Dexter, America’s leading axle manufacturer, recommends servicing your trailer bearings every 12,000 miles or 12 months whichever comes first. At JD’s Auto and Trailer Repair we take it a step further with our trailer general service. We want to assure your entire trailer is maintained on a regular basis. Our general service includes a complete break-down inspection of your trailer hubs/drums, brakes when applicable, axle(s), tires, suspension, electrical system, structure and safety mechanisms.
Select your trailer type to learn more.
Boat trailers are special entities that require specific knowledge to properly maintain. It has been said “take your boat to your boat guy, and your boat trailer to the trailer experts at JD’s Auto and Trailer Repair”.
Your boat trailer is especially susceptible to bearing, brake and axle failure because these components are underwater on a regular basis. The water, and impurities within the water, break down compounds in the bearing grease causing bearings to run dry and seize to the axle spindle. Regular inspection of your bearings and brakes is the only way to verify they are not on the verge of failure.
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- raise the trailer off the ground to allow the suspension to relax for proper inspection
- break down the hubs, rotors or drums to reveal bearing and brake condition when applicable
- hydraulic/surge brakes, popular on boat trailers, also require inspection of the brake actuator and hydraulic lines for proper function and possibility of damage
- inspect and test your electrical system
- check your tires for wear, age and proper air pressure.
- inspect entire frame of the trailer from tongue, to cross members to fenders for cracks, rust damage and potential weak areas
- all moving parts are lubricated
- call you to discuss findings and recommendations
- the boat CAN remain on the trailer during our service
Camper trailers often suffer from neglect of their required maintenance because they are used for a short period of the year. And, just sitting in storage can do more damage to trailer parts than regular use. A general service is critical when a trailer has been out of use for several months because bearings can develop flat spots, brake shoes and their adhesive can deteriorate and rodents can easily move-in destroying electrical systems, insulation and even bedding materials.
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- hoist the trailer in the air to allow the suspension to relax for proper inspection
- perform a complete breakdown inspection of the hubs or drums to reveal bearing and brake condition
- test and inspect the exterior electrical system including power and function of electric brakes and evidence of rodent damage
- inspect your tires for wear, age and proper air pressure
- inspect the entire frame for cracks, rust damage and evidence of rodent presence
- all moving parts are lubricated, safety mechanisms are checked
- call to discuss our findings and recommendations (which may include a rodent preventative undercoat application)
Dump trailers are ‘work horses’. They are put to the test every time they are used and they are used almost everyday. Therefore, keeping them in tip top condition is essential. While consistent use actually keeps many trailer components functioning better than when they sit idle, constant use causes wear. A regular general service assures the user the trailer components are wearing properly and that there is adequate “life” left for components to keep performing.
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- hoist the trailer to allow the suspension to relax for proper inspection
- do a breakdown inspection of the drums, bearings, brakes and axles
- test inspection of the entire electrical system to check proper illumination and brake function
- frame is inspected for cracks, rust and structural integrity, including trailer floor, tailgate and/or ramps
- all moving parts will be lubricated
- safety mechanisms tested
- call to discuss our findings and recommendations
We service equipment hauling trailers up to 14K GVWR. Equipment hauling trailers put in several hours of hard work just like you. A regular maintenance schedule is imperative to making sure your trailer doesn’t let you down when you need it most. The service schedule rule of thumb is every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- hoisting trailer to allow suspension to relax for proper inspection
- break down inspection of tires, drums, bearings, brakes and axles
- test inspection of electrical system
- frame inspection for cracks, rust and structural integrity including floor, tailgate and/or ramps
- all moving parts are lubricated
- safety mechanisms tested
- call to notify you of findings and recommendations
Your enclosed cargo hauler has many responsibilities. Anything from taking equipment in for service to hauling to and from a job site. By servicing your trailer every 12 months or 12,000 miles you’re making sure it’s ready for any task. JD’s Auto and Trailer Repair will keep your trailer servicing you.
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- trailer is raised on a hoist to allow the suspension to relax for proper inspection
- a breakdown inspection of the drums, bearings, brakes and axle(s)
- test inspection of the entire electrical system, including brake function
- frame will be inspected for cracks, rust and structural integrity, including trailer floor, tailgate and/or ramps
- all moving parts will be lubricated
- safety mechanisms tested
- you will be notified of our findings and recommendations
Horse and livestock trailers haul precious cargo. Maintaining the road worthiness of these trailers is essential to the safety of the animals you transport. A regular maintenance schedule is the best and most cost efficient way to maintain your pet’s ride. Every 12,000 miles or 12 months is the suggested schedule by Dexter Axle and JD’s Auto and Trailer Repair.
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- hoist the trailer in the air so the suspension and running gear ‘relaxes’ from the strain of the trailer’s weight
- inspect the tires, axles, brakes, including bearing pack
- inspect frame and floor for structural integrity
- lower the rig and inspect the doors, stall dividers, butt bars, roof, vents, windows and hold backs for leaks, stress points, proper function and wear
- check and test the electrical system
- look for body damage
- Inspect and test safety mechanisms
- call to discuss the condition of your trailer and any recommendations
Landscape trailers are ‘work horses’ with their limits tested every day they are used. Therefore, keeping them in tip top condition is essential. While consistent use actually keeps many trailer components functioning better than when they sit idle, constant use causes wear. A regular general service assures that the trailer components are wearing properly and that there is adequate ‘life’ left for safe performance. Dexter, a leading axle manufacturer, suggests service every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first and we agree this is a best practice.
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- raise the trailer on a hoist so suspension relaxes
- breakdown inspection of drums, bearings, brakes and axles
- text inspection of the entire electrical system to check proper illumination and brake function
- inspect frame for cracks, rust and structural integrity, including trailer floor, tailgate and/or ramps.
- all moving parts are lubricated and safety mechanisms tested
- we call to discuss our findings and recommendations
Camper trailers often suffer from neglect of their required maintenance because they are used for only a short time of the year. Unfortunately, just sitting in storage can do even more damage than regular use. A general service is critical when a trailer has been out of use for several months because bearings can develop flat spots, brake shoes and their adhesive can deteriorate and rodents can easily move-in destroying electrical systems, insulation and even bedding materials.
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- hoist the trailer in the air to allow the suspension to relax for proper inspection
- perform a complete breakdown inspection of the hubs/drums to reveal bearing and brake condition
- test and inspect the exterior electrical system including power and function of electric brakes and evidence of rodent damage
- inspect the tires for wear, age and proper air pressure
- inspect the frame for cracks, rust damage and evidence of rodent damage
- all moving parts are lubricated and safety mechanisms are checked
- we call to discuss our findings and expert recommendations which may include a rodent preventative undercoat application
Recreational trailers are sometimes neglected because they are just the means to an end. You must get the jet ski to the lake, the snowmobile to the snow, the motorcycle to the track, etc. before you can enjoy your toy. Unfortunately, when the trailer is neglected it opens you up to a ruined trip because you’re stuck on the side of the road broken down instead of having fun. Therefore, be sure to have your trailer serviced every 12 months/12,000 miles (also recommended by Dexter, a leading axle manufacturer).
GENERAL SERVICE INCLUDES
- inspect everything from the tires to suspension to electrical
- pack your bearings
- check safety features
- make sure you don’t miss any part of your planned adventure