How to Check and Maintain Your Trailer | Motorcycle Trailer, Cargo Trailer, Auto Trailers, Custom Enclosed by Interstate Cargo

	How to Check and Maintain Your Trailer
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We have implemented a Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist to be completed by you and your dealer prior to delivery of your trailer. However, you should still recheck these key points before towing your trailer for the first time.

Please refer to the manual pages listed for a detailed description of how these items should be checked and maintained.

*Check lug nuts for tightness before 1st trip. Then check at 10 miles, 25 miles, and 50 miles. Recheck at least every 3 months or every 3,000 miles, or after removal from storage.

Axles/Hubs/Brakes

Your trailer is equipped with high-quality axles. Please contact us or your dealer for replacement parts. The axle manufacturer's owner's manual is included with the materials received when you purchased your trailer. Proper maintenance and inspection of these components is extremely important in the longevity of your trailer and your personal safety. See "Important Papers" packet included with your new trailer.

NEVER neglect axle, hub, or brake service and maintenance.

Wheel Bearings

Trouble-free trailering requires proper bearing lubrication, maintenance, and inspections. Bearings often fail as a result of insufficient lubrication or improper adjustment. In both cases, heat build-up occurs. Normal bearing operating temperature is up to 140 degrees bearings can be touched by hand without burning. Above this temperature, the grease fails and as a result, the bearings, drum, and/or spindle can be destroyed. Brakes are designed to operate at up to 600 degreees A good practice for both the experienced and the new trailer owner is to touch each hub within ten miles of starting out when bearings have been repacked and at each stop along the way.

DO NOT try testing the hub after several miles of cautious hard braking.

1-Grease Seal	4-Hub/Drum	7-Spindle Washer	10-Grease Cap
2-Inner Bearing	5-Outer Cup	8-Tang Washer
3-Inner Cup	6-Outer Bearing	9-Spindle Nut

Wheels

Check wheels for shape retention or out of round hole elongation. This condition could be caused by the lug nuts being too loose or too tight. Wheel lug nuts should be tightened with a torque wrench and checked every 3,000 miles or every 3 months thereafter (see chart on next page). Avoid curbs, chuckholes, and other road hazards as they can cause damage to your wheels and axles.

Warranties on trailer and axles do not apply to damage or injuries caused by loose or improperly tightened lug nuts or broken studs.

Axle Size	Wheel Size	Wheel Stud Size	Steel Wheel Torque	Aluminum Wheel Torque	Bolt Pattern
2000#	13 Inches	1/2 inch	50# - 75#	N/A	5 inch on 4 1/2 inch
3500#	15 Inches	1/2 inch	90# - 120#	80# - 100#	5 inch on 4 1/2 inch
5200#	15 Inches	1/2 inch	90# - 120#	80# - 100#	6 inch on 5 1/2 inch
6000#	16 Inches	1/2 inch	90# - 120#	95# - 115#	8 inch on 6 1/2 inch
7000#	16 Inches	1/2 inch	90# - 120#	95# - 115#	8 inch on 6 1/2 inch

Tire Pressure

The proper air pressure for your tires is printed on the sidewall. Pressure should be checked on the tires when cold. Do not raise or lower the pressure to accommodate your load. Excessive wear and failure will result if recommended pressure is not met. Balancing is recommended with every tire change or rotation.

Brakes

Our trailers are equipped with high-quality brakes. Repair, service, and maintenance information for each brake type can be found in the axle manufacturer's owner's manual. See "Important Papers" packet included with your new trailer. Follow axle manufacturer's brake instructions to be eligible for warranty provisions.

Running Lights and Turn Signals

Before each trip, ensure all running lights are operating, left and right turn signals are working, and brake lights illuminate when brakes are pressed.

Ball Coupler Hitches

It is your responsibility to correctly match your hitch ball to your tow vehicle to your trailer coupler. The hitch coupler includes a latch lever. Be sure the latch lever is locked and a latch pin is properly secured before towing your trailer.

DANGER!! – BEFORE TOWING:

1. Check vehicle hitch, ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. Replace any parts that are worn or damaged before towing.

2. Know your trailer and its added load weight. Do not exceed lesser of coupler, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings. Use only the ball diameter indicated on your coupler. Use of any other ball diameter will create an extremely dangerous condition which can result in ball failure or separation of the coupler and ball.

3. Be sure the coupler is secured to the hitch ball and the lock lever. Ensure that the ball clamp is properly nested under the ball and is not sitting on top of the ball. Re-check tightness again after about 50 miles of towing.

4. Check that trailer safety chains are properly connected.

5. Check that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working correctly.

Recommended Maintenance

1. Smear ball socket and clamp face with chassis grease. Periodically oil pivot points and sliding surfaces of coupler with SAE 30 weight motor oil.

2. When parking or storing your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground. This prevents dirt build up in the socket.

Hitch Balls

Hitch balls come in a variety of diameters and capabilities. The GVWR is always stamped on the ball. We uses 2" or a 2 5/16" ball depending on the GVWR of the trailer. Be sure that the ball is rated NO LESS than the GVWR of your trailer. Keep the ball greased to avoid excessive wear. NEVER tow trailer with an improper ball size.

Safety Chains

Always cross your safety chains when hooking up to your trailer (e.g. right safety chain to left side of tow hitch and left safety chain to right side of tow hitch). If chains are too long, twist to shorten and prevent dragging.

Gooseneck And Fifth Wheel Trailers

If your trailer is equipped with a fifth wheel or gooseneck, be sure that the king pin or ball coupler on tow vehicle is rated for at least as much weight as the GVWR on your trailer.

Breakaway Switch And Battery

Before each use, check the battery for adequate charge. Disconnect the trailer electrical plug from the vehicle, pull the breakaway pin, and listen for the brake engagement. The trailer will only be prohibited from moving when the breakaway battery has sufficient charge to activate brakes. If brakes do not engage and trailer is allowed to move, please seek service immediately by a qualified technician. The proper hook up for the breakaway cable is to loop it around something permanent on the tow vehicle other than the ball hitch insert or hitch. In case of failure, the breakaway plug will pull out of the switch and send power to the brakes.

Make sure the breakaway pin is pushed all the way into the switch to prevent dragging brakes and battery failure.

Front Jack Stands / Stabilizer Jacks

Always remember to block tires before and while using front jack stands and stabilizer jacks. Failure to do so could result in front jack or stabilizer jack malfunction.

Door Hold Backs

These devices are intended to hold a door open in grade deviations.
Do not rely on them to hold door open in windy conditions.

Hinges

Keep all hinges clean and free of debris. Lubricate with WD 40 weight or light oil. Ramp door hinges are equipped with grease zerks that should be greased every 3 months.

Trailer Exteriora (Aluminum Skin)

Keep your trailer clean, both interior and exterior. The aluminum skin should be treated the same as you do your car or truck. Wash with soap and water and wax with an automotive type wax. Touch up all scratches on A-Frame and all other exposed steel parts.

Roof

Inspect your roof at least once a year. Trim any loose or flaking material and recoat areas with a roof coating available through any recreational vehicle dealer. Do not allow snow to build up on the trailer roof.

Welds

Check all welds for fractures or cracks every 6 months or every 6,000 miles. Also check for any sign of cracking on steel surfaces.

If any cracking or fractures are detected, contact us or your dealer immediately.

Floor

It is recommended that you paint your floor with an oil-based enamel. It promotes longer life and provides easy cleanup. On 2" x 8" utility trailer flooring, use a high-grade water seal or waterproofing formula. Do not allow water to accumulate and pool inside the trailer. Over time, this could cause floor damage. Jack up front of trailer and allow water to drain out of the rear door(s).

Doors, Windows, And Vents

Check that all doors, windows, and roof vents are closed and latched before moving trailer. Doors with flush locks should be locked as an added protection against accidental opening from road shock.

Burnishing Brakes

Brakes on a new trailer may tend to pull or grab. This is normal. To correct this situation, pull your trailer with the trailer brake control slightly engaged for a short distance. This will smooth down the brake bands.

DO NOT LOCK UP WHEELS

Routine Maintenance Checklist

Here's what to do each trip, every 3,000 miles or every 6,000 miles.

CHECK	WHAT TO DO	EACH TRIP	EVERY 3,000 MILES OR 3 MONTHS	EVERY 6,000 MILES OR 6 MONTHS
Tire Pressure	Inflate to pressure located on side wall
Wheel Lugs Nuts & Bolts	Tighten to proper Torque Specs
Doors, Vents & Windows	Make sure all are closed & locked before travel
Stabilizer Jacks	Make sure jacks are up and in locked position
Load Distribution	Make sure load is properly distributed and secure
Welds	Check all welds for cracking or separation
Hinges	Lubricate with light oil and grease zerks with grease
Tie Down Systems	Check for loose, distorted or broken tie down devices
Lights & Signals	Check for proper operation & replace burned out bulbs

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