Trailer Maintenance Advisory
 

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Good advice on the trailer wheel bearings, John. I used to trailer a sailboat to various regattas and having a wheel bearing fail in the north FL boonies wasn't a whole lotta fun. I learned a good lesson that day. :(

I used to have a boat trailer with these things called Bearing Buddies. The dust cap thing with a grease fitting in the center. Pull the boat out of the water and give it two pumps on each axel. Yes, not very enviro friendly as grease just puked out the back. However, it did keep the H2O out of the bearings....Never had to replace the bearing either!

Trailers...
 

John,

I doubt many thought that their rigs included a charging system for the battery - in fact, I'd wager that most have never thought about the battery! An annual recharge would be a very wise precaution!

Also, for those who live in VA, don't forget your annual trailer inspection. I received a ticket on Route 7 near Round Hill last year - and the only reason I was stopped was lack of a trailer inspection sticker.

Breakaway charging circuit
 

Eric, the annual inspection is SUPPOSED to include a check of the functioning of the breakaway system. Easy to do.

1) UNPLUG the electrical connection to the tow vehicle to isolate the trailer from the tow vehicle.

2) Pull the 'plug' on the breakaway contact switch. You may, or may not be able to hear the electric brakes pull into the drums.

3) Pull the rig forward gently. The trailer brakes should be full on.

4) Check complete.

It turns out that one can buy a 3 terminal charging unit for the battery for about $15. And I have found self contained units with battery, charger, 'press to test' button, and indicator leds, for $100. The batteries are all the same little rechargeable 12 volt gel cell.