Trailer Tires - Lessons Learned

[Tekreck]

I have the system from TST. I also had 2 flats in one evening coming back from Charleston and on the first had it not been for the beeping I probably would not have known I had a flat (F-250). They offer sealed sensors that you have to replace when batteries die but which you can put in the water.

I carry jack and jack stand and breaker bar with socket, but if I can call someone to do the job I will. My flats were on the Interstate and it’s sure nice having a big truck with flashing lights doing the work. On the first flat I tried to ride the shoulder to an exit but a bridge put an end to that. Shoulder had a hill and I was not comfortable so I called someone. On the second I made it to the far side of an on-ramp, but with spare used up, I needed someone with a tire and means to put it on the rim. I got lucky and found someone at 7:30 at night. Carrying mounted spare on trailer and unmounted in truck can have some benefits.

Kevin Wilson

 

[BB marine]

I use a 3 year plan for wheel bearing repack. Or if I see a sign of grease on the inside of the wheel rim. At the same time inspection of the brakes are done. When I repack the bearings it is a full disassembly of the wheel hub cleaning all bearings and inspection. If there is a clean surface in the race and no evidence of wear pitting or rust on bearing surfaces the bearings are reused and assembly is repacked. I am particular about the wheel seal I use. I use a true double lip wheel seal. This assures that the grease stays in the housing lip inward and the water stays out lip outward. When applying additional grease by use of internal grease passage or bearing buddies don't over grease. If you do not see grease leaking out there is no need to pump a great deal of grease in. I like to add about 5 pumps of grease before a long trip just to freshen up the grease in the hub. Before each trip I do a pressure check of tires, a visual of the brakes, and look for grease in the inner part of the rim. I pull the bearing cap covers off and inspect to see if I see any evidence of water in the dust covers or cap.

When I purchase a new or used trailer I always replace the wheel seals that the axel manufactures use. I use National seals made in USA. . You can visually see the difference in the quality between original seals and the national. They are pricy 20.00 to 30.00 depending on who has them in stock.

 

[knotflying]

I have the system from TST. I also had 2 flats in one evening coming back from Charleston and on the first had it not been for the beeping I probably would not have known I had a flat (F-250). They offer sealed sensors that you have to replace when batteries die but which you can put in the water.

I carry jack and jack stand and breaker bar with socket, but if I can call someone to do the job I will. My flats were on the Interstate and it’s sure nice having a big truck with flashing lights doing the work. On the first flat I tried to ride the shoulder to an exit but a bridge put an end to that. Shoulder had a hill and I was not comfortable so I called someone. On the second I made it to the far side of an on-ramp, but with spare used up, I needed someone with a tire and means to put it on the rim. I got lucky and found someone at 7:30 at night. Carrying mounted spare on trailer and unmounted in truck can have some benefits.

Kevin Wilson

I carry a battery powered impact wrench. It is well worth the money and available at Harbor Freight. I also carry a Metal double ramp with a dip in the middle for the good wheel. Just run to good wheel up the ramp and the bad one is off the ground. I can change a tire in 15 minutes.