AT REPORT
Spare Parts & Preventative Maintenance Recommendations for Expedition Trailers
If you talk to fellow travelers about the spares they carry for their vehicles you’ll end up with a whole spectrum of options and opinions. Some people carry axles and transfer cases, others alternators and water pumps, and the minimalists take a fan belt and duct tape. With so many moving parts in a vehicle it’s difficult to know how much is enough. All is dependent upon the condition & age of the vehicle, the quality of the modifications and of course, the conditions encountered.
Trailers on the other hand are relatively simple to plan for when it comes to repair, the moving parts are confined to the suspension and wheels. We have provided some guidelines for spare parts depending on the length of your journey and how remote from repair facilities you may be:
Full Expedition Spares List
For extended expedition to remote locations where local repair facilities are rare and the level of service low:
Castle nut, washer and pin
Inner and outer bearings and inner seal
Airbag
Spare air line
Air line fittings
Grease
Trailing arm bushings
Pivot rod, washers and nuts
Trailing arm complete with spindle
Electrical fuses
Intermediate Expedition Spares List
For expeditions up to two weeks, where access to local repair facilities may be limited for short periods of time;
Castle nut, washer and pin
Inner and outer bearings and inner seal
Airbag
Spare air line
Air line fittings
Grease
Electrical fuses
Short Expedition Spares List
For two or three day expeditions where access to local repair facilities are available;
Castle nut, washer and pin
Inner and outer bearings and inner seal
Electrical fuses
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is always the best solution to avoiding repairs. In addition to regular maintenance the following should be conducted:
Prior to an expedition;
Adjust bearings if necessary
Repack bearings with grease
Visually inspect all suspension components
Check nylocks on pivot rods
Check airlines for abrasion
Make sure air system is holding pressure
Check height of airbags
Check the condition of the tires
Check the tire pressure
Check the condition of the rims
Torque the lug nut to specifications
Check the brakes
Check all electrical systems
Check the condition of the coupler
Check the condition of the hitch
Check brake-away system
Check 5/8” pins on hitch and coupler
During Expedition on a weekly basis are:
Visually inspect all suspension components
Check nylocks on pivot rods
Check airlines for abrasion
Make sure air system is holding pressure
Check height of airbags
Check the condition of the tires
Check the tire pressure
Check the condition of the rims
Torque the lug nut to specifications
Check the brakes
Check all electrical systems
Check the condition of the coupler
Check the condition of the hitch
Check break away system
Check break-away pull pin is in place
Check 5/8” pins on hitch and coupler
During Expedition on a daily basis are:
Make sure air system is holding pressure
Check height of airbags
Check the condition of the tires
Check the tire pressure
Check the condition of the rims
Torque the lug nut to specifications
Check the brakes
Check all electrical systems
Check the condition of the coupler
Check break-away pull pin is in place
Check 5/8” pins on hitch and coupler
During Expedition prior to starting each tow:
Walk around the trailer and do a visual inspection
Visually check the trailer is level (airbags)
Visually check tires
Check the lug nuts
Check the brakes
Check all electrical systems
Make sure the coupler is secured and locked correctly
Make sure the safety chains are properly attached to the tow rig
Visually check break-away pull pin is in place
Check jockey wheel is retracted and locked in place
Check all doors are shut and locked
Visually inspect 5/8” pins on hitch and coupler
While driving:
Check the trailer is running level, not tilted to one side or riding low
Check when applying the brakes that the trailer slows efficiently and does not pull to one side
Check there are no unusual noises coming from the trailer
Download Spare Parts & Preventative Maintenance as a pdf document