SEASONAL MAINTENANCE For Any Live Bottom Trailer
Luke Hierlihy luke@troutriverindustries.ca
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Contents Safety ................................................................................................................................................2 When to do this? ...............................................................................................................................3 Why do this maintenance? .................................................................................................................3 Tools and supplies needed .................................................................................................................4 Step 1: Pressure wash complete trailer, including the conveyor system ...............................................5 Step 2: Grease Trailer .........................................................................................................................6 Step 3: Inspect Tub and Bogey ............................................................................................................7 Step 4: Tarp Maintenance ..................................................................................................................8 Step 5: Inspect Electrical, Air, and Hydraulic Systems ..........................................................................9 Step 6: Corrosion Resistance ............................................................................................................ 10 Step 7: Gearbox Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 11 Step 8: Inspect Conveyor .................................................................................................................. 12 Step 9: Chain tension ....................................................................................................................... 13 Step 10: Inspect and Maintain Wheels .............................................................................................. 14 Suggested Additional Maintenance: ................................................................................................. 15 Replacement of worn parts .................................................................................................................... 15 Undercoat Trailer .................................................................................................................................... 15 Hydraulic Filters ...................................................................................................................................... 15 Trout River Parts list......................................................................................................................... 16 Contact us ....................................................................................................................................... 17
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Safety The Trout River Trailer is not “just a trailer”, it is also a powerful machine with various mechanisms that could be potentially dangerous, the following are some general safety rules pertaining to trout river trailers: • • • • • •
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Never enter trailer with conveyor in operation When conveyor is running be sure to keep all body parts, clothing, etc. clear of inspection doors, conveyor belt, or any other moving parts; failure to do so could result in serious injury Be aware of the tailgate position, and stand clear when opening or closing When trailer is unloading be sure to stand clear of the rear of the trailer, as to not get injured from the load being ejected from the tub Ladder is designed for a maximum of 250 pounds; do not exceed this limit. Top ladder rung is only there as a “hand-hold”; do not use as a step Trailer hydraulic system is designed to run in access of 2500 psi, this amount of pressure could be very dangerous; always take care when connecting hydraulic lines, that it is done properly, and replace any damaged hydraulic components immediately. Always be sure system pressure is relieved before maintenance o Always connect return line first, and disconnect last Air system can also be dangerous, be aware of air lines, that they are not damaged, and relieve system pressure before maintenance When working on the trailer, be sure all power systems are disconnected, unless otherwise instructed or needed, always be aware of present dangers
Page |3 This Guide to seasonal maintenance is based on a Trout River trailer, but most sections can be applied to any “chain conveyor style” live bottom trailer.
When to do this? •
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We suggest doing this at the end of a working season o This would prevent rust from forming, and potential seizing of parts due to improper storage during off-months Can also be done at the beginning of a new season, or at any yearly interval of your choosing
Why do this maintenance? • • • • •
Longevity of conveyor system Longevity of suspension Longevity of “tub” Prevents bigger issues Ready to go at the start of your next season
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Tools and supplies needed • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Truck with wetline/ other sufficient hydraulic power source Pressure washer Ladder Tailgate lockout Wrench set from 5/16”-1 ½” Metric and standard Allen key sets Pry bar Flashlight Funnel Oil catch pan Jack capable of lifting trailer wheel off the ground Dial indicator and magnetic base Grease and grease gun 1-2 cans of fluid film 4 cans of a heavy chain lube/ open gear lube 4 liters of 80w90 gear oil Rags for cleanup
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Step 1: Pressure wash complete trailer, including the conveyor system • •
Trailer must be hooked up to hydraulic power source Turn on conveyor and pressure wash both chains through the inspection doors • Be sure to remove all buildup of grime on conveyor system
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Step 2: Grease Trailer Grease points listed below are for a Trout River Live Bottom trailer. All live bottom trailers should have grease points in similar areas •
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Grease all grease points o 4 per regular axle (2 per side) o 12 per steer axle (6 per side) o 2 tailgate hinges-located on the side of each rear rib on a TR trailer (1 on each side) o Up to 7 on tarp system (depending on tarp manufacturer) o 5 on landing gear (3 on crank side, 2 on plain side) o 1 rear shaft bearing o 4 on tailgate latch system (2 per side) o 4 inspection door hinges (2 per side) o 2 front shaft bearings (1 per side) Note: to grease front bearings, plugs must be removed and grease nipples installed. DOT NOT OVERGREASE; any more than 2-3 shots of grease will pop seals out, and WILL result in premature bearing failure. When finished reinstall plugs.
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Step 3: Inspect Tub and Bogey • • • • •
Once washed do a complete walkaround inspecting all structural components, and components associated with the tub Look for cracks, bends, excessive rust, missing bolts, or other damage of any sort These steps require a ladder, and a flashlight If damage is found, contact us for repair procedures Below are some suggested areas to inspect:
Exterior: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Bogey Bogey clamps Frame rails Ribs/sidewalls Top rail Tarp components Tailgate and opening mechanism (check function by opening and closing) Front wall Fifth wheel plate and pin Tub/bogey crossmembers Fender hangers Axle hangers Landing gear and mounts
Interior: •
With tarp closed, conveyor off, and tailgate opened and locked, enter the rear of the trailer □ Belt seals and seal plates □ Tailgate seal □ Tub crossbar □ Top rail □ Tub walls □ Tarp components
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Step 4: Tarp Maintenance • •
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Spray fluid film or a similar lubricant on tarp cables and cable adjusters to prevent corrosion This is a good time to check cable tension and make any adjustments that are necessary as instructed below (end to end system): o At roughly 18” away from the rear adjuster pulley, use your index finger, middle finger and thumb to try to squeeze the cables together. You should be able to squeeze the cables together by roughly 1”. If you can squeeze them together more than that, cables must be adjusted until desired tension is reached If storing your trailer, it is recommended that the tarp is stored in the “closed” position Contact your tarps manufaturer for additional maintenance and info
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Step 5: Inspect Electrical, Air, and Hydraulic Systems Please note that not every trailer will have all the parts listed below • •
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Turn on all indicator lamps and check for damaged/ burnt out lights Check wire tray (under trailer) for damaged: □ Wires □ Air lines Check all air powered mechanisms for damaged: □ Lines □ Cans □ Tanks □ Bags □ Cylinders □ Other Inspect complete hydraulic system for damage or any sign of leakage □ Fittings □ Steel lines □ Rubber lines □ Valves □ Motors □ Cylinders □ Other Keep in mind that air, and hydraulic systems run at high pressures, and are various pieces with heavily preloaded springs. If there are any damaged components, they could be extremely dangerous, and should be Replaced immediately
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Step 6: Corrosion Resistance • •
Spray fluid film or a similar lubricant on electrical/ hydraulic connections to prevent corrosion Any areas where rust is developing, or where there is bare metal, would benefit from being sprayed as well o Oil will prevent/slow down rust from spreading
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Step 7: Gearbox Maintenance The directions in this step are for a Trout River Live Bottom, if your trailer is not a Trout River Live Bottom, contact your trailers manufacturer for the proper procedure • • •
Fill plug
Drain plug
Vent
Drain and replace the gearbox oil. Use 8mm hex key to remove and replace drain and fill plugs Use ¾” wrench to remove gearbox vent and be sure it isn’t plugged before reinstalling Inspect gearbox for leaks or damage
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Step 8: Inspect Conveyor • •
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Run conveyor system. As always, keep clear of moving parts to prevent injury From the rear of the trailer inspect: □ Belt surface for damage □ Where belt meets tub seals for damage From the inspection door inspect: □ Chain for potential damage □ Crossbars that are bent/ missing Teflon pucks From the front of the trailer inspect: □ Oiler brushes - Be sure bristles are engaged with chain on both sides of the trailer □ Oiler valve □ Oiler lines Turn on the on-board chain oiler. Be sure that the flow of oil is sufficient (slightly more than a steady drip) Through the inspection door, manually spray a heavy oil/open gear lube/chain lube, on chain to prevent corrosion, and seizing up during off season o Do this on each side of the trailer o Note: Although the trailer is equipped with on-board chain lubrication, this is an added measure of protection When oiling is complete shut off the oiler, and conveyor
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Step 9: Chain tension • •
Once the chain on each side of the trailer is clean and properly lubricated, this is a good time to check and adjust your chain tension Below is a guide to checking the chain tension on a Trout River trailer: o Be sure conveyor is NOT running while checking tension o Insert pry bar under lower section of chain o Pry on chain as pictured ▪ If chain visibly pivots between links, it is too loose ▪ If chain visibly moves up and down as a unit, with no obvious pivot, chain is at proper tension o Adjust as needed
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Step 10: Inspect and Maintain Wheels • • •
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Check rims, and tires for cracks, or damage of any type Using a dial indicator, check wheel-end play Check hub lubrication o If oil, check oil level o If grease, pull cap, and be sure bearing is well greased Contact axle manufacturer for additional info and specs
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Suggested Additional Maintenance: Replacement of worn parts •
If they are getting old, or questionable, it is a good idea to replace the seals on the belt and tailgate, as well as the Seal Plates so you won’t have to worry about them in the oncoming season
Seals
Seal Plates
Undercoat Trailer • • •
Undercoating is a very effective way to protect your trailer from corrosion and rust. This is recommended to do on the bottom of the trailer, which commonly comes into contact with substances such as water, salt, and other dirt and debris from the road Relatively cheap preventative maintenance
Hydraulic Filters •
If they haven’t been changed recently, it is a good idea to change the hydraulic filters on the truck, located on the return side of the hydraulic system
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Trout River Parts list Part name
Part number
Fluid film Chain lube
SV-750 SV-643
80W90 gear oil
SV-642
37’ Conveyor belt
SV-837
39’ Conveyor belt
SV-839
48’ Conveyor belt
SV-848
49’ Conveyor belt
SV-849
Chain connector link
SV-009
Crossbar
SV-380
Oiler brush
SV-019
Tailgate seal (Bottom)
SV-170
Tailgate seals (Left and right set)
SV-318
Belt seals 3 ½” (39’) SV-632 (48’) SV-027 (VIN 4329-) Belt seals 5” (39’) SV-632 (48’) SV-027A (VIN 4330+) Seal plates 3 ½” SV-020 (VIN 4329-) Seal plates 5” SV-026 (VIN 4330+) Note: Seal plates are sold individually. 37’ trailer requires 15pcs, 39’ requires 16pcs, 48’ requires 19pcs
For any questions, or for parts not listed call our Parts Manager, Dwayne at 902-853-1614 or email dwayne@troutriverindustries.ca
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Contact us
I hope you found this helpful. For any questions regarding this procedure, or to request a different procedure, please contact me.
Luke Hierlihy Dealer Support Representative luke@troutriverindustries.ca 902-853-1614 Troutriverindustries.ca