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Brakes
Do I need brakes on my trailer?
A good guideline is that a trailer must have brakes if the GVWR is above 3,000 lbs. However, laws pertaining to trailer brakes vary by state and province, and some laws require brakes below 3,000 lbs. Consult your local Motor Vehicle Department to determine the requirements for your region. It is a universal rule that any trailer used for commercial purposes must have brakes on all axles.
Do I need to adjust my brakes and, if so, how often?
The newest technology in drum style brakes is self-adjusting. Older model drum-style brakes need to be adjusted semi-annually at minimum and more often in high-use applications. Surge disc brakes do not need adjustments.
How do electric brakes work?
Electric brakes are activated by a magnet in the brake drum. The magnet is energized by an electronic brake controller in the tow vehicle. Newer tow vehicles typically have the brake controller installed in the dash, however aftermarket controllers are readily available. If you are wondering which magnet wire is positive and negative, the wires are interchangeable on the brake magnets and can be wired in either direction.
How do I measure the amperage or voltage to check my brakes?
Voltage can be measured at each wheel to determine if there is ample current.
How do I test my electric brakes?
Testing can be done by pulling the breakaway cable which will activate the brakes via the small battery usually located near the front of the trailer. This will test not only the service brakes but also the emergency brakes. To test the service brakes only, slide the thumb switch fully, which should apply full brakes to each applicable wheel with brakes; test while driving slowly in a vacant parking lot.
Is there a trouble shooting guide for electric brakes?
Refer to the axle manufacturer’s manual for troubleshooting guides. Click product support for manuals.
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Electrical
Can I upgrade incandescent lights to LED lights?
Select incandescent lights are available in LED versions. LED lights can be ordered from Triton Trailers dealers. Click here to find a dealer near you.
How do I trouble shoot a wiring problem with my trailer?
The first step is to isolate whether the problem is the tow vehicle or trailer. This can be done by hooking a different tow vehicle to the trailer and checking the operation of the lights. If the problem still exists, the issue is the trailer. It is best to inspect the plug first as problems can originate here due to the wires being strained in the plug. To determine if a light module is bad, exchange it with the opposite side of the trailer and observe if the same light does or does not work. -
Maintenance
How often should I check the lug nuts?
It is suggested to check lug nut torques on new trailers at 50 miles, at 200 miles, and every 500 to 1,000 miles thereafter.
How often should the bearings be maintained or greased?
Depending on the frequency and type of use, and if you have a watercraft trailer that is often in saltwater or freshwater, axles should be greased at least once or twice a year. Triton uses a Bearing-Lube grease system. Click here to refer to the axle manufacturer’s manuals.
How should I maintain trailer doors?
The following are general guidelines for maintaining your trailer doors. These guidelines are suggested by Triton Trailers for prolonged life of your trailer but are not guaranteed to do so nor do they serve as an extension of the warranty period. These guidelines are not all-encompassing and other care may be needed depending on the use of your specific trailer and the environment.- Lubricate door hinges and latches several times a year or as needed for ease of function. Man door hinges: use a spray white lithium grease or silicone. Ramp door hinges: use a lithium complex grease, NLGI #2
- Check door seals several times a year to verify that none are torn or damaged and replace as needed.
- Consider replacing seals or damaged parts to avoid possible further damage to the door or trailer.
- Be certain that all doors are properly latched and locked (if applicable) and all deadbolts are engaged when the trailer is in transit.
- Keeping doors clean will also help sealing and overall function. Don’t use abrasive cleaners; mild soap and water are recommended for cleaning.
Is there a parts breakdown for my trailer?
Click here for product support and refer to the Trailer Parts & Diagrams section.
What annual maintenance should be done on my trailer?
Refer to your Owner’s Manual for complete trailer maintenance and part maintenance (such as trailer actuators and brake readjustment) directions. The following are just a few maintenance tips that should be checked each time before towing your trailer.
- Be sure all parts, bolts, and nuts are tight.
- Secure the load to the trailer with tie downs.
- Check tire pressure while the tires are cold.
- Check and adjust wheel bearings if necessary after the first 50 miles of use.
- Inspect and repack wheel bearings as needed.
- Check that the bed locking pin is in place, for trailers with this feature.
- Do not exceed trailer capacity.
- Be sure all lights are operating and are disconnected before backing into water.
- Coupling ball: make sure you are using the size marked on the trailer coupling and that the coupling is securely latched to the ball.
- Cross the safety chains under the tongue and secure to the towing vehicle.
- Check brake operation.
What should I use to clean my Triton aluminum trailer?
You can use any type of aluminum polish or cleaner. For painted aluminum sheeting on enclosed trailers, any non-abrasive, mild automotive cleanser can be used (i.e. car wash soap). Aluma-Brite and Citra Brite are two brands used and recommended by dealers and owners.
What type of bearing grease should I use for my axle and where do I purchase it?
Axle grease should be a lithium-based marine grade grease. Details on axle grease can be found in the axle manufacturer’s manual. Grease can be ordered through a Triton dealer or purchased from an auto parts store.
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Miscellaneous
Can I buy trailers or parts directly from Triton?
Trailers and parts can be ordered through Triton Trailers dealers. We do not sell trailers or parts directly. Click here to find a dealer near you.
Is the warranty transferable if I trade or sell?The warranty is effective for the original owner only.
What is the GVWR of my trailer?The GVWR is listed on the trailer’s Manufacturer Statement of Origin as well as the VIN tag.
What is the Triton warranty?If you warranty register with Triton Trailers within 45 days of the purchase date of your trailer, you will have five (5) years of limited warranty coverage. If you do not warranty register with Triton Trailers within 45 days of purchase, you will only have one (1) year of limited warranty coverage. Trailers purchased prior to September 1, 2015 must follow the prior warranty guidelines.
Where can I purchase parts or accessories for my Triton trailer?Parts can be purchased from Triton Trailers dealers. We do not sell parts directly. Click here to find a dealer near you. Be sure to have your trailer model and VIN available.
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Safety and Loading
Do I need to tie down the back of my snowmobile or watercraft?
It is important that your cargo is always secured when towing. All recreational vehicles should be tied down at the front and at the rear.
How much tongue weight should I have? How do I calculate it?
It is recommended that 7-10% of the total weight (weight of the trailer plus weight of the cargo on the trailer) be on the tongue. For example, if the gross weight of the trailer and cargo is 2,000 lbs, then the tongue weight should not be less than 140 lbs and should not be greater than 200 lbs.
Safety and Towing Tips
For a step by step guide to towing and towing safety, view our Safety and Towing Tips article.
What is the correct height for the hitch ball?
The hitch ball on your tow vehicle should be 17″-21″ off the ground at the centerline of the ball.
What is the GVWR of my trailer?
The GVWR is listed on the trailer’s Manufacturer Statement of Origin as well as the VIN tag.
What size hitch ball is needed for my trailer?
Refer to the trailer coupler. It will indicate the ball diameter needed and the weight rating of the coupler. The weight rating of the hitch ball should be equal to or greater than the GVWR of your trailer.
What size trailer can my vehicle tow?
Refer to your tow vehicle’s owner manual to identify the specifications for towing.
Why does my trailer seem to fishtail or sway?
Fishtailing is usually caused by improper tongue weight on the tow vehicle hitch ball. Fishtailing can cause the tow vehicle to lose control and result in serious injury or property damage. You will need to adjust the tongue weight to correct this problem. Make sure the tow vehicle can handle the extra weight. -
Tires
How do I determine if my tires are wearing correctly?
Please refer to the trailer tire wear diagnostic chart located in the axle manufacturer’s manual to diagnose improper tire wear. Click product support to find manuals.
How often should I check the air pressure of the tires?
Check the tire air pressure each time you tow the trailer. Trailer tires can lose air at the same rate as car tires, which can be up to about 1 PSI per week minimum.
How often should I check the lug nuts?
It is suggested to check lug nut torques on new trailers at 50 miles, at 200 miles, and every 500 to 1,000 miles thereafter.
What is the difference in a P tire versus an ST tire?
A “P” tire is for passenger car use where as an “ST” (Specialty Trailer) tire is designed for use on trailers. An “LT” reference on a tire means Light Truck.
What is the proper air pressure for my tires?
All trailer tires should be inflated to the recommended PSI listed on the Tire Data Label on your trailer and or the specification stamped on the side of the respective tire. The total weight capacity of the tire, as listed, is based on the tire being inflated to that tire pressure. Please also check the sidewalls of your tires for the max PSI rating and load rating.
What is the proper way to tighten lug nuts?
Always tighten in a “star” pattern. Tighten one nut, then move across to the next and next until all are tight.
What should I do if I have an issue or problem with my tires?
Tires have their own warranty from the manufacturer. Please contact the tire manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer’s name and phone number should be found on the tire wall itself.
What torque spec should lug nuts be tightened to?
Please torque in a 3 step process. First, torque all lug nuts to 20-25 lbs. Second, torque all lug nuts to 50-60 lbs. Third, torque all lug nuts to 95-100 lbs. The recommended torque is 95-100 lbs for lugs on aluminum rims. Please refer to the axle manufacturer’s manual to get the exact spec. -
VIN & MSO
Can I get a duplicate VIN sticker or Certificate of Origin (also referred to as MSO)?
To obtain a duplicate VIN or MSO, you must have a title containing your trailer’s VIN or a bill of sale containing your trailer’s VIN. You can submit your request and documentation by emailing us at accounting@tritontrailers.com. Or, you may contact a Triton dealer or factory representative near you to submit your request and documentation. Click here to locate a dealer or factory representative near you. There is a charge for a duplicate VIN or MSO and credit card payments are accepted.
What is a Certificate of Origin or MSO?
A Certificate of Origin (C.O.) or Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) is similar to a Certificate of Title issued by your local DMV. A vehicle manufacturer issues a C.O. to the original purchasing dealer. The dealer endorses it to the new vehicle owner who then submits it to the local DMV upon vehicle registration. Sometimes the dealer will handle this transaction. The local DMV then issues a Certificate of Title or some other ownership document to the new vehicle purchaser.
What is a VIN?
A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code used by the automotive industry to identify individual vehicles.
Where is the VIN located on my trailer?
The VIN label is located on the driver’s side tongue or side rail. The VIN has 17 characters.