How should I maintain trailer doors?
Following are general guidelines for maintaining your trailer doors. These guidelines are suggested by Triton Trailers for prolonged life of your trailer but are not guaranteed to do so nor do they serve as an extension of the warranty period. These guidelines are not all-encompassing and other care may be needed depending on the use of your specific trailer and the environment.
1. Lubricate door hinges and latches several times a year or as needed for ease of function. Man door hinges: use a spray white lithium grease or silicone. Ramp door hinges: use a lithium complex grease, NLGI #2
2. Check door seals several times a year to verify that none are torn or damaged and replace as needed.
3. Consider replacing seals or damaged parts to avoid possible further damage to the door or trailer.
4. Be certain that all doors are properly latched and locked (if applicable) and all deadbolts are engaged when the trailer is in transit.
5. Keeping doors clean will also help sealing and overall function. Don’t use abrasive cleaners; mild soap and water are recommended for cleaning.
You can use any type of aluminum polish or cleaner. For painted aluminum sheeting on enclosed trailers, any non-abrasive, mild automotive cleanser can be used (i.e. car wash soap). Aluma-Brite and Citra Brite are two brands used and recommended by dealers and owners.
Click here for product support and refer to the Trailer Parts & Diagrams section.
Refer to your Owner’s Manual for complete trailer maintenance and part maintenance (such as trailer actuators and brake readjustment) directions. The following are just a few maintenance tips that should be checked each time before towing your trailer.
1. Be sure all parts, bolts, and nuts are tight.
2. Secure the load to the trailer with tie downs.
3. Check tire pressure while the tires are cold.
4. Check and adjust wheel bearings if necessary after the first 50 miles of use.
5. Inspect and repack wheel bearings as needed.
6. Check that the bed locking pin is in place, for trailers with this feature.
7. Do not exceed trailer capacity.
8. Be sure all lights are operating and are disconnected before backing into water.
9. Coupling ball: make sure you are using the size marked on the trailer coupling and that the coupling is securely latched to the ball.
10. Cross the safety chains under the tongue and secure to the towing vehicle.
11. Check brake operation.
Depending on the frequency and type of use, and if you have a watercraft trailer that is often in saltwater or freshwater, axles should be greased at least once or twice a year. Triton uses a Bearing-Lube grease system. Click here to refer to the axle manufacturer’s manuals.
Axle grease should be a lithium-based marine grade grease. Details on axle grease can be found in the axle manufacturer’s manual. Grease can be ordered through a Triton dealer or purchased from an auto parts store.
It is suggested to check lug nut torques on new trailers at 50 miles, at 200 miles, and every 500 to 1,000 miles thereafter.
