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Trailer Storage

Reference: Operation Maintenance Service Manual 600 - 8,000 lb. Axles & Related Components.
Dexter Axle, 290 Industrial Parkway East, Elkhart, IN 46516 574-295-7888 http://www.dexteraxle.com

Storage Preparation

If your trailer is to stored for an extended period of time or over the winter, it is important that the trailer be prepared properly.

  1. Remove the emergency breakaway battery and store inside, out of the weather. Charge the battery at least every 90 days.
  2. Jack up the trailer and place jack stands under the trailer frame so that the weight will be off the tire. Follow trailer manufacturer’s guidelines to lift and support the unit. Never jack up or place stands on the axle tube or on the equalizers.
  3. Lubricate mechanical moving parts such as hitch, and suspension parts, that are exposed to the weather.
  4. Boat trailer axles are subject to repeated immersion. Before storing, remove brake drums; clean, dry and re-lubricate moving brake components; inspect bearings - clean and re-lubricate.
  5. On oil lubricated hubs the upper part of the roller bearings are not immersed in oil and are subject to potential corrosion. For maximum bearing life, it is recommended that you revolve your wheels periodically (every 2-3 weeks) during periods of prolonged storage.

After Prolonged Storage - Inspection Procedures

Before removing trailer from the jack stands:

  1. Remove all wheels and hubs or brake drums. Note which spindle and brake that the drum was removed from so that it can be reinstalled in the same location.
  2. Inspect suspension for wear.
  3. Check tightness of hanger bolt, shackle bolt, and U-bolt nuts per recommended torque values.
  4. Check brake linings, brake drums and armature faces for excessive wear or scoring.
  5. Check brake magnets with an ohmmeter. The magnets should check for 3.2 ohms. If shorted or worn excessively, they must be replaced.
  6. Lubricate all brake moving parts using a high temperature brake lubricant (LUBRIPLATE or Equivalent).
    7. Caution
  7. Remove any rust from braking surface and armature surface of drums with fine emery paper or crocus cloth. Protect bearings from contamination while so doing.
  8. Inspect oil or grease seals for wear or nicks. Replace if necessary.
  9. Lubricate hub bearings. Refer to procedure in manual.
  10. Reinstall hubs and adjust bearings per instructions in manual.
  11. Mount and tighten wheels per instructions in manual.