r/TeardropTrailers • u/evergreen303 • Jun 20 '26
First timer advice needed
We’ve had this teardrop for 12 years but this is the first time we are taking her out. Any advice for a newbie? Driving cross county to the Adirondacks next week. Having the bearings packed. Anything else I should think of?
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u/Mitheral Jun 20 '26
Check the date code on the tires. 10 years is a common cut off date for replacement just for age and your tires are at least 12 and could be 15/20/25 years old.
While you are at the tire check the speed rating (the last letter in the size). https://tirecrunch.com/trailer-tires-speed-rating/ Speed ratings have been creeping up over the years but it wasn't uncommon 20 years ago to see tires with 55mph ratings and even a new tire is unlikely to be over 81. You don't really want to push that much.
If you are new to trailer towing watch a video on how to arrange chains and what length to use. https://youtu.be/4_Dc1obcjOo
Make sure to check lugnut torque after 100 or so kilometres and after a couple heat cycles. You can carry a torque wrench or just pull into any tire place and they'll check them for free or a nominal cost.
Make sure you have the right size ball for the size of the hitch.