Maintenance, How-To's, and Resources
Trailer FAQs & How-To help
From hitch to hydraulics, we’ve laid out answers to the most common questions about trailer troubleshooting, maintenance, and parts.
Where can I get replacement parts?
The Texas Pride Parts department carries everything from solenoids and cylinders to lights, tires, and decals. And we ship anywhere in the U.S.
Where can I get service, repairs, or trailer upgrades?
Our Service Facility in Madisonville, Texas handles:
Why won’t my single hydraulic jack hold pressure?
- Check for leaks or loose fittings. Make repairs as necessary.
- This type of jack requires a minimum of 110–160 PSI of internal air pressure to function properly.
- Retract the jack completely, locate the air intake cap, and refill to proper PSI using an air compressor
Why are my hydraulic jacks leaking down?
- This is often due to air in the system or loose/crimped fittings. Check all lines and seals, then bleed the air from the jacks.
- A faulty PO (pilot-operated) check valve may also cause this. Contact Texas Pride Service department if the issue persists.
Why is hydraulic fluid spilling into my toolbox?
This typically indicates air is entering the hydraulic system. To resolve:
- Check hoses, fittings, and cylinders for leaks. Repair as needed.
- Confirm the emergency relief valve (brass knob on the DOWN valve) is fully closed (turn clockwise).
- Ensure batteries are charged—low voltage can force fluid out the breather cap as the cylinders drop by gravity.
- Bleed the air from the system by fully extending the cylinders, pausing, and retracting. Repeat this cycle until fluid no longer spills.
My hydraulic cylinders are stuck in the up position—how do I bring them down?
- Confirm the trailer batteries have enough voltage to power the pump down function.
- On the pump, identify the UP and DOWN valve coils:
— UP valve = red wire + ground (gray)
— DOWN valve = green wire + ground (gray) - Swap the red wire to the DOWN valve. Press the UP button on your remote to retract the cylinders.
- If that doesn’t work, remove the DOWN valve coil and check the internal filter screen for debris. Clean or replace as needed.
- If all else fails, carefully crack open the emergency pressure relief valve to allow air into the system and let the cylinders retract by gravity. Be aware this will cause fluid to spill from the reservoir.
For further help, contact Texas Pride’s Service department.
What if my gas-powered unit won’t start or isn’t functioning correctly?
- Confirm you have fuel in the tank and a charged battery.
- Check all wiring connections and ground points.
If the unit still won’t start, contact Texas Pride’s Service department for troubleshooting and support.
What should I do if a hub locks up?
- Remove the wheel, hub, and brake drum.
- Inspect the bearings and spindle. Damaged or dry bearings and seals can lock up the hub.
- Replace worn components. If the spindle is damaged, you may need to replace the axle.
For parts or help identifying replacements, contact the Texas Pride Parts Department.
What causes wheel hubs to overheat?
- Brake controller settings that are too aggressive, causing excessive wear and friction
- Insufficient lubrication in the wheel bearings or hubs
Follow your trailer’s owner’s manual for maintenance intervals. Use the rubber plug on axle caps to inspect and add grease as needed.
Why aren’t my electric brakes working with my truck?
- Disconnect the 7-way plug with the trailer still hitched.
- Pull the pin from the breakaway switch. The trailer brakes should engage and prevent the truck from moving forward.
- If the brakes engage, your issue may be a faulty in-cab brake controller or a blown fuse in the tow vehicle.
- If the brakes don’t engage, check for broken or loose wires leading to the brake hubs. If wiring is intact, diagnostics may be required; contact Texas Pride service.
I keep replacing my trailer batteries—what’s draining them?
Here are the most common culprits:
- Forgetting to turn off the trailer’s master switch when not in use
- Leaving the wireless remote system on (press the red button to shut it down)
- Accidentally pulling the breakaway switch pin (sends constant power to brakes)
- A short in the breakaway switch or wiring harness
- Improper or insufficient charging routine
Why are my battery terminals getting hot?
Common causes include:
- Loose or corroded terminal connections
- Operating the system under low voltage
- Damaged wiring or poor grounding
Make sure all battery terminals are tight, clean, and free of corrosion. Repair or replace any damaged wiring.
What kind of batteries does Texas Pride use?
Our trailers come equipped with either Group 24 or Group 27 deep-cycle marine batteries. Each battery has a sticker with its group type and cold cranking amps (CCA) rating.
How do I test my trailer’s batteries?
Using a voltmeter can give you a quick idea of battery voltage, but for a true reading of battery health, we recommend a professional load test to check storage capacity.
What’s the difference between single-acting and double-acting hydraulic pumps?
- Single-acting pumps operate with power-up and gravity-down (typically one front-mounted cylinder).
- Double-acting pumps operate under power in both the up and down functions (used with dual cylinders or hydraulic jacks).
Texas Pride installs an onboard inverter/charger in all trailers using pumps. Keep your batteries charged to ensure proper pump operation.
I hear a clicking noise, but my hydraulic pump isn’t working—what’s wrong?
- Make sure your batteries are charged.
- Check that ground wires from the pump and battery are tightly connected.
- A clicking sound without pump movement usually means the solenoid is faulty.
Replace with:
Part Number: 684-1261-212
Voltage: 12V / Continuous Amps: 150 / Surge Amps: 800
OEM: Trombetta / 4 Terminals / Plastic Housing
Replacement solenoids are available from the Texas Pride Parts Department.
My lift cylinder goes up but comes down on its own—what’s wrong?
This is often caused by air trapped in the hydraulic system. For trailers with a single telescopic cylinder, follow these steps:
- Confirm the emergency pressure relief valve is fully closed (push in and turn clockwise).
- Lower the cylinder to 4–6 inches above the base using the DOWN function on your remote.
- Slowly loosen the hex nut at the top of the cylinder to release trapped air. Once fluid escapes, tighten the nut.
- Inspect all hoses, fittings, and cylinders for leaks. If leaks are found, repair and repeat the bleeding process.
My telescopic cylinder shakes or vibrates during lift—should I be concerned?
Shaking during early use is normal and caused by the cylinder seals breaking in. After several full lift cycles, the vibration should subside. If it continues after multiple uses, contact Texas Pride service.
Why isn’t my wired (yellow) handheld remote working?
This is most commonly an issue with power or connection.
- Confirm the trailer battery is fully charged.
- Trace the yellow remote’s wire back to the pump and check the connection:
- Make sure the male and female connectors are correctly aligned.
- Hand-tighten the plastic collar at the connection point.
- Test both UP and DOWN buttons.
If the pump still won’t engage, the remote may be faulty. Contact the Texas Pride service department for help.
Why isn’t my wireless remote working on my roll-off trailer?
Start with the basics:
- Make sure the master switch is ON inside the trailer’s toolbox.
- Check the battery voltage—low power can keep the system from operating properly.
- Replace the batteries in your wireless remote.
If the remote still won’t operate the system:
- Open the toolbox and locate the Lodar wireless receiver.
- Press the UP button on your remote and look for flashing lights on the receiver. Flash patterns will indicate faults with your wireless system.
- If there’s a fault or no response, contact the Texas Pride service department.
Note: All roll-off trailers include a wired yellow remote for the pump and a wired black remote for the winch. Use these until your wireless system is operational.
What is covered under the Texas Pride warranty?
You can read the full policy and submit a claim directly online: Texas Pride Warranty Info & Claim Submission
My trailer lights aren’t working—what should I check?
- Make sure the 7-way plug is fully seated in the truck’s receptacle.
- Inspect the trailer’s wiring harness for loose, broken, or damaged wires.
- Check your truck’s fuse box for any blown fuses related to trailer lights.
- If the lights still don’t work, your 7-way plug may need to be replaced. Contact Texas Pride service for further assistance.
What kind of hydraulic fluid should I use in my trailer’s pump?
Texas Pride Trailers uses KTI hydraulic pumps. We recommend a premium hydraulic oil with anti-wear additives, rust and oxidation inhibitors, foam inhibitors, and good stability (ISO 32).
Approved fluids include:
- Chevron Rando HDZ
- Mobil DTE 10 or 20 series
- Amsoil
- Shell Tellus
- For gas-powered units: we specifically recommend Chevron Rando 32
DO NOT use biodegradable fluid.
DO NOT mix different oil types.
What should I do if I lose the key to my gas-powered hydraulic unit?
- The 13HP Honda gas unit has a manual pull-start you can use until the key is replaced. Replacement keys can be ordered through the Texas Pride Parts Department.
- The 26HP Honda gas unit requires a key to operate. Replacement keys are available through Texas Pride Parts Department or any Honda Powersports dealer.
Why aren’t my hydraulic brakes working with my truck?
- With the trailer still coupled to your truck, disconnect the 7-way plug.
- Locate the breakaway switch (driver’s side of the gooseneck or bumper pull).
- Remove the plunger pin.
- You should hear the hydraulic pump engage and the brakes lock.
- Attempt to pull forward—your trailer should resist movement.
- If brakes do not engage, reinsert the pin and proceed to bleed the hydraulic brake lines. Follow instructions in the Hydrastar Manual.
- After bleeding the brakes, test again. If issues persist, verify proper in-cab brake controller setup and contact Texas Pride service.
How long should I charge the trailer’s battery?
We recommend charging your trailer’s battery for at least 6–8 hours to maintain optimal performance. Charge time may vary depending on usage and how often the pump or winch is operated.
My dump bed won’t lift—what should I check?
Confirm your battery is fully charged. Low voltage reduces lifting power and can strain the system.
- Make sure you’re not exceeding the trailer’s maximum payload. Every Texas Pride Trailer has a sticker with the Maximum Amount of Cargo and tire pressure information. Your maximum payload capacity will be located on this sticker.
- Locate the emergency pressure relief valve (red knob on single acting pumps or a brass knob for double acting pumps) and make sure it’s fully closed. Push and rotate clockwise.
- If the bed still won’t lift, inspect your wired and wireless remotes to ensure they’re operating properly.
How do I pair or re-pair my wireless remote with my trailer?
If you’ve changed batteries or received a new wireless remote, you’ll need to re-pair it to your trailer’s receiver. All trailers with pumps or winches also come with a wired backup remote, so you can operate the trailer manually until your wireless system is working again.
Lodar Wireless System – Roll-Off Trailers
- Turn the master switch OFF on the trailer.
- Press and hold the RED and GREEN buttons on the remote until the LED starts flashing (about 10 seconds).
- Turn the master switch ON.
- Hold the GREEN button until the LED stays lit.
- Press RED, then GREEN, then YELLOW (UP).
The remote is now paired. If it doesn’t work, repeat the steps. If you are still having trouble, contact the Texas Pride service department.
Lodar Wireless System – Dump & Other Trailers
- Disconnect the RED wire from the wireless receiver at the battery.
- Press and hold the RED and GREEN buttons until the LED flashes (about 10 seconds).
- Reconnect the RED wire.
- Hold the GREEN button until the LED stays lit.
- Press RED, then GREEN, then YELLOW (UP).
The remote is now paired. If it doesn’t work, repeat the steps. If you are still having trouble, contact the Texas Pride service department.
KTI Bluetooth Wireless System – Dump Trailers
- Locate the PAIR/RESET button on your KTI receiver (which should be located inside the toolbox).
- Press and hold the button for 3–5 seconds, then release.
- Wait 2–3 seconds, then press the UP button on your wireless remote.
The remote is now paired. If it doesn’t work, repeat the steps. If you are still having trouble, contact the Texas Pride service department.
I keep replacing my trailer batteries—what’s draining them?
Why are my battery terminals getting hot?
What kind of batteries does Texas Pride use?
How do I test my trailer’s batteries?
How long should I charge the trailer’s battery?
What should I do if a hub locks up?
What causes wheel hubs to overheat?
Why aren’t my electric brakes working with my truck?
Why aren’t my hydraulic brakes working with my truck?
My trailer lights aren’t working—what should I check?
Why won’t my single hydraulic jack hold pressure?
Why are my hydraulic jacks leaking down?
What’s the difference between single-acting and double-acting hydraulic pumps?
I hear a clicking noise, but my hydraulic pump isn’t working—what’s wrong?
My lift cylinder goes up but comes down on its own—what’s wrong?
My telescopic cylinder shakes or vibrates during lift—should I be concerned?
My dump bed won’t lift—what should I check?
Why won’t my single hydraulic jack hold pressure?
Why are my hydraulic jacks leaking down?
Why is hydraulic fluid spilling into my toolbox?
What kind of hydraulic fluid should I use in my trailer’s pump?
My hydraulic cylinders are stuck in the up position—how do I bring them down?
What if my gas-powered unit won’t start or isn’t functioning correctly?
What should I do if I lose the key to my gas-powered hydraulic unit?
Why isn’t my wired (yellow) handheld remote working?
Why isn’t my wireless remote working on my roll-off trailer?
How do I pair or re-pair my wireless remote with my trailer?
Where can I get replacement parts?
Where can I get service, repairs, or trailer upgrades?
What is covered under the Texas Pride warranty?
Genuine Parts.
Peak Performance.
Keep your Texas Pride Trailer in top shape with authentic parts. Our genuine parts are precision-engineered to match factory standards, ensuring peak performance for years.
Built to last. Backed by warranty.
Texas Pride’s top-tier written warranties show our commitment to quality. You can trust that we stand behind every trailer we build, ensuring reliability and peace of mind for years to come.
