INSPECTION, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
10.2.1.13 Gooseneck Ball Receiver
The gooseneck receiver on the trailer connects to a hitch-mounted ball on the towing vehicle.
The receiver, ball and hitch transfer the towing forces between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Before each tow, coat the ball with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease to reduce wear and
ensure proper operation; and check the locking device that secures the receiver to the ball for
proper operation.
See the gooseneck ball receiver manufacturer’s manual for other inspection and maintenance
activities. If you do not have a manual for the receiver, contact your dealer for assistance.
receiver, immediately have your dealer inspect them to determine the proper action to prevent
possible failure of the ball and receiver system.
When replacing a ball, the load rating must match or exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
LANDING LEG OR JACK
Grease the gears in the top of hand-cranked jacks once a year, by removing the top of the jack
and pumping or hand packing grease into the gears.
LIGHTS AND SIGNALS
Before each tow, check the trailer taillights, stoplights, turn signals and any clearance lights for
proper operation.
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WARNING
To avoid risk of collisions, all lights must work.
WHEEL RIMS
If the trailer has been struck, or impacted, on or near the wheels, or if the trailer has struck a
Inspect the wheels for damage every year, even if no obvious impact has occurred.
TIRES
Trailer tires may be worn out even though they still have plenty of tread left. This is because trailer
tires have to carry a lot of weight all of the time, even when not in use. It is actually better for
the tire to be rolling down the road than to be idle. During use, the tire releases lubricants that
Before each tow, check the tire pressure to make sure it is at the level indicated on the tire
sidewall or VIN label. Tire pressure must be checked while the tire is cold. Do not check tire
pressure immediately after towing the trailer. Allow at least three hours for the tires to cool, if
the trailer has been towed for as much as one mile.
Tires can lose air over a period of time. In fact, tires can lose 1-3 psi per month. This is because
molecules of air, under pressure, weave their way from the inside of the tire, through the rubber
to the outside. A drop in tire pressure could cause excessive heat build up. If the tire is under-in-