Trailer Bearings – one of the most commonly overlooked trailer part also happens to be one of the most important

When compared to other types of rolling stock or work equipment, a trailer has very few parts that are absolutely critical to its function and performance. Of the 15-20 basic components that go into a typical trailer, the two most important are the coupler and the hub. It’s the relationship the coupler and the hub have to the trailer and the tow vehicle that make them so important.

In simplest terms, the coupler is the connection between a trailer and tow vehicle and the hub is the connection between the wheel and axle. Recognizing when a coupler requires repair or maintenance doesn’t take a lot of thought. It’s easily spotted when hooking up to the ball mount and usually easily fixed with a coupler repair kit. However, the fact that a hub has internal parts, which are not in plain sight, is what makes this the single most important part on a trailer.

Trailers equipped with electric drum brakes need a little more attention than those with idler hubs (those without brakes) but neither type of hub is maintenance free and both require attention and regular maintenance.  Even though hubs and brakes are technically separate components, they rely on each other for their function. When brakes are actuated, a foot pushes down on a brake pedal. Brake pads are proportionally pushed outward and apply pressure on a polished surface within the hub called a drum to slow down or stop a hub. The brake assembly itself is stationary and bolted directly to the axle brake flange. The hub is designed to revolve freely on the axle spindle around the brake. These components use very simple designs and, in some cases, designs that haven’t changed in over fifty years. Even so, it’s very common for clearances and tolerances within these components to measure down to a fraction of millimeter, yet they are extremely easy to check and important to maintain.

Bearings are central to a hub’s operation.  The inner and outer bearings ride on the outside of the axle spindle and inside hub enables a hub and wheel to spin freely. A regular lube and bearing job is as critical to a trailer hub as an oil change is to an automobile engine.  In fact, just as a 3,000 mile oil check and change is recommended for most vehicles, a bearing job is recommended every 12,000 miles or once a year for most trailers. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy operation for the "Do-It-Yourself" individual. It amounts to a few hours and a cost of around $25.00 for most well-maintained trailers.

Basic steps include:

·         lift trailer

·         remove and inspect trailer wheel

·         remove and inspect trailer hub  

·         remove dust, oil, or grease hub cap  

·         remove seals

·         remove bearings

·         check and inner and outer bearings

·         replace damaged bearings

·         lubricate inner and outer bearings  

·         replace old seals with new ones  

·         reassemble hubs

·         lower trailer

A bearing job is not only the single most important part of a regular maintenance routine, but it is also the most commonly overlooked. It is speculated that bearing failure accounts for over 40% of the replacement axle sales out there. Neglected bearings and lack of regular hub maintenance can lead to catastrophic damage and costly repairs. When bearings lack grease, their operation is hindered and eventually they can “burn up.” When a bearing burns up, they prevent a hub and wheel from turning effectively and eventually lock or “cease.” When a hub ceases up, a spindle is damaged, and when a spindle is damaged, an axle is often going to have to be replaced.

So, investing a few dollars in replacement hub and bearing parts, and applying a little bearing and elbow grease once a season, is a wise investment that pays dividends. It also helps prevent headaches and costly repairs down the road.

Get all of your repair and maintenance parts at Nuera Trailer Parts, including bearings, grease and oil seals, dust, grease, oil hub caps, bearing grease, bearing protectors, a spare or replacement trailer hub assembly, and more.

About the Tekonsha Brake Controller

Components to assist or provide brake actuation have been with us since the advent of the trailer brake. Before the 1980’s trailer brakes were controlled by hydraulics, air, pumps, compressors, hoses, tubes, surge actuators – although some of that early technology is still utilized and even preferred for certain applications, today most trailers brakes are controlled by an electrical brake controller, containing an electrical circuit and computer chip.

Certainly, when the driver applies the brakes to the tow vehicle a brake actuation devise performs what might be thought of as a simple function – they are designed to relay this action to the trailer brakes.  It’s important to understand that, in most conditions, the mechanics involved in slowing a trailer or bringing it to a complete stop can be vastly different than a tow vehicle. What makes an electronic brake controller unique is in the way it manages how hard and fast braking force is applied to the trailer.

For decades pickup and flatbed truck drivers operate their brakes by feel and experience - ultimately by their foot. They apply brake force to a pedal relative to several variables, chief among these are the weight and balance of the load. If their truck beds are empty, they apply the brakes late and quickly. If their truck beds are full, especially heavy, they apply the brakes early and slowly. However, getting the same sort of control and response out of a little unassuming box installed under the dash of a vehicle – is nothing short of a miracle of technology and Tekonsha has made that a reality.

For years, Tekonsha brake controllers have lead the market in quality, features and design. However, the company has created a name for themselves by doing something no other manufacture has. Tekonsha made a decision to put more control in the hands (or more appropriately the feet) of the driver than in their plastic boxes.  The result was visionary, and ironically few models can compete with the level of sophistication that a Tekonsha brake controller provides.

Typical brake controllers simply ramp up braking force using a simple delayed response or inertia, some provide ways to adjust and tune gain. However, Tekonsha brake controllers, especially their Primus and Prodigy models provide unique features such as their patented "Boost." Boost adjusts the aggressiveness and sensitivity of trailer brakes, a feature particularly useful in stop-and-go-traffic. When a pickup is pulling a trailer in heavy traffic, a Primus or Prodigy controller from Tekonsha can be set to apply brakes quick and hard, just as the driver would. When the driver regains highway speed the brakes can be shifted to suit those conditions.

There are many different models of brake controllers on the market and they come at various costs and capabilities. Some have LCD screens for diagnostics and others are simpler displays. Some have multiple mounting options for convenient and safe viewing. Certain controllers allow owners to change from electric to hydraulic brakes. Some designed for one axle or two axles, some designed to handle multiple. All of these options serve to suit a controller to a given driver and his trailer and Tekonsha provides all of that and more. What is unique about the functions and features of a Tekonsha controller is that they enhances efficiency, convenience and enable a trailer to react to changing circumstances real-time. It’s this that makes it one of the safest models available.

With a Tekonsha Brake Controller a trailer is going to behave in a predictable and controlled way, which is more than we can say about some drivers out there. Purchase a Tekonsha today and rest easy.

They Just Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To - Trends in trailer manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and upgrades

Last year (2011) over 650,000 people purchased open utility trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, livestock, horse, and marine trailers. Combined with other applications and those already on and off the road, and there are several million trailers being towed behind cars, pickups, and rigs today.

Tough and hard-working trailers are to be found in today’s market. However, at one time trailers that were fabricated to exacting standards were extremely easy to find. It was very common for manufactures to use high-grade steel chassis and running gear from leading suppliers, implement the best construction and welding techniques, and outfit trailers with high quality parts and accessories. Many even applied paint jobs that featured layers of clear coat over hand-painted pinstripes. Pride was taken, and as a result, trailers where largely hassle free, they looked good and withstood the rigors of the road and the jobs that were thrown at them.

Due to economics and the increasing demands of a highly competitive marketplace, many trailer manufactures have been forced to find ways to systematically take the cost out of their product. Great advances and innovations have been introduced over recent years to help manufacturers meet strict DOT regulations for safety. However, the overall quality and lifespan of today’s “average” trailer has been greatly diminished right down to the pinstripe. What used to be something grandpa grumbled from the corner, can now be seen in the rearview mirror attached to a trailer ball mount for many – it’s true with trailers…“they just don’t make ‘em like the used to."

Regardless of application and age, mileage and extended use can be unkind to any trailer. Normal wear-and-tear should be expected for parts like trailer tires, trailer bearings, trailer brakes, trailer couplers, and trailer jacks. However, today’s trailer owners are required to know more about their equipment than they once did. They need to become familiar with proper use and perform regular inspections, maintenance and care to make sure trailers are in good working order. Owners of new trailers also need to pay closer attention to the stated capacities and limitations of their equipment because it is not uncommon for the margin of error have been taken out. Push one of today’s average trailer further than what it was designed and components that didn’t fail 30 years ago - fail today. Trailer wheels , trailer suspension components and even trailer axles used to be virtually bulletproof; today they have become common trailer repair items.

In addition to the normal wear-and-tear, even the best made, best equipped, and best maintained trailers need a repair from time to time. Exposed parts like trailer fenders, trailer couplers and trailer lights & reflectors are easily dented/scratched and broken, even torn completely off of trailers. Additionally, when complex assemblies like jacks and brakes fail the tendency was once to replace. However, with repair becoming more popular, internal and external repair parts are readily available at a nominal cost. Based on the component, some trailer repair parts are manufacturer-specific , while others accept generic parts.

The changes in trailer manufacturing have not only diminished quality of the average trailer, they’ve impacted functionality and even trailer safety in some cases. Trailers are typically less equipped than they once were. So, it’s not uncommon for today’s new trailer owner to find themselves wanting or in need of upgrades and modifications shortly after their purchase. There is a wide-variety of trailer aftermarket products available to ensure trailers fit the needs of their owners. Going from incandescent trailer lights to brighter, longer-lasting, more efficient, LED trailer lights is a recent trend. New products are coming to market all the time to improve efficiency and provide greater convenience such as clever trailer cargo control storage solutions that free up trailer beds to provide for larger load capacities. A wise choice is to check and upgrade DOT-regulated safety products and systems such as trailer breakaway kits to leading brands and designs that last longer or perform more reliably than typical OEM components.

The conscientious buyer, that isn’t looking for a disposable trailer, will shop around before making a purchase. However, finding quality trailer parts for nationally recognized models right down to the trusted custom, from small box utility all the way up to heavy equipment hauler does not require shopping around. Over the last 30 years Nuera has amassed an extensive range of quality parts and knowledge, they’ve built a first class reputation among competitors, peers, and customers.Nuera Trailer Parts staff works tireless behind the scenes and on the front lines to provide unmatched products and service. Today, thousands of trailer manufacturers, trailer repair shops, trailer dealers, and trailer users rely on this trailer parts supplier because of their commitment to excellence. Whether for maintenance, repair, or upgrade - there is a part for virtually every towing and trailer requirement out there. And with over 10,000 parts in inventory and people that know how to use them - Nuera has the towing and trailer parts customers are looking for.

Trailer Safety - Precautions and Trailer Parts That Save Lives

In 2011 there were an estimated 500,000 trailer-related accidents in the United States. Close to 125,000 people sustained serious injury and, sadly, a little over 5,000 people died as a result of trailer mishaps. Over the years, public safety advocacy groups, individuals and family members who have been directly affected by these types of tragedies have put increased pressure on the Department of Transportation (DOT). As a result, the DOT has increased (arguably improved) oversight and regulations at the federal and state levels for both commercial and private trailer operation.

With an estimated 20% more trucks and trailers hitting the road in 2012, U.S. motorists should not expect roads to become significantly safer anytime soon. As we travel down highways and roads, it’s not uncommon to see a trailer swaying back and forth or crossing a solid line, cargo that is poorly secured or, even worse, straps flapping in the wind. On a daily basis, the national media reports at least one story involving a trailer that disrupts traffic, causes property damage, or tragically leads to catastrophic injury or death. 

In many cases, trailer accidents are the result of intoxication, sleep deprivation, excessive speed, distraction because of a PDA or cell phone, or otherwise dangerous driving habits - the same types of carelessness that cause vehicular accident stats to climb year over year. Unfortunately, a large percentage of trailer-related incidents are the result of simple negligence, a failure to use common sense or follow basic “101” trailer safety precautions, and/or towing and trailer equipment that does not comply with DOT regulations – all conditions that the conscientious and responsible trailer owner should never find themselves in.

Recently, a budding artist from Nevada was returning home after an art show and shopping trip. The young woman was only a few miles from home when a trailer carrying a Jeep became unhitched from an on-coming vehicle and crossed over into her traffic lane. The unsuspecting driver collided head-on with the untethered trailer which ripped through her sub-compact. Although she wasn’t killed on impact, she eventually succumbed to her multiple injuries and died days later. What makes this story so heartbreaking is that her life could have been saved by a $50.00 part. Had the car-hauler transporting the Jeep been equipped with a working breakaway kit, the trailer brakes would have applied at the very instant it became unhitched from the tow vehicle. 

While there is no way to prevent 100% of all accidents, there are a few fundamentals trailer owners can follow to minimize the chances causing an accident. For one thing, it’s imperative for a trailer owner to understand the capabilities of their trailers, if supplied – they should always become familiar with the operator and service manuals. Having at least a working knowledge of each and every component’s function is important.  The top three things a safe trailer owner does include: 

Number 1: He uses his trailer for its designed purpose and proper application. All too often, we see an industrious landscaper who has outfitted the side rails of a general utility with plywood to convert it to carry heavy loads of debris, mulch or dirt. Although perfectly legal in most states, “There’s an app for that” as they say - it’s called a dump trailer: a trailer specifically designed for just such an application. A safe trailer owner keeps his load centered over the axles and respects his running gear, has a variety of trailer cargo control components handy and is exceedingly careful to secure his load, and never overloads his trailer. He is also cautious when “upgrading” it with aftermarket products, repairing and replacing parts, and performing certain types of custom fabrication work. A safe trailer owner has a firm grasp on the limitations of his trailer and knows his trailer is only as reliable as its weakest component.

Number 2: He performs a thorough (front to back, top to bottom) inspection and maintenance routine check on the trailer periodically that addresses lubrication, rust and corrosion on moving parts and ensures that electrical components are weather tight and secure. The safe trailer owner has a few things he always checks when he hitches it up. He pays special attention to the coupler, tires, lights and brakes. If his trailer coupler requires a squirt of WD40 and a hand sledge to operate, or if a black-wall tire is starting to look like a white-wall, or if Cousin Dale knocked the left turn signal off when he borrowed the trailer last week – the safe trailer owner visits Nuera Trailer Parts.

Number 3: He always has a plan “B” and is prepared for the unexpected. When safety is concerned, redundancy is the name of the game! Safety chains, hitch and coupler pins or keepers, spare tires and emergency braking systems should all be in good shape, properly installed and tested to ensure that they will engage as designed when necessary. When equipped with electrical brakes, and even in States that do not require one, a fully charged and working breakaway kit should always be installed on the trailer. The safe trailer owner makes sure his breakaway kit switch and trigger wire is properly installed and functioning, ensures the battery has a minimum capacity of 9 amp hours and maintains charge, and check that the weather sensitive electrical componentry is protected. The smart trailer owner purchases a breakaway kit with an LED indictor and testing button, which includes a trickle charging devise. 

Millage and heavy usage can be unkind to a trailer and it’s common for them to show wear-and-tear after a few years.  In many cases, common sense and judgment can be used when deciding which components to repair and which to replace, which to upgrade, and which to let go for a while. Every now and then it’s a good idea to play out the worst case scenarios before taking to the road. Statistically-speaking, accidents are going to happen, but by following the precautions and best practices mentioned here, a trailer owner can go a long way in keeping himself/herself, his/her equipment and cargo, and, most importantly, those the owner shares the road with out of harm’s way.

The ART of Nuera

In Chapter 3 of The Art of War, probably the most famous text in military strategy, Sun Tzu describes the importance of good preliminary plans before the battle even starts. He writes, "So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss." You must know who you are and who your enemy is in order to successfully wage a battle. These words extend past the battlefield. They even are relevant on the open road.

Every day, trailer users are waging battle with their trailers. They must complete tasks that are essentially their livelihood. Failure is not an option. In this battle, the trailer user is the general and the trailer is the foot soldier. He even literally leads the trailer into battle with his tow vehicle. The trailer user or general must know the enemy and his troops, so he can be prepared for any changes or dissension in the ranks.

What does this mean? Trailers are not perfect, and there are times when they could fail, which could lead to injury or even death. Each year, there are instances when trailers become unhitched or something breaks, and an innocent victim is affected. For example, a trailer can become unhitched and turn into a runaway hazard on the road. Or the trailer gets drugged under the tow vehicle, which can lead to severe damages and injuries. 

In these instances, you must be prepared. That means having a breakaway kit, which will put the brakes on the trailer if it becomes unhitched.  It also means having a trailer coupler that matches the trailer ball. Sometimes, trailer users unknowingly mismatch these two – the most common misalignment is between 2” and 2-5/16” but this also happens between 1-7/8” and 2” – and this could lead to disaster. Finding the right trailer coupler or one that can adjust to different sizes can prevent this from happening. 

Moreover, you want to apply the proper maintenance and upgrades on your trailers to get the most out of them. In battle, you wouldn't want soldiers who are malnourished or ill-equipped. The same holds true here. That means supplying your trailer with the trailer parts that will improve on its design and make sure that it doesn't fail when you need it the most. 

There are so many out there who use trailers for their livelihood: The rancher that was hit hard by this year’s draught, hauling hay and feed to his starving head of 150 cattle. The countless ones pulled behind pick-up trucks carrying cattle from a ranch to auction house every 3^rd Saturday. The ones the landscaping crews use with mowers and equipment, running wide-open to get as many yards as they can in a given week. These people need to win these battles in order to survive.

That's why we here at Nuera have trailers and trailer parts down to an ART, "A" for Accurate, "R" for Reliable, and "T" for Timely.  We know our products and understand the impact our products have on our customers, and how much they depend on them. You can trust us to provide the best customer service for you to win your battles on the road.