How To Section – Country Blacksmith Trailers Blog

How to Perform a Home Trailer Inspection

Both business owners and recreational trailer owners should complete an annual home trailer inspection to ensure their trailer is up to snuff. Just like trucks and other tools, trailers face wear and tear over time that may cause trailer safety and reliability issues. The official inspection requirements vary by state, but there are a few parts of your trailer that everyone should check – regardless of state regulations.

You can find more information on Illinois truck and trailer requirements and inspections on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

Conduct an At-Home Trailer Inspection

Hitch and Coupler

The trailer hitch mounts and ball will likely be beat up after about a year of use. During a routine home trailer inspection, you should check to make sure the frame mounting bolts are tight and check that there are no cracks. Next, check the trailer coupler to ensure the jaw fits tight over the tow ball and that the safety latch is securely pinned.

Another quick trailer safety check for trailer hitches is the weight restriction. Each ball and hitch has a weight safety regulation. You can find these restrictions on the internet or in an owner’s manual. It’s important to follow these weight restrictions to safely use your trailer. At both of our Illinois trailer dealerships, you can find trailer parts for sale in store.

Lighting and Wiring

The first step of a lighting and wiring check is simple. Test the brake lights and turn signal to make sure they work. Next, check the trailer plug. Examine the receptacle and plug to look for any frayed or loose wires. You can bring your trailer into Country Blacksmith Trailers for help with trailer repair and service, like replacements in trailer wiring. If everything looks good, you should still take the time to clean the plugs and wiring.

Additionally, an inspection should include checks on the trailer reflectors. Trailers built after 1968 should have red and amber reflectors on the back and side, depending on the trailer length. You can consult a professional trailer maintenance representative at Country Blacksmith Trailers to be sure your trailer reflectors meet state and federal regulations.

Tires

Tire checks are an essential part of any home trailer inspection. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires wear out more quickly and are more likely to cause accidents. To help your tires last longer, we recommend checking the tire pressure on both the tow vehicle and trailer at least monthly. You can adjust the tire pressure as necessary.

Aside from pressure, you should check the tread on your tires. If they’re worn down, you may need to look into replacements. Finally, double check the lug nuts to ensure they’re tightly secured.

Brakes and Wheel Bearings

The next step to a home trailer inspection is checking the brakes. Brakes are an essential part of trailer safety. Though the tow vehicle brakes will be doing the bulk of the work when braking, the trailer brakes are important for emergency situations.

After you check the brakes, you should check the wheel bearings. Replace or repack them about twice a year.

Springs and Axles

Aside from the hitch and ball, the trailer’s springs and axles will take the most abuse. During a routine home trailer inspection, examine the springs and axle(s) for damage, and let Country Blacksmith Trailers repair or replace them as needed. Bent or misaligned axles will easily further damage your trailer and can lead to safety hazards on the road. Finally, check the mounting bolts for proper tightness.

Plates

The final step of a routine trailer inspection is checking the license plate. The plate on your trailer should be hung horizontally and be easy to see, even when your trailer is full. Make sure the plate is tightly fastened and illuminated, especially at night.

Once all of these steps are completed, your trailer inspection is over. Although, we do recommend bringing your trailer in for an expert inspection at Country Blacksmith Trailers. Our staff has experience with trailer safety, inspection and repair. The trailer service team can help with everything from trailer wiring to hitch installation. We’re also familiar with Illinois trailer regulations, so we can make sure your trailer follows state and federal laws. Contact us online today to schedule your trailer service or inspection!

The Total Package on Tow Packages!

Pickup trucks and SUVs are made to be more like workhorses than cars or vans. So, with this power, is a towing package necessary to tow trailer? Though you may have big tires and a hitch, it doesn’t mean you’re ready to drag five tons of boulders behind you. If you plan to use your vehicle primarily for heavy-duty trailers or commercial work, installing a factory or aftermarket tow package is a must!

What is a Tow Package?

A tow package is the upgraded features needed for your tow vehicle to pull a trailer reliably and safely. It’s not just the hitch alone. They can include supporting engine parts, improved cooling systems, strengthened suspension and more! If you’re planning on using your truck or SUV to tow trailer, then a towing package is beneficial. It gives your vehicle better handling when you pull heavier loads, and it reduces the wear and tear on the vehicle overall.

Towing Packages May Include:

Trailer Hitch & Assembly
Wiring for 4-Pin and 7-Pin trailers
Extended Towing Mirrors
Enhanced Coolant System
Stronger Axles (Reduced Rear Axle Gear Ratio)
Heavy-duty Brakes and Suspension
Larger Battery and Alternator
Towing Brake Controls on Dashboard
Trailer Backup Cameras

Does a Tow Package Increase Towing Capacity?

Even though the correct set of towing elements can enhance your towing, it’s possible to install parts that are rated beyond your vehicle’s factory limitations. Your vehicle is what sets the maximum bar on towing capacity and the towing elements cannot override that.

What a Tow Package Doesn’t Do:

Increase Vehicle’s GVWR
Increase Vehicle’s Payload Capacity
Increase Vehicles Maximum Towing Capacity

How Do You Know If Your Vehicle Has a Tow Package Installed?

If you don’t see a trailer hitch or receiver on your rear bumper, that is a good sign you don’t have a towing package. However, what does a towing package look like? A hitch and wiring doesn’t give any clues to what else is installed for towing. This is especially difficult to know for sure if you bought or your vehicle used. Sure, there are other hints like dashboard trailer controls, however, your best bet is contacting the dealer or manufacturer. Beyond that, answering this can take a little research.

To start your investigation, check what available towing options exist for your vehicle. This can be found by checking brochures specific for your exact model. These brochures will list tow package options available on your model.

Some packages could be simple like the hitch, wiring and connectors. Others may have extra components included. When you buy preowned, you can use this research along with looking up the vehicles VIN history to know what (if anything) has been modified. Maybe a previous owner installed improved parts or upgraded the hitch. Whether you are buying used or new, check to make sure the invoice matches what comes up on the window sticker.

Can You Add a Tow Package If You Don’t Have One?

There is no need to worry if your vehicle doesn’t have a tow package. You can easily call your local dealership to get the part numbers for your exact model. You can also get a quote for everything you’d like to have installed. However, you may prefer to do some or all of the work yourself.

If this is the case, you can do the research to find and order the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or the equivalent. A complete list of heavy-duty towing upgrades will include things like larger brakes, auxiliary transmission cooler, and upgraded rear shocks or springs. You may also want to purchase a “full-size” spare tire, instead of the regular spare most vehicles come with.

Are Factory Tow Packages Better than Aftermarket?

The factory tow package is composed of OEM tow parts designed to match your vehicle exactly. This makes factory installations safe and reliable. Conversely, aftermarket tow packages can vary in quality depending on the brand. Additionally, aftermarket installations may be limited to what some refer to as “trailer package.” A trailer package is simply a tow hitch and electrical wiring for trailer lights. However, this doesn’t always mean factory installs are best.

If you are looking to tow lighter loads, like a couple of jet skis, on a trailer, then an aftermarket install would suffice. Although factory tow packages are more comprehensive, they are generally more expensive. Additionally, factory installs handle poorly and lose fuel efficiency when dealing with lighter loads. So go with factory pre-installed towing options when you plan to pull boats, large campers, or livestock trailers. You may want to make sure it includes heavy-duty shocks, stronger brakes, a transmission cooler, upgraded battery and a quality tow hitch.

How Much is Too Much?

Depending on your vehicle, you may not need the highest-rated towing parts. For example, if your truck’s maximum towing capacity is 10,000 pounds, then you would only need a good class 3 hitch instead of a class 5 trailer hitch. And if you are planning towing with a gooseneck hitch, know your truck’s max payload capacity so you don’t overload your wheels and rear axle. Although it takes a little effort to reference your manufacturer’s weight limits, it pays to respect these numbers. Literally! It can save you money to know when you are going overboard.

At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we know trailers and towing! Between our two trailer dealerships in Illinois, we have hundreds of trailers for sale, from top brands like Aluma, Homesteader, Top Hat and more! We also specialize in selling and installing pickup flatbeds and service bodies from Bradford Built, Knapheide, Cadet, and CM Truck Beds. Whether you are looking to purchase a trailer or towing and trailer parts, let our friendly team of experts assist you today!

How To Back a Trailer Like a Pro

You finally just purchased, rented, or borrowed a trailer or RV that you are planning to pull with your vehicle. You’re hitched up and ready to go, however, you realize that backing up is not as straight forward as, well, moving forward. To back a trailer into a parking spot or around a corner can be tricky at first, but with lots of practice, it can become an easy task.

Preparing To Back a Trailer

Practice:

As with anything new, practice makes perfect. Hitch your trailer to your vehicle and drive out to an empty parking lot. Give yourself plenty of room so you can get a feel for your trailer’s responsiveness. Smaller trailers are more responsive and adjust quickly to the motions of the tow vehicle, which make them more difficult than larger trailers to maneuver in reverse. Bigger trailers respond slower to the turning of the tow vehicle, which makes it easier to accommodate mistakes when backing the trailer up.

Be Mindful of Surroundings:

When hitched up, a trailer becomes an extension of your vehicle, and you have to be aware of both your vehicle and trailer’s position at all times. To give yourself better visual, adjust your mirrors so you can clearly see the rear of the trailer. If possible, have a spotter be eyes in your blind spots. These precautions will keep you from hitting obstacles that could be easily missed like low hanging tree branches, holes, or fences.

Take It Slow:

If you go off path or jackknife the vehicle and trailer, just pull forward as far as you need to straighten up the angle of the trailer and try again. And if you need to get out of your vehicle to get a better visual of what is going on behind the trailer, do it! The important thing is that you park the trailer in the right spot without causing damage. Be aware that bumps and holes may also push your trailer in an unexpected direction. Reversing uphill will require a little extra gas on the pedal as well, due to gravity, but the methods of turning the steering wheel stay the same.

How to Steer a Trailer in Reverse

Looking Out the Window:

When you back a trailer into place and you are looking out the window toward the trailer, keep one hand on the steering wheel and just turn the wheel in the direction you want the back of the trailer to go.

Using Rearview Mirror:

When you are moving forward, you turn your wheel to the right (clockwise) and both the vehicle and the trailer turn right. Turning the wheel left (counterclockwise) will turn both the vehicle and trailer left. When you back a trailer using your mirrors, you must think backwards when turning the wheel of your vehicle. Spinning the steering wheel right, will cause the back of the trailer to move left and spinning the steering wheel left will cause the back of the trailer to move right. Another way to replicate the correct motion of the steering wheel when looking forward at your mirrors is to keep one hand on the bottom of the wheel, as the bottom of the steering wheel directs the movement of the trailer.

Reversing A Trailer Around a Corner

Step 1:

Pull straight past (overshoot) your spot or lane that you need to back into and line the rear of the trailer right past the entrance. Stop, roll your window down and put your 4-way flashers on. Turn your steering wheel to the left (counterclockwise) so that your vehicle’s front tires are fully tilted to the left.

Step 2:

Begin reversing your vehicle and backing the trailer to get your turning angle. Once it looks like the trailer has the correct turn radius, start spinning your steering wheel slowly the opposite way to the right (clockwise) to accommodate the direction and ensure the angle of the trailer doesn’t get too tight. Keep straightening out your vehicle while avoiding hitting anything as you move.

Step 3:

Keep moving back and making slight adjustments until you fully straighten out and are in your spot or lane. Most movement shouldn’t be more than a quarter turn of the wheel. You can pull forward as needed to avoid the angle between the trailer and vehicle getting too tight. Just keep an eye on your surroundings as you move in each direction.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge on how to back a trailer like a pro, check out our inventory of new and used trailers. At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we have enclosed cargo, utility, dump, livestock, tilt deck trailers and more! We also do trailer customizations to help you get exactly what you need from your trailer. Let us help you with your trailer and accessory needs for whatever job you need to complete. Fill out this contact form to get started!

Picking, Maintaining & Replacing Trailer Tires

When researching tires, there are three essential questions: What tires should I buy? How do I make my tires last? And when should I replace them? Whether you are a first-time buyer of trailer tires or have experience, it’s good to be reminded of the basics.

HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT TRAILER TIRES?

Picking the correct trailer tires comes down to a matter of preference and how much weight you plan to pull. No matter what you choose, we have some helpful pointers listed below.

USE ST TIRES ON TRAILERS

It is best practice to use special trailer (ST) tires on your trailer. Being constructed with thicker walls and center-focused tread, ST tires are built to stabilize and pull heavy loads. Don’t be tempted to replace your trailer with passenger car (P) or light truck (LT) tires. Passenger car and light truck tires have thinner walls and could cause your trailer to sway if installed, not to mention risking other catastrophic disasters.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RADIAL & BIAS PLY TIRES

There are two types of special trailer tires: radial and bias ply. Radial tires can perform well at highway speeds, give a smoother ride, and tend to last longer over time. Bias ply tires have shorter tread life but can handle heavier loads and provide increased stability on the road.

HOW DO I MAKE MY TRAILER TIRES LAST?

Although you cannot make your trailer tires last forever, you can do some things to help extend their life and give you the best ride possible.

PROPERLY INFLATE TIRES & CHECK PRESSURE OFTEN

Improper tire inflation is one of the leading causes of tire problems. This is something that needs to be checked regularly, especially if there are temperature changes due to location or season. Tire pressure goes up or down 1 pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degree change in temperature. Always check tire pressure before your trip or when tires have been at rest for at least three hours. Tires heat up from road friction, so PSI readings on warm tires will be inaccurate. It is best to keep tires inflated at the maximum PSI recommendation printed on the tire wall. This will give you the smoothest ride on the road. Underinflating or overinflating your tires gives no benefit to your tires or trailer. In fact, if tires are not inflated properly, it will only damage your tires and make the ride harder for both your vehicle and trailer.

FOLLOW WEIGHT LIMITS AND GWVR FOR TRAILERS & TIRES

Check the sidewall of your trailer tires to verify the maximum load capabilities. If the tire is rated for 2,200 lbs. for a single axle, that means the trailer tires can handle a maximum load of 4,400 lbs. With the same tires, that would be a maximum of 8,800 lbs. on a double axle. Regardless of the combined maximum load of your tires, never exceed the trailer’s GWVR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) provided by the manufacturer. Even if the trailer tires combined load capacity can handle 8,800 lbs., your trailer itself may only have a maximum of 8,000 lbs. Although it is a good idea to get tires that can handle more than the GWVR, it is dangerous to have your load exceed the GWVR.

HAVE A SPARE TIRE ON-HAND – TAKE OUT?

When experiencing a flat on the road, there is no greater relief than knowing you have a spare tire. If you don’t carry a spare, you will have to leave your trailer behind to search for the nearest tire shop or be forced to wait on assistance. Always ensure your spare tires are ready for action by checking the air pressure along with your mounted tires each time.

WHEN DO I REPLACE MY TRAILER TIRES?

WHEN YOUR TIRE IS 3 – 5 YEARS OLD

Even if there is plenty of tread, tire rubber breaks down naturally over time. According to rubber industry research, oxidation caused from UV rays via sunlight and ozone from exhaust can cause exterior damage to the sidewalls, while oxygen from pressurized air creates unseen internal damage. Store your tires in a cool, dry place to minimize the damaging effects of nature and time.

WHEN TREAD IS DOWN TO 3/32 OF AN INCH OR LESS

To easily determine if the tread is too low, place a penny upside down facing you and if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace that trailer tire.

WHEN THE TIRE IS PUNCTURED OR SHOWS DEFORMITIES

If any holes in the tire are not repaired immediately, the structural integrity of the tire could be compromised and render it unsafe for use. Tires deformities like the appearance of bulges or bubbles on the outside are a sign that the interior of the tire has failed and it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

WHEN THE VALVE STEM IS DAMAGED

If the valve stem is damaged or cracked, it will leak air causing unsafe tire pressure levels for carrying loads and tire damage when rolling deflated.

COUNTRY BLACKSMITH TRAILERS – A RELIABLE RESOURCE FOR TRAILER TIRES

If you’re looking for help with purchasing anything from trailers to tires, Country Blacksmith is here to assist you. We have a large variety of trailers, tires, trailer parts, on-site service mechanics, and more to meet all of your trailer and towing needs. We can quote you new trailer tire prices or evaluate your current tires, check the alignment of your axle, and even rotate your tires to optimize your trailer and tire performance on the road. Contact us anytime and we’ll connect you to the right person to answer all of your questions!