Improper Trailer Axle Maintenance Could Mean Trouble

August 24, 2019 by

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Like any moving, mechanical part, it’s essential that trailers are maintained and looked after during their lifetime. Whether you’re renting your trailer for a short time or buying one to use regularly, you should know that it will need some upkeep. Even if it’s brand new, there are several different ways it can age, and quicker than you might realize. Tire tread, hitch grease, body rust, batteries, and breaks will all need regular maintenance, but did you ever consider the trailer axle? Forget to check and maintain your trailer axle, and you could be looking for new trailers for sale in no time at all.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR TRAILER AXLE IN GOOD SHAPE

Every time you use your trailer, your axle is being worked. It’s a moving part, and anything that moves needs maintaining, otherwise it will eventually fail. However, your trailer axle is in fact only one part of a complex wheel system: if any of these parts wear and begin to fail, then there’s only so much your axle will be able to support it.

One of the most significant parts of this axle-wheel system is the bearings. The bearings are attached to the axle, and in simple terms, when both of them spin, the wheels do too. They’re small in size and generally simple parts, but when they begin to wear and show signs of failure, they have a huge impact on your trailer motion. Bearings should be checked and greased at least once a year. This simple and painless procedure saves a lot of trouble down the line.

Similarly, you’ll need to spend some time upkeeping the wheel hub. The axle assembly slots inside of the wheel hub at either side, with the bearing making the connection. Check that the lubrication is still working effectively. Another thing to watch out for is the axle nuts – they can’t be too loose or too tight.

Spindles, oil seals, tires and other parts of the wheel assembly will all need regular maintenance in order to keep your axle in good shape.

SIGNS OF A WORN-OUT AXLE

When your axle and bearing are worn out, you’ll know about it. The most obvious sign is that your entire wheel system will be making some rather unusual noise.

Any click, rumble, pop or clunking will be a cause for concern. Any of these sounds could indicate damaged joints along the axle, bearing-related issues and problems with the tire assembly. You may also hear a severe grinding – normally when the brakes are applied – which is likely to mean that the bearing components on the axle are out-of-sync. If you or anybody else were able to watch the wheels, it’s also highly likely that you would see wheel wobble and vibrate. It doesn’t take an expert to know that this is also a highly undesired movement on your trailer. Finally, keep an eye on uneven brake pads (a sign of poor axle and wheel alignment) and in some cases, even an inefficient anti-lock braking system (ABS).

There are many different signals of a worn-out axle. You’re not expected to be an expert, but even the most basic knowledge of them will help avoid a much more costly repair.

THE RISKS OF IMPROPER MAINTENANCE

That being the case, our expert technicians at McFarlane Trailers can help make sure you deal with a worn-out axle correctly. Our trailers for sale are guaranteed to be in absolutely pristine condition, but we also maintain and upkeep parts. We can help you prevent any potential axle damage with good practice, and deal with an inefficient wheel system quickly and efficiently in order to avoid more serious damage.

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Filed Under: Trailer Maintenance

How to Stop Your Utility Trailer from Bouncing on the Road

August 19, 2019 by

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Anybody that’s ever driven a trailer is aware of trailer bounce. Even the most careful drivers will have suffered the unusual sensation of seeing your utility trailer catching some air in the rear-view mirror. Trailer bounce is a common issue among owners and unfortunately, some drivers don’t stop to wonder what’s causing the bounce. When your empty trailer bounces, the only things you’re potentially damaging are the joint connection and the trailer itself. Bounce with a fully loaded trailer though, and the consequences could be devastating. Let’s have a look at why your trailer’s bouncing, and what you can do to prevent it.

WHAT CAUSES TRAILER BOUNCE?

It’s not something many of us learn about in s school, but the reasons your trailer is bouncing could all be down to simple physics. A combination of force, pressure, and suspension are usually the culprits behind trailer wheels which just won’t stay down.

The first thing to check is your suspension settings. Each trailer will come with a suspension rating, and you need to make sure that your gross trailer weight is higher than that number. That being the case, the springs will compress when your trailer is loaded, and even when it’s empty, so your utility trailer will be balanced while moving. If the springs are too stiff, then you’ll know about it pretty quickly. You should also be checking the weight ratio with the wheels and the trailer: make sure the wheels aren’t too big, otherwise, you’re going to get an impressive bounce when you go over even the slightest bump.

The axle position also plays an important part in the physics behind your trailer. If the weight of your load isn’t distributed correctly throughout the trailer, it and the axle position will work against one another, and cause some bounce.

THE RISKS OF TRAILER BOUNCE

Understandably, trailer bounce isn’t something you want to be seeing. Especially not when your trailer’s fully loaded with expensive and valuable possessions. The most obvious risk of trailer bounce is that you’re going to cause some serious damage to whatever you’re carrying. If your load is particularly heavy, it can also cause damage to the utility trailer.

Furthermore, there’s a chance that the weight imbalance could break the joint between your vehicle and the trailer. If it goes really wrong, you could even dislodge your goods on a busy road, causing unimaginable damage to other drivers and pedestrians.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO AVOID TRAILER BOUNCE?

The consequences of trailer bounce can be severe, so how do we avoid it? Well, after you’ve checked your suspension ratings and made sure that it’s lower than your gross net weight, there are still a few things to check.

One of the easiest checks is your tire pressure. Even if your tires are at the recommended pressure, there’s a chance they could be causing the bounce. Obviously, you shouldn’t be deflating them completely, but taking just a small amount of air out can make a big difference. This will depend on your trailer weight, tire size, and load mass.

Experiment with the axle position and see if you can reduce bounce by setting the axles back. Dampeners (normally made of rubber) could be an option, but have a limited effect and only suit certain trailers.

As you can see, the physics behind a well-balanced can be complicated. Consult our experts here at McFarlane Trailers. Our highly trained staff have years of experience and will know which trailer is best suited for your use. They’ll be able to give you professional advice regarding weight ratings, suspension ratings, and essential advice regarding trailer bounce.

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Filed Under: Heavy Duty Equipment Trailers

Helpful Hints for Moving With a Cargo Trailer

August 16, 2019 by

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The stress of moving home is something many of us will have to deal with at some point in our lives. Moving companies can be pricey, packing all of your belongings is a huge task and the paperwork involved in swapping properties often leaves you with a headache. While it won’t provide a solution to some of those head-scratchers, renting a trailer when moving can be a great option which you may not have considered. They’re affordable, have a surprising amount of storage room, and can be attached to most vehicles. That being said, don’t just go throwing everything in and expecting it to be a miracle job – there are still some very important do’s and don’ts when renting a cargo trailer.

THE BENEFITS OF RENTING A TRAILER FOR MOVING

There are plenty of reasons as to why you should consider using a trailer for your relocation. The first reason, and often the most important for people, is the financial savings that renting a trailer will give you. Since it’s something you’re only going to be renting for one or two days, even if there’s a high daily cost it won’t add up too quickly. It’s almost certain that renting a trailer is going to be more cost-effective than employing a removal company.

Secondly, you’ll be surprised at how much a typical trailer can carry. A move which would be multiple back-and-forth journeys in a car or truck alone suddenly becomes much more efficient with a trailer attached at the back. You’ll also have a lot more flexibility since you get to decide what goes in the trailer, when it’s full and when it leaves your home. Finally, you’re guaranteed that everything you place inside the trailer is going to safely arrive at your new home. With moving companies you can’t be certain that everything is safely transported; using a trailer means that you can.

HOW TO LOAD THE TRAILER CORRECTLY

So should you just cram as much as you can into the trailer? A technique which surely decreases the number of journeys you need to make? Unfortunately, it’s also a technique which is also likely to cause serious damage.

While it isn’t rocket science, there are still a few golden rules you should follow. First of all, load your heaviest items first. There should be loaded towards the front of the trailer and space should be left for your lighter items, which, ideally, will be stored towards the back and the top of the trailer. Make sure that around 60% of the load is placed on the center load line – if you place too much weight at either side, there’s a good chance that the trailer could topple when you turn corners. If that happens, not only will you be losing the deposit on your rental trailer, you’ll probably be looking to buy new possessions too.

It’s always a good idea to secure your goods by tying them down. Any bump in the road, sharp stop or tight turn can move your items within the trailer. If your items are secured to the ground surface of the trailer, there’s a much higher chance that they’ll arrive at your new home in the same condition they left your old home.

Finally, you’ll have to drive slightly differently. Carefully monitor your speed, take turns gently and plan your route for the least amount of hassle. Make sure that your vehicle is suitable for towing trailer – the hitch should be a perfect fit, and you’ll need to make sure the lights at the back work.

If you have any questions about renting a trailer, contact us at McFarlane Trailers. Not only do we offer the best quality trailers and the most competitive rates, but our knowledgeable staff will make sure that you’re renting a trailer that is perfect for you.

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Filed Under: Cargo Trailers

Towing a Car on a Flatbed

August 1, 2019 by

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Towing a car on a flatbed is one of the safest ways to get your vehicle from one place to another. There could be any number of reasons to tow your vehicle on a flatbed. Perhaps you don’t want to damage the tires on rough surfaces. Maybe your car has broken down, and you’re better transferring it without the wheels turning – this holds particularly true for four-wheel drive vehicles. Regardless, if you want to purchase any flatbed trailers which are for sale, you need to know how to secure your car on a flatbed safely.

HOW TO LOAD YOUR FLATBED TRAILER

Using a flatbed trailer to tow a vehicle is safe and reliable. The first part of towing a vehicle on a flatbed is getting it on the trailer. Follow these steps and your vehicle will be secured to the flatbed trailer safely:

Park your towing vehicle a few car lengths ahead of the car you’d like to tow. This provides plenty of positioning space for the flatbed trailer. Make sure the wheels of the towing vehicle are aligned with the wheels of your car;

Next, you’ll want to use the hydraulic system on the flatbed trailer. Lower the back of the trailer to make a ramp – this way your car can be rolled up the trailer;

Hook your car to the winch using the two available hooks. These hooks will be attached to the two slots normally found at the front of your car;

Your car – in neutral – will start to move up the ramp as the operator of the towing vehicle uses the winch lever;

Once your car is mounted, another lever is used to level the flatbed trailer;
At this point, the emergency brakes are applied to the winch and your vehicle is ready to be tied down.

HOW TO PROPERLY SECURE THE VEHICLE TO THE FLATBED TRAILER

Now that you’ve got the car on the flatbed trailer, it’s important to tie it down and secure it properly. Again, as you’ve probably guessed, there are several ways to do this. However, many of them can cause damage to your car, particularly if your trailer passes over uneven surfaces. Ideally, you don’t want to hook or tie anything to the car frame – this can wreak havoc on your car suspension system.

For this reason, one of the best methods of securing your vehicle to the flatbed is the 8 point tie down method. Once the tie down chains is secured to the trailer hooks at both the front and back, each harness strap is placed over the top half of the car wheel. The ratchet, attached to both the strap and tie down chain, can then be tightened. Each wheel will have two secure corresponding tie-down points, providing a safe and secure connection to the flatbed.

THE RISKS OF POOR TECHNIQUE

The technique required for towing a car on a flatbed trailer may sound complicated, but it’s very important that you’re aware of these steps. Get any of it wrong, and the results can be devastating. At best, a poor tie down method is going to cause damage to the vehicle you’re transporting. If you’ve put the straps around any axles, or worse, any of the suspension systems, then the journey is likely to pull and damage precious parts. At worst, the car could begin to move on the trailer and come loose, causing danger to other drivers.

Speak to the trailer experts at McFarlane. Not only do they have the best selection of trailers for sale, but they can advise on towing with a flatbed trailer safely.

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Filed Under: Flatbed Trailers

Safely Coupling and Uncoupling Utility Trailers

July 24, 2019 by

 

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You probably already know that to tow your trailer safely you need to have a suitable utility trailer attached to your towing vehicle. You need to change your driving style, brake earlier than normal and load that trailer sensibly. However, even if you’ve followed these steps, the coupling of your trailer could be your undoing. A secure fastening between the two components is essential – get it wrong and you could cause serious injury. We’ll talk you through safely coupling your utility trailer to your vehicle.

HOW TO COUPLE A TRAILER

Although it may seem like a complicated procedure, coupling your trailer to your vehicle is straightforward; especially if you follow these simple, safe steps.

Check the connecting parts before you do anything! Conduct a thorough check of the 5th wheel (the ‘U’ shaped coupling part on the back of the towing vehicle) and the coupler (the connecting part on the trailer head). Is the 5th wheel suitably greased? Are the air and electrical connections sound?
If both parts look ready for coupling, set them up in the correct position. Double-check the height and alignment on both sides to make sure they’ll meet safely.

Reverse your towing vehicle, slowly. When the 5th wheel and the coupler are almost touching, stop the vehicle and check the alignment. The coupler should be slightly lower than the 5th wheel.
Continue to reverse the vehicle and couple the trailer and the towing vehicle. If you’re happy with the connection, attach the airlines, electrical lines, and safety chains.

Supply air to the trailer and wait until air pressure returns to normal.
Drive forward, slowly, and check brake operation. If everything operates as planned, you’ve managed to safely couple your trailer and towing vehicle.

HOW TO UNCOUPLE A TRAILER

Uncoupling your trailer isn’t an exact reversal of the coupling process. Follow these steps to make sure you do it safely:

Before you do anything, make sure that the brakes are applied to both the trailer and the towing vehicle. To be absolutely sure, block the wheels of your trailer so they can’t roll anywhere.
You’ll need to use a landing jack for the trailer. Properly attach it to the trailer head and make sure it’s sitting just above flat ground. This will ensure that after being disconnected, the trailer won’t drop dangerously.

Disconnect the safety chains, electrical lines, and airlines.

Unlock the coupling attachment and extend the jack until it touches the ground. This transfers the weight of the trailer to the ground.

If your trailer seems stable, remove the brakes on your towing vehicle and slowly move it forward, away from the trailer.

COMMON COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING MISTAKES

There are a lot of steps to follow when coupling and uncoupling your vehicle. That means there are plenty of opportunities for mistakes to creep into the process. One of the most common mistakes is fitting the wrong size couple to the fifth wheel. This mistake is easy to avoid – double and triple check the fitting sizes, and make sure you’ve got a good match.

Another easy mistake which sneaks into the process is forgetting about the tire pressure. Check the pressure before you begin the coupling process as under inflation will lead to overheating and eventually, a blowout. Finally, don’t forget about the safety chains, airlines, and electrical lines. This is particularly important when you’re uncoupling: forget to disconnect them when you drive forward and you’ll know all about it.

Whether or not you’re confident coupling and uncoupling your utility trailer, getting the advice of professionals like McFarlane will help with any of your trailer needs. McFarlane has years of experience and can help you avoid many of the common coupling and uncoupling mistakes.

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Filed Under: Heavy Duty Equipment Trailers
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