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Trailer differential problem -
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Charleslaf
Novice
Nov 9, 2015, 8:49 AM
Post #1 of 8
(1397 views)
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Trailer differential problem -
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Hi guys
I was just on the highway wih my trailer and suddenly the stick (differential?) Underneath he trailer blocked which caused both tires to lock. Driving a honda fit, it was a pretty scary experience.
So.
Im not car savvy. But I'm on the side of the highway wih a trailer that i can't move.
Any idea of a quick fix?
Pic attached.
Postimg.org/image/q1f52nqan
Cant figure link on the android.
Thanks a ton!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 9, 2015, 9:23 AM
Post #2 of 8
(1389 views)
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Re: Trailer differential problem -
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See if I can show pic direct.........
Pic will be large but needed for now.
This shows a creation from a vehicle's rear differential. If both wheels locked it likely is an anti slip differential most likely and a brake if they were not removed probably locked up on either side which should have been removed and can't see clearly on that. Even one frozen up on any of this type would cause problems big time.
You said you are stuck on side of the road so for now if brakes and drums are on this trailer you could try to remove them which probably will take more stuff than you have with you beating the heck out of drums to remove them at least.
Are you up to this at all or at this location? If not you probably have to have the trailer put on dolly from a tow truck to a shop or home to mess with and inspect.
That differential any type would still need gear oil in it. If a bearing froze up solid you might not have much warning being a trailer now of this or noises from the thing.
For later but really think about using a Honda Fit for a tow vehicle at all for more than the lightest brush trailer legally for short runs if that at all.
I'm somewhat live here for this but think a tow for trailer is in order so be ready for that. Your device can find help or if nothing off the top of my head call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) member or not they could help or should I would think?
Good luck,
Tom
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 9, 2015, 9:31 AM
Post #3 of 8
(1385 views)
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Re: Trailer differential problem -
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Why does a trailer have a differential at all?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 9, 2015, 9:50 AM
Post #4 of 8
(1378 views)
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Re: Trailer differential problem -
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They make kits to do this! Usually I see whole truck beds w rear wheels and a welded on tow bar. This stuff unless clearly unsafe is legal to use IMO and sell these fold up units for pennies that just a glance aren't safe at all.
BTW - re-look at the pic the diff is dry so about any failure of the diff is going to be fatal on the spot. Kinda looks like brakes were NOT taken off but hard to tell? T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 9, 2015, 10:01 AM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: Trailer differential problem -
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It's a pretty dumb idea. It's only a matter of time before the differential burns up like this one.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 9, 2015, 10:12 AM
Post #6 of 8
(1370 views)
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Re: Trailer differential problem -
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Would NOT be a first choice for me except a VERY well done whole truck trailer - you get suspension, lighting and a tailgate.
Someone gave me a kit trailer that bounced so bad it was useless unless full of rocks or wood for the dump and think I left the whole trailer there to get rid of it. They can flip on side, upside down when empty plus if tow bar is real short you "jack knife" the things backing up in one second.
Even this creation would need to be checked out like anything and maintained. If like many they sit over in some spot for ages so if a diff especially with brakes you know not operational so just rusted broken springs and crap if drum.
This person seemed in instant trouble and must have found some way to get it out of there. I would neither use that thing or that car to haul any trailer,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 9, 2015, 10:19 AM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: Trailer differential problem -
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The differential is designed for the pinion to drive the wheels, not the wheels driving the pinion. Even with grease it will inevitably fail.
It's like flat towing a car, you will burn it up.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 9, 2015, 11:01 AM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: Trailer differential problem -
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I can't speak for every differential. IMO most are spraying oil around with wheels on the ground. Owner's manual's state take driveshafts OUT for extended towing because transmissions don't get lubed by driveshaft. People haul cars all the time behind motor homes thousands of miles leaving driveshaft disconnected and bolted up to the side to seal trans and so it doesn't move or fall out.
This is NOT my choice at all and will never. If I want an axle I'll get just the axle and a hub and go from there or get rated DOT trailer. Jeez you'd think where I am they wouldn't allow you to even drive thru with this POS set up! No inspections where I am for trailers of the sort. YOU CAN GET A TICKET OR FORCED TOW IF LIGHTING ISN'T UP TO PAR!
T
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