Trailer Maintenance Question

[drivadesl]

I'm in process of replacing the deck and painting an old dual axle hudson bros 10K trailer. Last year I had new wiring, and complete replacement of the 4brake assemblies, shoes, tires etc. The picture below shows where I'm at today, and am wondering is there anything needed on the shackle and suspension components as seen in the second picture. The springs were replaced by the previous owner before I bought it, and don't have many miles on them. But as you can see pretty rusty, which I will address. Not sure of the terminology, but would the bolts which connect each of the leaf assemblies together via the triangular forging (equalizer?) in the second picture need to be removed, and greased?? Are there bushings in there which may need inspection?? This is a bit of work, so I don't want to take things apart that don't need it, when there is so much other work to be done. Thanks for any input or any other suggestions.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Most modern ones have plastic sleeves inside where the bolt goes through. You can take it apart and replace it if you want but the bolts and nuts should be replaced if you do so. I grease them before assembly if doing that job.

As for your trailer unless you see a issue I would leave them as is.

Chris

 

[Egon]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/157838-refurbishing-trailer.html

I worked over my trailer last summer. Details in above tread.

 

[Kays Supply]

I have a 10,000# trailer. I have had it several years. I have changed the plastic bushings twice. They were completely worn to the metal. I replaced them this third time with bronze bushings and greasable bolts. I jack it up on the side I need to grease and add grease while it is up. It lets the grease get on the bottom side of the bushings. I also have grease fittings on the bearings. You have to be very light with the grease to prevent blowing the seals. That would be a bad thing with your brakes. I also have had to replace the hitch. It wore a hole in the top from the ball. I found a really nice one from Northern Tool.It is massive. It is cast steel and has a great latch on it.

 

[ModMech]

That's a nice HEAVY 10K you have there.

<= jealous

I would not replace what is working, but an annual inspection is recomended to ensure you are not wearing thru. The equalizer (correct term you had there) does not normally affect proper function or safety even if worn as long as the wear does not cause loss of strength of the bolt, equalizer itself or the hanger.

 

[Kaliburz]

I wouldn't worry too much about the rust....

I just bought a trailer older them me. I'm worried about if anything is worn, but I bought it sight unseen (just pics)- and it's an old govt trailer.

There's my thread on it:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/170740-new-old-trailer-tri-axle.html

I'm gonna have to test everything.... we had to use magnetic tail lights to get it back... forgot the one adapter I thought I didn't need. A 7 way RV Flat to a 6 wire plug (older style trailer brake system).

Before selling, it looks like they replace a few lights. Maybe they didn't know they'd sell it... who knows.

 

[psj12]

Try some of this Rust Converter. I've had very good luck with it.

Search results for 'rust converter' (6 found) | Gemplers's

 

[Redbug]

Thanks for the tip on the plastic sleeves! I did not know they had them in there. I'll bet there's a lot of wallowed out sleeves on the roads. I better check my trailers. You would think they would be all metal with the loads and pressures exerted on them.