04/12/2023
The most common question I get asked is "How much is a service and what does it cover?" so I thought I should put this post together 😊
A standard service on, for example, a HB511 / 506, currently costs £85 (Dec 2023) plus any parts should you need any (no vat to add!). However, with the exception of things like light bulbs, I never fit anything without getting your prior permission. On that subject, light bulbs are one thing I'm extortionate on....they're £1 each! I promise that all my other prices are much more reasonable 😁😁
I come to your trailer but that means fuel can add up....therefore, I add a fuel surcharge after a certain distance / time. So, a service on a HB511 etc at Dumfries, for example, will see £10 added to the standard charge making it £95.
So, what does that service include? Below is a brief run down but there really is too many things that I go over to list everything 🙈
1. I usually start by removing all 4 road wheels and the spare to inspect the tyres and ensure they're inflated correctly. (I carry tyres and have the fitting equipment on board if you need them).
2. I then remove all 4 brake drums and visually check the brakes (the photo on this post shows what is suprisingly common to find at this stage). At this stage I check that the brakes are balanced indicating if the system is correctly adjusted.
3. The brakes, assuming they're good to re-use, are then stripped and blown free of dirt and debris using compressed air (face mask at the ready!). All parts being re-used are lubricated as necessary including the auto-reverse mechanisms (dismantled, lubricated, re-assembled).
4. The brake cables are checked for smooth, free operation throughout their operating range and a visual inspection to ensure no damage.
5. The hitch is then checked for correct operation and lubricated including the jockey wheel and it's clamp bolt. Incidentally, I carry new bearings for inside the jockey wheel to reinvigorate those that have become very stiff to turn.
6. The brakes are rebuilt and checked for correct operation.
7. The brake drums are refitted, the hub nuts torqued up and the wheel bearings checked for smooth operation without excess play. Note: the Ifor hub nuts are meant to be single use so may need changing at £5 ea if they can't be rotated to find fresh material for them to be staked on.
8. The brakes are then adjusted, their operation checked and the hub nuts staked. The hub caps are then fitted.
9. While the wheels are off, the floor is inspected from the underside as is the chassis, suspension, etc including springs, bushes, bump stops, etc. Nothing is left uninspected!
10. The wheels, including the spare, are refitted and the wheel bolts / nuts are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
11. The body work and ramps are inspected including the ramp hinges (very late HB505's and early HB506 / 511's have particular issues with their front ramp hinges - I regularly have to replace these during the service).
12. During the bodywork phase I ensure the breast bar quick release screws are free and fit for purpose and I ensure the breast bars are fitted the correct way around. I often give demonstrations to customers of the breast bars as it can appear not important....BUT IT IS!
13. Once every mechanical part of the trailer has been checked, inspected, adjusted I test the lights / electrical system. Any minor repairs are carried out including new plugs, bulbs, lens etc but if it requires a rewire (including partial) a separate charge may be incurred. I have arrived at trailers to find all the wiring ripped out and the customer suprised that a complete rewire isn't included in the service price!!
I frequently have to cable tie wires up to prevent them getting damaged....prevention is better than cure! 😁
I hope the above gives an idea of what your £85 covers but I have missed some details just because I can only type so much! Lynch pin chains onto breast / rump bars springs to mind 😁😁 I have also simplyfied things or I could've gone on all night.
If you're lucky enough to have a tri-axle horse trailer then the standard charge goes up to £95 to cover the extra time they take.
I aim to carry all parts that could be needed on the van to avoid return visits. I accept something will always catch me out but I ask that if you're aware of anything while booking in that you tell me so I can double check.
To finish.....if you use a 13 pin to 7 pin adaptor and get problems with your lights replace the adaptor before anything else! I regularly hear "but it's a new adaptor" as I plug it into my van's test system, without it, to find all the lights work perfectly 🙈🙈
