Perform Regular Inspections
First things first, give your suspension springs a thorough once-over before hitting the road. Look out for any cracks, rust, or deformities. Check if the coil springs are aligned properly and securely attached. Keep an eye out for any leaks or damage to the shock absorbers too. Oh, and don't forget to ensure the springs have the right tension and can handle the weight of your trailer. Safety first!
Keep Up with Cleaning and Lubrication
Now, let's talk about giving those springs a good cleaning. Grab some mild detergent and mix it with water. Scrub away any dirt, debris, or grime that has accumulated. Once clean, let them dry thoroughly. After that, it's time to show your springs some love with lubrication. Grab a top-notch lubricant recommended by your trailer manufacturer. Apply it evenly on the springs, shackles, and bushings. This will minimize friction, reduce wear and tear, and keep things running smoothly.
More Tips for Preventing Corrosion
You know how summer adventures expose your trailer to all sorts of weather conditions, right? Moisture and road salts can wreak havoc on your suspension springs. To protect them from corrosion, think about applying a protective coating or paint. Look for products specially made for trailers or vehicles. Make sure you cover all exposed areas of the springs with an even coating. And remember, if you notice any wear and tear during your trips, give those spots a quick touch-up with the coating.
Get Help with Your Trailer from The Trailer Parts Outlet
Now,we know you're pretty handy, but The Trailer Parts Outlet is always here to help. We have seen it all when it comes to trailer care, and we would rather you get answers ahead of time than try to do damage control after an accident.
Contact Us to Learn More
Fill out our contact form or call us to get the ball rolling. Browse our FAQ page, too. Taking care of your suspension springs is essential for a smooth and safe towing experience during your summer escapades. By following these maintenance tips—regular inspection, cleaning, lubrication, preventing corrosion, and seeking professional help when needed—you'll have your suspension springs adventure-ready. Get out there and make unforgettable memories!
]]>The Trailer Parts Outlet offers you kits that give you everything you need to replace your axle in one place.
No matter what capacity trailer you’re hauling, we’ve got the axle kits you need to keep rolling.
Build Your Own Idler Axle Kit with The Trailer Parts Outlet
An idler hub has no provisions for trailer brakes. If you have this kind of axle, we have the idler trailer axle kits for you. We offer kits in 2k capacity, 3.5k, 6k, and 7k. You’ll get everything you need to replace your axle all in one place, which saves you time and effort in the preparation phase and lets you get to work on your trailer sooner.
Get A Full Brake Axle Kit from The Trailer Parts Outlet
Brake axle kits have electric, hydraulic drum, or disc brakes, unlike idler axles. We offer a range of different capacities on brake trailer axle kits, too. Get 2, 3.5k, 6k, or 7k. You’re probably tired of reading reviews and being unsure if the part you’re looking at has what you need. Skip that part of the process by getting everything you need all at once.
Contact The Trailer Parts Outlet if You’re Unsure Which Kind of Axle Kit You Need
Really, there’s only two big questions when you’re embarking on this project. What kind of trailer axle kit do I need, and what size should it be. Don’t be shy if you don’t know! That’s what we’re here for. If you want to learn a little bit more, you can check our FAQ page to knock out some easy answers. We love trailers and we love helping people here. So fill out our contact form or give is a call and we’ll help guide you to where you need to be. ]]>Your utility trailer won’t perform if the tires aren’t inflated, no matter how good the rest of the trailer is. Have a pressure gauge on hand at all times, and do a visual inspection for cracks and dried-out tires.
Check every hinge and pivot point on your utility trailer, and lubricate regularly. Reducing friction makes these parts last longer, and prevents wear and tear. When one of these parts breaks, problems happen all at once, so checking their condition regularly is key.
Your brakes save your life every time to use them! Luckily, there’s an easy way to replace every part of the brake you might need to when you get an assembly.
No matter what size brake you have, you can get a full assembly with every part you need in one kit. This is the easiest way to make sure that every part is fresh. If you replace just one while the others corrode, the rust can ruin the new part as well. That’s just one advantage of replacing everything at once.
You would be surprised how much this helps! While it is always a good idea, it is even more necessary if you store the trailer without using it for entire seasons, or any long period of time. This quality time with your trailer gives you a chance to catch small problems before they blossom into full-grown problems. You are looking for rust, burnt-out lights, faulty wiring, and damage to the trailer bed.
When you drive your trailer, the vibrations loosen every nut and bolt slowly but steadily over time. This can become an emergency if one gives out suddenly on the road. To counteract this constant vibration, tighten every bolt as part of your maintenance routine. This gives you a chance to inspect for shearing bolts as well.
We know that trailer maintenance can be overwhelming whether you are new or experienced. After all, it requires so many judgment calls and decisions. If you have any questions about this important part of being a hauler, simply give us a call or fill out our contact form. Our friendly team of experts here at The Trailer Parts Outlet will be thrilled to help you.
]]>Rusty axles are one of the first and most obvious signs of a problem. Sure, if you live somewhere wet and humid or even snowy, there is probably a little rust on the undercarriage of your trailer. However, if you’re noticing falling flakes, or hearing grinding, it’s time to replace that axle as soon as possible.
Bad axles make your tires work harder, so if you see a fresh set wear out too quickly, the axles might be the disease that is causing the symptom. Axle alignment can make your tires take more damage very quickly, because you’re constantly fighting against the alignment, and the twisting action increases the friction the rubber experiences.
If your trailer isn’t handling correctly, the axles might be the reason. Your axles are part of the suspension, so if you’re losing any cargo or feeling too much resistance when driving your trailer, check on your axles. It might be time to replace them.
There are so many places where you can and should save in life, but trailer axles aren’t one of them. The hazards of driving on bad axles for yourself and others rapidly exceed the cost of replacing axles. If it’s a dollar sign holding you back from getting new axles, it’s not worth it. This is not where you save. You’ll be faced with bigger, more dangerous, and more expensive problems if you try. If it’s simple procrastination, then get into action mode as quickly as possible. Your future self will be so grateful your present self did so.
Even after this guide, you might still need help figuring out when it is time to replace your axles. Our knowledgeable and friendly experts would love to help you out with that. Use our contact form or give us a call if you are experiencing any of the problems we described above. We can help you out with everything you need.
]]>However, regular maintenance is a critical part of making sure your dump trailer works well. After all, any piece of gear with multiple moving parts is going to need special attention.
Check your dump trailer’s hydraulic fluid every time you use your trailer. If you do this, your trailer will last longer and run much more smoothly.
Your trailer will ride more smoothly and safely if your tires are inflated correctly. You’re less likely to have small accidents or shocking jolts that could cause you to lose a little cargo. Losing cargo is dangerous for you and the motorists behind you, so stay on top of this one.
Sure, your utility trailer might be relatively simple, but your dump trailer has hinges and pivot points that need to be lubricated to work best. Lubrication helps prevent damage and the wear and tear that comes from ordinary use.
Check your dump trailer’s calipers, pads, and rotors. Brakes are critical to your safety, and the safety of those around you on the road. Dump trailers are heavy, and when the bed is full, they are even heavier. That means it takes more work to slow them down or stop them. That’s why brakes need attention.
When you do an inspection and clean, you need to check the lights work, look for rust, and search for damage.
Dump trailers can be complicated, so we are happy to help you! Contact us or call us to get your questions answered. Use our contact form, or call our number.
]]>We love the classic meals for the holidays here at The Trailer Parts Outlet. But to be perfectly honest, there’s always room in our hearts for a little something new, a little something unexpected. This Thanksgiving, you could turn your utility trailer into the perfect turkey smoker. After all, who doesn’t love BBQ?
Thanksgiving Day is at grandma’s house but her little gas grill won’t fit the two 15lb turkeys it takes to feed everyone? No problem! Hitch up your utility trailer and throw your BBQ smoker on there. People do it all the time for food vending gigs. People want to relax outside? Well, there’s room in there for your camp chairs, beer coolers, metal fire pit, lighter fluid, charcoal, split logs, and cookware.
Who knows? You may love smoked BBQ turkey so much, you decide to cook it all year long.
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. And gratitude comes with giving back. Why not give those less fortunate something to be grateful about as well? Put your trailer in your yard with a sign on it asking for non-perishable food donations for the local food pantry. Once it’s as full as it's going to get, bring the goods down. This minimizes waste, and helps the community.
Waters, gatorades, blankets for onlookers, sign making materials, or hand sanitizer. You’ve got it all and more with your perfect turkey trot float. Load up the trailer with everything you need, and make a little sign inviting others to take what they need. It’s a great way to support the people you know who are running, and a great thing to come back to when you’re finished the race yourself.
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, food, and football. The kitchen is packed! The garage is packed! The living room is packed. If only there were a place for the perfect football tailgate, whether it’s live at the stadium or just in the yard. Fill your trailer with all of your tailgate necessities and you’re ready to go.
You’re not the only one figuring out all of the details about Thanksgiving this year. Lend a helping hand whenever you can. It’s the perfect way to build positive connections within your community and build a better relationship with the people around you. Get in the spirit of the season!
Ask The Trailer Parts Outlet Your Questions
We’re so grateful to have you as a customer here at The Trailer Parts Outlet. Let us know what parts we can help you find and how we can make your day better! Write us, call us, and above all, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
]]>
We’d like to offer you some quick tips about how to measure some common bolt patterns for your trailer’s wheels.
We’ll go over:
The good news is, this is a fairly simple process!
Let’s get right to the key measurement you need.
Measuring a 5-Lug Bolt Pattern
You need to measure your bolt pattern when you go to replace your axle, hub, or related parts.
Place your finger on a bolt. Then pick a direction, and go two bolts away from that first one you touched.
You’re going to measure from the outside of your starting bolt to the center of your second bolt.
That’s the area you need to measure to get the properly sized part shipped to you.
Measuring your 6-Lug Bolt Pattern
When you are measuring your 6-lug bolt pattern hub, remember that if you have four or eight bolts you can use the same method.
Six, four and eight bolt patterns all have bolts that are placed at exactly opposite across from each other. You want to visualize a straight line going directly across the center of your wheel.
When you have four, six or eight bolts, measure from center to center. You may have a protruding center that makes placing the tape measure a challenge. Simply lay the tape on top of the center, or next to your two measurement bolts.
This takes about five minutes to do. You can do it with the wheel on or off the axle. Now you’re prepared any time you need to buy a part that requires a bolt pattern measurement.
]]>