Trailer Storage

[N80]

This weekend I am purchasing a new 19' 8k# gvwr, open, flat bed, car/tractor hauler. It will be used mostly to haul my car to the track, occasional use for other projects and rarely to haul my tractor. I'm guessing it will get used maybe 5 or 6 times a year.

The rest of that time it will be sitting in my open, sand floored tractor shed and the tongue will probably actually be sticking out from under the roof line of the shed.

What do I need to know about storage for this trailer? It has easy lube hubs so I will certainly make sure those are well lubed prior to and after storage. Does anyone make a cover to protect the plug end of the wiring harness? These always seem to have dirt, spiders and bugs down in them. Is there any benefit to buying jack stands to keep it raised up off the tires (it has radials)? Should I keep tire pressure at normal levels or lower for storage? Is it worth it to buy tire covers? It will get morning sun from on the left side.

Any other tips recommended? I don't want this thing to turn into the rusted unreliable-when-I-need-it-most that most infrequent-use trailers usually turn into.

Thanks for any help.

 

[bdog]

I wouldn't worry about it too much if it is mostly under a shed. We have a lot of trailers some of which see infrequent use and they seem to be holding up well. I don't do anything special for the tires or bearings. As long as it moves every month or two I wouldn't worry about the bearings rusting up. You can put a zip lock bag over the plug to help protect it if you want but I don't bother with that either.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would just leave everything as is. If it was loaded in would place it on Jack Stands.

I would put the tires on treated lumber though and the tongue jack also.

Chris

 

[wolfpack2]

Be careful with the easy lube axles. If you get carried away and push more than one or two pumps grease into them, you can blow the inner seal which will then contaminate the brakes and cost you major money. You should service the brakes every year or two. Most trailer brakes are not auto adjusting and should be inspected and adjusted every year or two. This would also require repacking the bearings, so no real need to lube them unless you put a lot of miles on it every year.

 

[N80]

Be careful with the easy lube axles. If you get carried away and push more than one or two pumps grease into them, you can blow the inner seal which will then contaminate the brakes and cost you major money. You should service the brakes every year or two. Most trailer brakes are not auto adjusting and should be inspected and adjusted every year or two. This would also require repacking the bearings, so no real need to lube them unless you put a lot of miles on it every year.

Thanks for the tip. Did not know that about the easy lube axles.

As for the brakes and repacking the bearings, is this a DIY job? Is a press required? I know nothing about trailer brakes or bearings but I've done pretty extensive brake work on my own cars (changing pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, etc).

 

[N80]

I'm planning on getting one of these for tire changes, etc. I might even get two and leave the trailer parked up on them to keep it out of the dirt. Probably a little better than a left over piece of treated lumber.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'm planning on getting one of these for tire changes, etc. I might even get two and leave the trailer parked up on them to keep it out of the dirt. Probably a little better than a left over piece of treated lumber. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=465812"/>

I would stay away from them. I'm in the trailer business part time and have seen many bent axles due to them. Placing all that load on one axle overloads it.

Chris

 

[N80]

I would stay away from them. I'm in the trailer business part time and have seen many bent axles due to them. Placing all that load on one axle overloads it.

Chris

Even with an unloaded trailer? So what do you do when you have a flat on a loaded trailer? Seems like any jack point on the frame would be liable to frame failure with a loaded trailer too.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Even with an unloaded trailer? So what do you do when you have a flat on a loaded trailer? Seems like any jack point on the frame would be liable to frame failure with a loaded trailer too.

Maybe not on a unloaded but we've seen plenty of bent axles from it.

I always tell everyone to Jack from the axle as close as possible to the spring perches. I carry a short 16,000# Bottle Jack in all my town vehicles with some wood cribbage to make it possible for any situation.

Chris

 

[N80]

Well, I got my trailer. Below is a picture. I was not sure I'd be able to get the tractor, FEL and mower on this trailer but it looks like there is room. However, it looks to me like the tractor is a little too far forward, especially if the FEL was attached.