents and incidents more common with heavier loads.

Living large? Whether you’re toting a low boy, roll-back, drop deck, flatbed or hydraulic tilt trailer, Ainsworth Trailer Repair has the extreme experience, skills and heavy duty parts you need to keep large loads moving safely down the road. Contact us to schedule essential maintenance or repair on your heavy duty hauler today.