INSPECT THOSE TRAILERS...

Case485Guy · Apr 1, 2013

Just saying it...I had a brake shoe dragging, so I parked the trailer about a week or so ago. Well today I take the rim off and find what i thought it would be. Anyways I lookup and boom, rear spring hanger broke! Glad I found before I hit the road with it. Going to go through the suspension before she is put back in service. Never had an indication,shudder or vibration. Half of the rear spring hanger completely broke....I know its a pain but dont forget to get down and look your trailers suspension over. I sure got lucky as I had plans of picking up 3/4 ton truck this weekend.
I did miss my annual January check on the trailers suspension/repack bearings etc, prolly wont do that again

BigMike50 · Apr 1, 2013

what do you guys have in texas as far as inspection? where I live, if the trailer has brakes, it has to be inspected once a year

Case485Guy · Apr 1, 2013

BigMike50 said:
what do you guys have in texas as far as inspection? where I live, if the trailer has brakes, it has to be inspected once a year

I have always done my own every January, repack bearings, check the spring hangers. hanger bolts etc. I got busy and kept saying I get it later...

The state requires inspection see below.
05.06 Inspect All Trailers, Semitrailers, Pole Trailers, or Mobile Homes Exceeding 4,500 Pounds Actual Gross Weight or Registered Weight For: (Listed in suggested order of inspection) Refer to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, if required.

* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility on towing vehicle

1. Brakes (system) (If gross weight exceeds 4,500 pounds)
2. Tires
3. Wheel Assembly
4. Safety Guards or Flaps (if four tires or more on rearmost axle) Pole trailers exempt.
5. Tail Lamps (2)
6. Stop Lamps (2)
7. License Plate Lamp (1)
8. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
9. Turn Signal Lamps
10. Clearance Lamps
11. Side Marker Lamps
12. Side Reflectors
13. Side Marker Lamps and Reflectors (30 feet or more in overall length)
(Refer to Reference Section as per lighting diagrams and as applicable to the particular trailer being inspected.)
14. Serial or Vehicle Identification Number

crazyal · Apr 2, 2013

In Vermont you need to get trailers over 1500 lbs inspected yearly but that inspection is at any garage and usually means nothing more than checking the lights and maybe checking the tread on the tires. I can't even remember having the bearings checked.

Diamondpilot · Apr 2, 2013

No inspection on trailers or vehicles for that matter here in Indiana.

Chris

Case485Guy · Apr 2, 2013

I was not really referring to the state inspections. Ours is nothing more than lights,tires, brakes work....sticker on and you go. I was referring more to us check out our own trailers periodically. Everyone talks safety about tow ratings, tow vehicles, brake controllers etc. Very seldom if ever does anyone talk checking the suspensions etc. I just did a refurb on this trailer not long ago, I did not see the broke spring hanger then. Normally once a year I pull the bolts on the spring hangers and equalizers to check for wear on the bolts or elongated holes in the hangers....just parts that wear out on the trailer. I was just throwing out there as reminder, dont forget this stuff. Alot easier to do preventive in the driveway than on the side of the highway broke down. I got lazy and pushed back doing my check since I had did a pretty good refurb on the trailer, yet I did not check my suspension like I needed too. I do use my trailer alot, its sees alot of miles each year. I got lucky when I pulled the tire to fix my brake problem and found the broke hanger.

RandyT · Apr 2, 2013

Semi-annual inspection on trailers 5001 or more pounds here in Illinois. And semi-annual inspections on trucks of 8001 or more pounds, or trucks under 8001 but pulling a trailer at 8001 or more pounds. All trailers over 3001 pounds require trailer brakes. Problem is a lot of people will license there 16 foot tandem axle as 3000 pounds to avoid having to install brakes.

Ken45101 · Apr 2, 2013

^^^ Same in Ohio, no inspection.

It's a good idea to also check the tow vehicle. A friend borrowed our car hauler. The frame on the truck had rusted and dropped the hitch to the ground. Fortunately he was going slow and downhill at the time, no big issue. In another two miles, he would have been going UP a steep hill on US68.

He also pulled a horse trailer with that truck!

Diamondpilot · Apr 2, 2013

I visually check once a year good with a creeper and before any big trip. I just do a visual and always check air pressure each time I hitch up.

Chris