Trailer maintenance

[super01]

Does anyone have advice on how to lubricate the slide in the tongue of the trailer? I have a Dorsey with a lot of corrosion in that area, which seems to be causing it to stick and grind loudly quite a bit as the brakes are actuated. Has anyone take theirs apart to do this?

[HS]

Is the noise from the brake actuator piston or the steel of the trailer frame? I'd think grease for the steel frame. The manufacturer might have some maintenance guidelines published.

[gdenkman]

I am not sure if Trailers by Dorsey is still in business. http://trailersbydorsey.com/
Does anyone know if another manufacturer is similar enough to be able to service or provide maintenance guidance. I have a Dorsey and I am thinking about servicing the brake actuator and fluid or at least have a shop in the know take a look at it.

[super01]

HS probably coming from the steel frame, I see a lot of rust in there. I agree some guidance would be useful, but gdenkman is right they are out of business. I'm hoping somone on the forum has done this? I will eventually just have to dive in and take it apart I suppose.

[HS]

I had the "clunking" on my old boat's trailer and it turned out to be the piston needed to be replaced.

maybe a good resource as they might share some similar characteristics https://caltrailerworks.com/online/home.php

[super01]

Thanks, it's a good start.

[ski4evr]

Not sure if Dorsey used UFP products or not, but here is what I have.A-60, Actuator Maintenance.pdfTrailer Brake Bleeding Procedure.pdf

[super01]

Thanks ski4evr, it might be the A-84. Could be as HS says the shock needs to be replaced.

[Rick]

I just replaced the shock on my A-60. It was about 40 bucks for parts. Since you have to disassemble the slide you can clean everything . You might also be hearing the grinding of the guide wheels. A good coating of Tri-flow might help. The UFP people are really helpful.

[super01]

I sprayed Tri-Flow into the actuator body, pins, guide bearings, etc. last night. It did free it up a bit, still a lot of corrosion in there but it should help. Next step is to tow it again and see if the shock needs to be replaced. Thanks to everyone for the guidance.

[HS]

Another symptom I saw when I realized the piston (or shock, I guess) had failed was the trailer "bucked" when I towed it empty: over small bumps the brakes would briefly engage. So there was excessive play in the part of the tongue that actuates the brakes and the new shock cleaned it right up.

[super01]

Hosing everything down with TriFlow seems to have done the trick. May do a new shock this winter since they are not expensive, we'll see.