slack adjusters, brake cams, suspension bushings, clutch release system, universal joints,
and the 5th-wheel/gooseneck.
When applying grease through a zerk,
make sure both the gun tip and fitting are
clean; apply enough new grease to force out
the old. If it doesn't get flushed out, check for
damage; if the fitting seems clogged, replace
it. Then remove any excess grease once you're
done.
If you're towing with a fifth wheel, check
the layer of grease on the hitch to make sure
it's not too thin or old. It's important to have
good lubrication here to minimize damage
and undo wear. After cleaning off the dirty old
grease, apply a fresh bead of the correct type
of grease with a back-and-forth motion, putting a heavier coat on the back section.
Another area of importance is the trailerlight wiring. It can be a pain to postpone towing your work trailer or getting ticketed for
having faulty trailer lights. We've found that
quick-and-easy, snap-type connectors are
neither as secure nor corrosion-resistant as
the Western Union type. This type is a simple,
yet very strong splice.
Protect splices with shrink tubing or
Permatex's Liquid Electrical Tape, a weatherproof coating that can be applied in tight
areas where roll-tape can't reach. Speaking of
trailering, we heard about an odd experience
involving an HVAC contractor who regularly
tows his work trailer from Reno to Winnemucca, Nevada.
After extending the exhaust pipe on his
Ford Super Duty beyond the rear edge of his
utility bed, he had a recurring problem of
one particular trailer tire going flat. What he
discovered was the heat of the regen cycle for
the DPF was cooking the rubber on that tire.
Keep that in mind when doing any non-factory mods, especially around hot exhaust tips.
With hot weather here make sure the
antifreeze is a 50/50 mix. Even though straight
water is one of the most efficient liquids for
heat transfer (for this reason, many racecars
use 100-percent H20), you still need antifreeze/coolant to prevent corrosion and raise
the boiling point. Landscapers working long
areas in rugged terrain would certainly appreciate a suspension that minimizes the bumps.
While summer is already locked in, it
doesn't hurt to think a few months ahead
about ways to extend your work season well
EXCEED THE DISTANCE.
MADE IN THE USA
• Reinforced floors
• Fully weather sealed
• Anti-theft locking T-handles
• Angled contour design
• No-drill "J" hook installations
• Made in the USA
Increase Your Driving Range With an In-bed
Fuel Tank System From Transfer Flow!
You'll go further than you ever thought possible when
you install a Transfer Flow fuel tank system on your
pickup! For a FREE catalog, call 1-800-442-0056,
or visit our website at www.transferflow.com.
The Leader in Aftermarket Fuel Tank Systems.
1-800-442-0056 • (530) 893-5209
www.transferflow.com
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA
Text INFO to 205-289-3781
or visit www.ppmrequest.com
LARGER REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS • IN-BED FUEL TANKS • TOOLBOX AND FUEL TANK COMBOS
Text INFO to 205-289-3781 or visit www.ppmrequest.com
12 PROPICKUP August 2013
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