Anyone who uses a trailer on a regular basis will certainly take great care to perform proper, periodic maintenance. You can find plenty of help for this on our website. We especially recommend our articles on preparing the trailer for spring andpreparing the trailer for winter.
Although Autóflex-KNOTT Ltd. does not produce tow-bars, but as it is an important element of the primary connection between the trailer and the towing vehicle, it is worth going over. Now we would like to highlight two important maintenance procedures involving the tow-bar which you need to continously do throughout the year.
Do you need to grease the tow-ball?
Most owners use a protective cap (or even an old tennis ball, possibly a whipped cream bottle cap) to protect their tow-ball when not in use. Perhaps even among more experienced trailer users the most important rules for tow-ball lubrication are not necessarily known.
As a general rule, the tow-ball and the part of the coupling head where it connects to the tow-ball must be kept clean and greased. Moreover, do not forget to grease the moving parts of the coupling head either.
It is a little different in the case of trailers that are equipped with overrun devices.
In this case, the tow-ball and the part of the coupling head where it connects to the tow-ball must only be greased if the coupling head is not equipped with a stabilizer (Stabifix) because the stabilization is achieved by squeezing two small brake shoes onto the tow-ball, it would not work effectively on a greasy ball. Typically, coupling heads equipped with anti-twister couplings are used in caravans and horse trailers which help prevent large, lateral oscillations of the trailer and make it much more comfortable and safer to travel with. When using Stabifix, both the tow-ball and the coupling head must be wiped dry to ensure that Stabifix works.
In the case of trailers equipped with overrun devices, it is necessary to lubricate the so-called grease nipples. The grease nipples are usually located on the top of the overrun device housing, usually 2 pieces.
When lubricating, it is not worth calculating how many kilometres you have travelled, but trying to do it as often as possible. At least 2 or 3 times a year and before each longer trip.
Checking the wear on the tow-ball
Check the diameter of the tow-ball regularly. If the diameter of the tow-ball reaches 49mm, safe travel becomes impossible and the tow-bar can no longer be used. Measure it where the lip of the coupling head meets the ball, as shown in the picture below. Tow-bar replacement can only be done by a specialist in a workshop and technical inspection is also necessary.
As you can see, even a seemingly simple mechanism requires proper care which contributes to safe driving and extending the life of the parts.
If you are in need of quality trailer parts, you can buy them from stock in our webshop, or you can order them at rendeles@autoflex.hu or inquire at our domestic sales line at +3676502058.