Introduction
Enclosed to flatbed, utility to dump, trailers are uniquely versatile pieces of equipment. From moving houses and cars, to hauling production equipment for blockbuster movies, there’s no limit to what can be accomplished with them. That being said, while people focus on the benefits of owning or renting one, few know what it’s like to maintain and keep up a trailer. Routine maintenance is necessary for safe towing and can actually extend the trailer's lifespan. This guide will explore the most important parts to maintain as well as what to look for and a few tips on easy methods to ensure safety and reliability.
Why Trailer Maintenance Matters
Routine maintenance is critical for trailer safety, reliability, and long-term efficiency. A well-maintained trailer reduces risks like tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, and electrical issues, which are common causes of accidents. Regular maintenance also allows the owner to catch these smaller issues before they turn into major repairs. A flat tire turns into a damaged rim which can turn into a bent axle. This goes from a quick 30 minute repair to an all day several thousand dollar repair job. To make sure your trailer is ready for your next trip see towing long distances.
Key Maintenance Areas to Focus On
Regularly inspecting and maintaining critical areas of your trailer keeps it safe and ready for the road. Here’s a checklist of essential tasks:
- Tires: Tires are the part of the trailer that is in contact with the road. Their condition directly affects the trailer’s stability and safety. Tire pressure and tread depth should be checked at regular intervals and before and after each trip. Tires can fluctuate with different temperatures and weights that are put on them so always having a consistent pressure is crucial to maintain. Tread depth will wear over time like any other tire but it is crucial for helping the trailer grip the road and operating safely. Each trailer and tire have different recommended pressures and depth so it is important to understand your trailer’s requirements. Tires showing signs of cracking, wear, or rotting should be replaced promptly to prevent blowouts and maintain a stable ride.
- Brakes: Brakes are vital for stopping power and overall control when towing. Regularly inspect brake backing plates and the braking system, replacing worn components to keep them effective. A well maintained braking system ensures you’re able to stop smoothly and safely, even with heavy loads or when hauling through inclement weather. To check brakes, you can use a brake checker or use your truck/towing vehicle to understand sensitivity and make sure they are working properly.
- Lighting and Electrical System: Functional lighting is critical for visibility and safety for both you and other drivers on the road. Regularly check all lights, including brake, indicator, and running lights, to ensure they’re operational. Inspect wiring for signs of corrosion or damage, and replace faulty bulbs or wires to maintain safety. Trailer Lights should be tested before EVERY trip to ensure they operate correctly and in sync with the function of the trailer. When you plug your trailer into your truck you can easily test your lights by pressing the brake, turning each signal, flipping the lights on. Make sure each set of lights work and you are ready to go!
- Hitch, Coupler, Jack, Chains, and Breakaway Cable: The hitch and coupler connect the trailer to the towing vehicle, so they must be secure and free from wear or rust. The jack helps lift the trailer off the ground so the trailer can be secured onto the towing vehicle. The chains and the breakaway cable are vital to keep the trailer attached and prevent it from rolling away in the event that it does become disconnected. To maintain these, make sure there is no severe rust build up on any of these parts. You can also crank the jack up and down a few inches to ensure it works. Both the chains and the breakaway cable should be free from creases, holes, or other impeding wear and tear that could inhibit them.
- Axles, Bearings, and Suspension: Axles, bearings, and suspension components play key roles in trailer stability and smooth performance. Axles should have a very slight bend to them upon visual inspection and should rotate symmetrically. Leaf springs and ubolts should be examined often as they wear out over time. There should be enough metal to where the bolt is able to sit comfortably without being too close to the edge. Shackles should be maintained and changed if the leaf spring bolt tears through the side. This can also be an indication of excessive weight or improper axle alignment.
Wheels should be regularly greased and kept from rubbing in order to maintain smoothness and prevent instability.
- Frame and Undercarriage:The frame and undercarriage are prone to rust and corrosion, especially in harsh conditions. Apply a protective coating to prevent rust from compromising structural integrity. Regularly inspect these parts and clean them as needed to protect the trailer’s longevity and prevent expensive structural repairs.
Easy Fixes for Common Trailer Issues
Many trailer issues can be resolved with simple fixes that are accessible to most owners. Here’s how to handle some of the most frequent problems:
- Flat Tires: Flat tires can be quickly addressed by carrying a spare tire and the necessary tools, like a jack and tire iron or impact gun. Regularly check your spare tire’s pressure and condition like one of the tires in use so it’s ready in case of emergency. For minor punctures, you can use a tire repair kit as a temporary solution until a full replacement is possible or necessary.
- Jack the trailer up on the side of the flat tire by placing the jack under the framing closest to the flat tire. Make sure the tire can spin fully while jacked up in order to have easy access.
- Take your tire iron or impact gun with correct size socket (typically 21 or 22) and loosen lugs on flat tire. Proceed to take off the flat tire.
- Place the spare tire on the wheel and bolt the lugs on the new tire
- Once the new tire is secure, slowly release the jack until the trailer is on all four tires again.
- Place the flat in/on the trailer until you are able to properly dispose of it.
- Brake Issues: Brake problems are common, especially with frequent use or heavy loads. For basic issues like squeaking or reduced effectiveness, check the brake backing for wear and replace them as needed. Regular brake maintenance can prevent more serious issues, such as brake failure.
- Gather Tools: Have a jack, lug wrench, socket wrench set, new brake pads (if replacement is necessary), and brake fluid on hand.
- Jack Up the Trailer: Position the jack under the trailer’s frame near the wheel you’re inspecting, lifting it until the wheel can spin freely. Make sure the trailer is stable and secure.
- Remove the Wheel: Use the lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts, then take off the wheel to access the brake components.
- Inspect Brake Pads: Check the thickness of the brake pads. If they’re worn down (less than ¼ inch thick), they need replacing. Also, inspect for any cracks or uneven wear on the pads.
- Replace Brake Backing if Needed: Remove the old brake backing with a socket wrench, and place the new pads in their position. Secure them with the provided bolts or clips.
- Reassemble the Wheel: Place the wheel back on and secure the lug nuts tightly. Lower the jack slowly until the trailer is back on the ground.
- Test Brakes: Before towing, test the brakes by slowly rolling the trailer forward to ensure they engage properly. Listen for any unusual sounds.
- Lighting Problems: Faulty lights are a frequent issue, often due to blown bulbs or corroded wiring. Keep spare bulbs and fuses on hand for quick replacements, and check electrical connections regularly to catch corrosion early. In some cases, applying dielectric grease to electrical connections can help prevent corrosion and ensure consistent lighting.
- Gather Tools and Supplies: Keep spare bulbs, a fuse kit, a screwdriver, and a multimeter on hand for troubleshooting.
- Test the Lights: Turn on the vehicle and test all trailer lights, including brake lights, indicators, and running lights, to identify any non-working bulbs.
- Replace Faulty Bulbs: Use a screwdriver to remove the light cover, then gently twist out the old bulb and replace it with a new one. Test the light again to ensure it works.
- Check Electrical Connections: Inspect the wiring near the faulty light for any corrosion or damage. If connections are dirty or corroded, gently clean them with a small brush or cloth.
- Apply Dielectric Grease: Add a small amount of dielectric grease to the connections to prevent future corrosion and improve the connection.
- Test and Replace Fuses: If lights still don’t work, use the multimeter to check for blown fuses in the fuse box on your vehicle. Replace any faulty fuses with new ones of the same amperage.
- Final Test: Once all repairs are done, turn on the lights again to confirm everything is functional before towing.
- Rust on Frame or Hitch: Rust can weaken the trailer’s frame, hitch, or coupling, making them less secure. For small rust spots, you can use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the rust and then apply a rust-resistant primer or paint to protect the metal. Regularly cleaning and protecting these parts prevents rust from spreading and keeps the trailer’s structure strong.
- Gather Supplies: Have a wire brush, sandpaper, rust-resistant primer, protective gloves, and paint on hand for this job.
- Identify Rusted Areas: Examine the frame, hitch, and coupling for any visible rust spots. Mark these areas for treatment.
- Clean the Surface: Use a wire brush to scrub the rust off. For tougher spots, use sandpaper to remove any remaining corrosion until you see clean metal. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Apply Rust-Resistant Primer: After removing the rust, wipe down the area with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris. Apply a layer of rust-resistant primer to the exposed metal, allowing it to dry fully according to the instructions.
- Paint Over the Treated Area: Once the primer is dry, apply a coat of rust-resistant paint for added protection. This helps seal the metal from moisture and prevents future rust.
- Regularly Inspect: Make it a habit to check these areas frequently for signs of rust to catch new spots early. A little prevention will help maintain the trailer’s structural strength.
Self-Maintenance Tips for Reliable Trailer Care
Self-maintenance allows you to stay on top of your trailer’s condition, identifying small issues before they become costly problems. In the long run, regular self maintenance will help you identify areas to look out for before each trip and will keep you safe on the road. Here are a few steps to proper maintenance:
- Create a Routine Checklist: Establish a routine checklist for regular inspections. Checking tire pressure, lighting, hitch security, and brake pad condition can be done in a few minutes and makes a big difference over time. At the same time, you can also quickly check axle condition, leaf springs, ubolts, shackles by making sure everything looks secure and nothing seems to be bent or broken.
- Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts: Keep all moving parts, such as hinges, latches, jack, any doors on the trailer, and the hitch coupler, clean and well-lubricated. Use a trailer-friendly lubricant to reduce friction, prevent rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular lubrication also reduces wear and extends the lifespan of these parts.
- Wash and Protect the Frame: Regularly washing the trailer’s frame and undercarriage helps remove debris, road salt, and other contaminants that can cause rust. A simple wash will be sufficient most of the time, however it is recommended every 6 months a thorough deep clean is necessary. After washing, you can apply a rust resistant coating to help keep the trailer in good condition.
- Check for Loose Bolts and Connections: Regularly inspect bolts and connections on the suspension, axles, and hitch. Tightening loose bolts can prevent larger structural issues, which keeps your trailer stable on the road. For added security, apply a small amount of thread-locking compound to bolts that tend to loosen over time.
- Test and Replace Electrical Components Routinely test all lights and electrical connections to ensure they’re functional. Keep a few spare bulbs and fuses in your toolkit for quick replacements. Make sure to disconnect all electrical connections before you start working/replacing wires.
Conclusion
Regular trailer inspections and maintenance routines provides an easy way to maintain your trailer’s safety. By using this guide and additional resources, you can protect your trailer, preventing dangerous breakdowns, and provide peace of mind for every haul. Well maintained trailers not only perform smoother but also require fewer more expensive repairs over their lifetime. A well maintained trailer can operate nearly twice as long as a neglected one.
Routine preventative maintenance is more cost and time efficient than major repairs during trips. Not only are you paying for your trailer repair, these situations often are dangerous and can cause serious injury. Whatever you use your trailer for, turning the maintenance into a regular habits will be very beneficial both short and long term for reliability and longevity.
No matter your level of trailer ownership, you can start with basic maintenance tasks and work your way to more advanced procedures later on. You will not only build a very valuable skill, you will also get to know your trailer and what to look out for each time you take it out. It is always beneficial to get a second opinion, so do not be afraid to take it to a shop occasionally for professional care.
For more information on trailer ownership, rentals, maintenance, and more, please visit bigrentals.com. You can check out our other blogs to stay informed on what’s going on in the equipment industry.