BGA AIRWORTHINESS AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES PART 4, LEAFLET 4-10 MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES FOR TRAILERS (ADVISORY) General 1. Trailers are a fundamental part of any glider outfit, in many cases the trailer will provide the storage environment, also the trailer is used for transportation of the glider on the public road. The trailer must be maintained to ensure that the storage conditions are suitable and also be ready at a moment’s notice for a field landing retrieve. Many parts of the Road Traffic Act apply, but it is not the intention of this leaflet to list them or to provide design information. See the latest revision of BGA Laws and Rules for information on the legal issues regarding trailers and towing. The intention of this leaflet is to provide some guidance on the maintenance of trailers to keep within the requirements of the law and to provide suitable storage conditions for your glider. 2. The maintenance schedule is for average usage. If the trailer is used often or very infrequently then the schedule should be revised accordingly. High use, then service items such as brakes and tyre wear will require more attention and less use, moving parts will have to be checked for seizing up or rusting. At present, in the UK there is no requirement for an ‘MOT’ for private trailers. All trailers must however comply with the law with regards to roadworthiness. 3. 7 pin Socket (12N) All trailers and tow vehicles in the UK should be wired to a common code. (The ‘Grey’ 12S caravan socket is not covered in this leaflet) By using this code will ensure that if you tow another trailer or someone else uses your trailer the lights will work correctly. Service Indicator Left Rear fog lamp Earth Indicator Right Tail light Right Stop lights Tail light left & No Plate Pin code on 12N plug and socket L 54G 31 R 58R 54 58L Wire colour on 7 core cable Yellow Blue White Green Brown Red Black On modern cars advice should be sought from the manufacturer on wiring the trailer electrics as some have bulb failure detection systems, multiplex wiring, etc and tapping into an inappropriate point may cause irreparable damage or problems. Some car manufacturers supply ‘plug in’ wiring kits that save cutting into the vehicles main wiring. These cost a little more but save work on installation and protect the cars warranty if applicable. 3. General Information Tyre pressure: Unless specified by the trailer manufacturer the pressures for normal Car tyres 165R13 to 185R13 is 34 psi (2.3 bar) for trailer weights up to approx. 1000 kg. Details for other sizes and weights will be found in trailer manuals. Recommended lubricants: Wheel bearings, Couplings, general lubrication: General Purpose grease, Castrol LM grease or Aqualube grease especially if wet conditions are likely to be encountered. Tow ball: Molybdenum based or Cartrol LM grease General lubrication: 3 in 1, Aeroshell fluid 3. AMP 4-10/Sep 02 BGA AMP Part 4, Leaflet 4-10, page 1 Trailer Maintenance Schedule Service Item Trailer for cleanness. Wash if required Tyres. Check condition and pressure. 1.6 mm is the minimum tread depth. No cuts or bulges. Check spare wheel Wheel nuts for tightness Tow Coupling & drawbar bolts for tightness Coupling Lubrication. (on some continental friction couplings the ball coupling must be dry) Tow ball for wear Jockey wheel inspection Jockey wheel bolts for tightness Jockey wheel and jack lubrication Check condition of breakaway cable Lights function - tail, no. plate, side & front markers and internal. Check Lights for damage 7 Pin socket and cable for damage and cleanness Wheel bearings “10-to-2” rocking - quick check Wheel bearings service and adjust Brakes service, adjust Brakes, check operation forward Brakes, check operation of auto reverse system Check operation of park brake Check suspension and shock absorbers, check leaf springs, rubber units depending on fitment Check condition of tow coupling Check condition of stabiliser (if fitted) Lubricate all moving fittings, hinges, locks, screws etc. as appropriate Body general inspection Body general condition. If wooden, check for signs of rot or vermin attack. Steel tubes may require painting Mud guards, support legs, ramps and ancillary equipment for damage and operation Underside of trailer for cleanness and condition Front and rear doors for security and condition Lift up top for security, condition and operation of hold open devices Main deck floor for condition Roof and sides for condition and water tightness Glider internal fittings and fixtures for operation, security and condition Air ventilation grilles and vents First 100 Miles X X X Every 1000 Miles or Pre tow X X Every 2000 Miles or Annually X X Completed XX XX X XX X XX X X XX XX XX XX X X X XX XX XX X X X X XX X XX X X X X X X X AMP 4-10/Sep 02 BGA AMP Part 4, Leaflet 4-10, page 2 Miscellaneous equipment for condition and security Number plate for condition and correct! Required placards and notices Side and tail reflectors for condition Tow vehicle tow bar security and condition Tow vehicle lighting operation, warning light or buzzer and rear fog lamp cut off. Trailer security couplings and locks for condition, lubrication and operation. Remember to check the spare key! Cut the Grass in the trailer park X XX X X X X X A/R A/R AMP 4-10/Sep 02 BGA AMP Part 4, Leaflet 4-10, page 3