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MarksFam · 04-10-2014, 06:14 PM

Quick question for all those of you with more fiver experience than myself. At what intervals should I be taking my rig in to get the brakes and tires checked/serviced? 3k 5k?

Thanks all

sk734 · 04-11-2014, 04:28 AM

You should always be looking at your tires for cracks or bulges etc. If your bearings have been hand packed I would go 2 to 3 years and then have them checked. I believe the manuals say one year. You don't say how old your tires are. They will generally need replacing before the tread is worn out. Some say 4 years on a set.

MarksFam · 04-11-2014, 06:28 AM

Tires are only 6 months old. Im tracking the checks for cracks, bulges etc. I was more curious as to the brakes themselves and the bearings. I appreciate the info!

nosticks · 04-11-2014, 06:34 AM

Since your unit is new, I would have a bearing and brake visual inspection after a 1000 miles or so. The main reason is rear seals on the bearings which have been known to fail. I had two leaking and beginning to sling grease on the brake backing plates, caught just in time. Another plus is your own peace of mind that everything is working as it should.

wingnut60 · 04-11-2014, 08:32 AM

Minor point--are the tires 6-months old or is the trailer with the tires 6-months old? Might want to check the mfg dates on each, but probably you are correct. Brakes should be fine for a year at least, but--do you have electric or hydraulic? Bearings--also should be good for a year, but always be checking the tires for odd wear and the hubs for signs of grease being slung out. Need to get in the habit of walking around the unit at every stopping place and looking for things that don't seem right.
Before the next year season begins, it might be a good idea to have the brakes/bearings looked at by a shop you feel will do more than the same visual you can do.
Joe

MarksFam · 04-11-2014, 09:17 AM

Thanks for all info folks. Got what I need. I'll add the brakes et all to my yearly service check. Stay safe out there

Franka548 · 04-11-2014, 08:41 PM

MarksFam,

Being a new unit, I would have them hand packed and the brakes properly adjusted. I always repack mine yearly, also a good idea to adjust your brakes annually also.
In the past I have found broken return springs, broken adjusting wheel parts and even lining that came apart from the shoe. All had been good the previous year, averaged about 5000 miles a year.
Frank