The simple Ifor Williams trailer has become the mainstay of farms that raise livestock up and down the country. However, its hard-wearing galvanised body can frequently confuse owners into thinking everything is perfect.
If you intend to drive a machine out on the roads, every component needs to be in functioning order, including brakes, mudguards, and lights.
The current rate:
TA510 (12ft)
Cattle-only £4,000
Including sheep deck £4,950
DP120 (12ft)
Cattle-only £4,250
Including sheep deck £5,150
If you’re caught with an unsound trailer, it is likely to be addressed by means of a ban or fixed penalty notice or either.
The final result is that bad maintenance is likely to result in you losing points and money, however the consequences can be more severe when the trailer has been involved in an accident.
An annual check-up is the most effective way to ensure that your cattle and sheep boxes in good shape If you’re operating an Ifor that is less than 10 years old, it could cost as little as £135.
The older models will cost you some extra dollars due to the fact that the wheel bearings can take longer to come off however, a trailer that is in a poor state will be unable to pay a repair cost of over £400.
If you’d prefer to do your maintenance in-house, just a few checks could ensure your equipment stays within the bounds of the law. We’ve selected 10 areas that could be troublesome:
- Secondary brake cable
The coupling for the secondary brake cable is required to be installed and connected.
As important as important, it has to be looped around one of the eyelets on the frame, not wrapping around the ball since if the bolts that hold the ball break, the entire thing will be released.
It’s a bargain, and it’s likely to be worth having an extra inside the pickup in case it breaks during taking off.
Cost of replacement cost: £6 Penalty for a replacement: £50
- Bolts
The four bolts that secure the hitch assembly need to be tightly pinched.
If you sense a little some slop between the assembly as well as the A-frame, when you attempt to put the head of the hitch onto the ball towing it, the hitch needs to be tightened up.
In addition, the head should be able to turn without causing any bumps and turns in the roadway.
- Gas Ram
The most vital parts in the truck is the gas ram that is installed inside the head of the hitch.
It’s made to ensure an easy and smooth operation of the brakes on the trailer as the vehicle towing slows and cushioned any sharp movements.
If the damping ram’s function has failed , then you’ll quickly hear the sledgehammer-like noise of your trailer banging against its brakes every time you apply the brakes.
It’s usually due to the brakes not being adjusted properly however, the shaking can eventually break the tow bar and place additional strain on the brakes of the pickup, too.
To lessen the chance for this to happen ensure that both grease nibbles that are on both sides of the unit are subjected with a little lubrication at least once each year. If they cannot move freely into and out, then the brakes for the trailer will not function effectively.
If the vehicle is partially sequestered it means that the brakes will take a long time to release and engage.
An excellent test is to use the trailer handbrake and then reverse the towing vehicle to the left a couple of inches back – the strut was designed to handle 3.5t and should be able to return the vehicle back to its original position after the clutch has been depressed.
Cost of replacement cost: £50 The penalty: £100 and 3 points
- Handbrake
The handbrake is a second easy-to-check component.
The spring helps ensure that the brakes are locked in when it is used, so if you move the arm upwards, and it slides back down then the spring needs replacement.
When the arm is engaged, it should rest at a 45deg angle . should it point towards the sky, it has to be adjusted or the brakes should be changed.
For a test for a test, the handbrake must suffice to stop the vehicle towing it if it pulls away without throttle.
Cost of replacement cost: £55; Penalties £100 plus 3 points
- Hitch assembly
In the event that two to three components in the hitch system wear out, it may be more sensible to replace all of them.
A new version has locks (£20) and a hitting head (£75) brake rod (£50) draw tube (£50) however, it does not include the jockey wheel.
Cost of replacement cost: £350
- Balance bar
A rod in the hitch assembly regulates the brake cable that runs from the A-frame in front up to the balance bar to the frame.
Then, the separate stainless steel cables that are sprung are redirected to the wheel hubs , where they are used to operate the brake shoes.
Balance bar as well as the rockers must be positioned in a straight line to the cables. If they don’t, then there’s a possibility that the brakes will not be working evenly.
While you’re there, it’s worth inspecting whether the cable is in good condition.
Even though they are concealed within steel sleeves that have an outer coating of plastic that they are covered in, they may rub against the chassis, and suffer from water infiltration, which could eventually cause them to rust and to seize.
Cost of replacement to a brake cable: £16 Fine: £100 plus 3 points
- Brake shoes
The brakes aren’t able to adjust automatically and it’s the responsibility of the user to adjust the brakes every now and then. The majority of twin-axle trailers are equipped with brake shoes of 10 inches However, for tri-axle models, they’re typically eight inches.
Like you’d expect, smaller shoes get chewed out faster, and they’ll need to be replaced at least every three years, if they are used frequently. As a contrast the brake lining on twin-axle models is much more likely to break off and wear out.
Cost of replacement for an axle: £65; Cost of penalty: £100 plus 3 points
- Leaf spring
The bush and bolt connecting the leaf spring and it’s chassis forms the principal anchor point, and must be in good condition.
The bolt must pass through the middle of the bush. If it doesn’t, the bush is damaged and the poor fitting will eventually result in the bolt breaking.
Check for marks on the chassis which will tell you if the bolt was shifting.
Cost of new replacement £7.50 each
- Lights
The lighting system must be functional and should be fitted with reflectors and a number plate which must be placed not more than 40cm away from the point that is the farthest from the trailer.
The majority of replacement rear lights for Ifor Williams trailers will come with mounts made of rubber and fly leads included as standard. However, for the same price, there are LED versions available.
They are less prone to damage due to road vibrations and offer a more precise lighting.
They are a sealed unit. This will increase their lifespan, however, it is also a sign that the whole unit will require replacing in the event that the lens cracks.
The majority of lighting problems are caused by corrosion around the plug. Therefore, make sure you check first.
Cost of replacement Cost of a replacement: £20-30 for each light cluster The penalty is £50 for refractive or light service, £50 for lack of rear number plate lighting, £100 for no rear number plate.
- Tyres
The tires should have at minimum 1mm tread , and should not have any cuts or bulges. The rims of 12 inches on DP trailers are able to run at a pressure of 95psi. This means that the weak spots are easily spotted out.
The taller 16-inchers are found on TA boxes are rated at 68psi.
If you notice that only half the tyre is worn, there’s a high chance it’s bent, and needs replacement.
Cost of replacement cost: £75-80 per tyre. Cost of penalty: £200 and 3 points