07/24/2018
AN EZ LIFE TRAILERING TIP
Making sure your camper unit is well-maintained is an essential step keeping your trailer chassis in good condition and fit for towing. Learning how to grease your trailer chassis is an important part of your routine trailer maintenance.
Below are some general guidelines and tips to help you know how to grease key components of your trailer chassis so you can prevent rusting and corrosion damage to most trailer parts that move or could be susceptible to wear and damage over time.
COUPLER & HITCH BALL
Grease your coupler and hitch ball before each tow, as well as monthly and at six-month intervals or every 6,000 miles. Apply a thin layer of automotive bearing grease to the ball and the inside of the coupler.
TONGUE JACK
If a grease fitting is present, apply grease with a grease gun to lubricate the jack mechanism. The gears in the top of hand-cranked jacks should be greased once a year. To do so, remove the top of the jack and either pump or hand pack grease into the gears. This should be done once a year unless advised otherwise.
AXLES
If your trailer’s axle is equipped with a grease zerk on the ends (example being EZ L**e hubs), the bearings must be greased every six months or 6,000 miles to ensure functionality. To apply the grease, remove the rubber plug from the axle end and place the grease gun on the zerk fitting. Pump grease until new grease begins to appear. (TIP: Use a different color of grease with each application so it will be easier to see when the new grease appears.) Then install the rubber plug and cap and repeat for the remaining wheel bearing.
If your trailer’s axle is not equipped with grease zerks, consult your axle manufacturer’s manual for specific service and maintenance information.
TIPS FOR HAND-PACKING GREASE INTO BEARINGS
Proper lubrication helps maintain functionality and reliability of your trailer’s axle. Bearings should be lubricated approximately every 12 months or 12,000 miles unless otherwise specified by the axle manufacturer. If you have a Dexter axle, they recommend hand-packing bearing grease are as follows:
1. Place grease into the palm of your hand.
2. Press a section of the widest end of the bearing into the outer edge of the grease closest to your thumb, forcing the grease into the interior of the bearing.
3. Repeat the process while rotating the bearing from roller to roller.
4. Continue this process until the entire bearing is completely covered with grease.
5. Apply a light coating of grease in the bearing cup surface before reinstalling.
While it might seem like a small step, making sure your trailer is properly greased will help keep the necessary parts lubricated and working properly. As always, consult your owner’s manual or with your dealer for all best practices for maintaining your trailer.
