In our 20+ years of trailer manufacturing and sales we’ve learned that a well informed customer is often a happy customer. Therefore, we’ve compiled some information and videos on important trailer maintenance items.
For axle specific maintenance a Dexter Axle recommended maintenance schedule can be found here.
Periodic Maintenance
Grease Bearings w/ EZ Lube Hubs
Recommended Frequency: Once per year or every 12,000 miles
Proper lubrication of your trailer bearings is critical for safe towing. Under-lubricated bearings will heat up and deteriorate much faster than properly lubricated bearings. Dexter’s EZ Lube Hub system, which comes standard on every PROLine trailer, make greasing your bearings quick and easy. Check out the video below!
Make sure you use the appropriate bearing lubrication! Grease specifications and approved grease sources can be found on page 53 of the Dexter Service Manual.
Bearing Maintenance
Recommended Frequency: Once per year or every 12,000 miles
Bearing maintenance includes:
- Inspect bearing seals (p 55, Dexter Service Manual)
- Inspect, adjust, and repack bearings (p 56, Dexter Service Manual)
- Replace bearings as needed (p 55, Dexter Service Manual)
Brake Cleaning, Inspection, and Lubrication
Recommended Frequency: Once every 6 months or every 6,000 miles
Dexter Axle recommends inspecting the brake magnets for wear and current (p 15 & p 20, Dexter Service Manual)
Recommended Frequency: Once per year or every 12,000 miles
Dexter Axle recommends inspecting and servicing your brakes immediately if a loss of performance is indicated or once a year with normal usage.
PROLine recommends cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating brakes on snowmobile trailers prior to off-season storage. (p 14, Dexter Service Manual)[/toggle]
Grease Pivot Points
Recommended Frequency: Once ever 3 months, more as necessary
PROLine Products trailers with ramp doors hinges are equipped with grease fittings. A white lithium grease will keep these pivot points from squeaking up or seizing.
- Ramp door hinges (Grease zerk)
- Ramp door bar locks (Spray pin)
- Cargo door hinges (Spray pin)
- Jack stand pin/spring (Spray pin)
Lubricate Door Seals
Recommended Frequency: Before first frost then once per month during winter use
To prevent moisture from freezing on the door seals and locking your trailer up tight, we recommend applying a seal protectant to the rubber door seals of the trailer.
Lubricate Door Locks & Padlocks
Recommended Frequency: Once per month
Help keep the mechanical components of your locks free from debris and corrosion by using a quality lock lubricant.
Inspect Structure of Trailer
Recommended Frequency: Once per year or every 12,000 miles
It’s good practice to inspect the entire trailer on an annual basis. This inspection includes:
- Inspection trailer frame and welds
- Inspection of coupler, safety chains, door springs, hinges, and all hardware on trailer
Clean Trailer Exterior
Recommended Frequency: Once every 4-6 months
The following recommendations have been provided to us from our supplier of painted aluminum sheets for tips on cleaning the painted aluminum exterior of your trailer.
Cleaning of Pre-Painted Surfaces
The durability of the pre-painted metal finish is a combined result from the thorough cleaning, coating technology and baked-on curing. Designed to last for many years, periodic maintenance is necessary to keep the appearance looking good.
I. Dirt and Similar Surface Contaminants
It is certainly tough to keep things clean so periodic washing of the pre-painted metal may be desirable. Pre-paint is formulated to resist most mild cleaners and fresh water. The simplest solution of detergent in fresh warm water is best. Detergents like Tide with less than 0.5% phosphate can be mixed at about one cup per five gallons of water. Using a sponge, soft cloth, or soft bristle brush clean an area then rinse immediately with fresh water, repeat as necessary. Isopropyl-Alcohol can be used in cases of removing adhesive, masking residue, etc. Take care not to scratch the painted surface.
II. Chalking
All paints exposed to direct sunlight will slowly degrade over the years loosing gloss and leaving a powdery “Chalk”. Normally, rain and weather cleans up the loose particles. Unsightly chalk can be cleaned as if it were Dirt referencing “Section I”, with a mild soapy wash. Take care to rinse well and protect concrete or appearance critical surfaces below the pre-paint from staining.
III. Mold, Mildew
In warm humid climates, mold and mildew can grow on the pre-paint. If left on for extended periods, these spores will penetrate the coating reducing its life. Mix one cup of mild soap, like Ivory, and one gallon of bleach into five gallons of water. Wash the surface with a sponge or soft bristle brush for stubborn stains, and rinse with fresh water. Take care with this solution to protect your eyes, skin etc. and surrounding areas that may be bleach sensitive, plants, carpet, cloth, etc.
IV. Grease, Oil, Wax, Etc.
Cleaning with detergent and water, as in “Section I”, should be tried first. Small areas can be cleaned with commercial kitchen cleaners, like Fantastic. Large areas may require a commercial grease remover like Simple Green in a solution of water. A less desirable alternative is to wipe with solvent like Xylene or Naphtha. Use plenty of clean cloths to avoid recontaminating the surface or just moving the grease around. Observe all precautions for personal safety and fire hazards. Solvent wiping can affect the long term durability of the pre-painted metal by softening or removing film.
V. Things to Avoid
To retain the original film integrity of the pre-painted surface avoid damaging, defacing, the surface. Stiff bristle brushes, wire brushes, abrasive cleansers do more harm than good. Power washers can be effective on very large surfaces, but care should be taken not to undermine the paint. Stop immediately if peeling is evident or if the pre-paint has been scratched or open to the substrate. Acid based cleaners like CLR or high phosphate containing detergents may damage the finish. Strong commercial cleaners should be tested in a small area to determine if they cause any adverse affects.”
Clean Wheels
Recommended Frequency: Once every 4-6 months, more frequently with winter use
Use warm soap and water to rinse any solvents or debris from your trailer wheels. Failure to do this leaves road treatment agents on your wheels which will lead to premature corrosion of the wheel finish.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment to bring your PROLine trailer for us to do any maintenance please e-mail or call us at 603-652-7337!
