How to Ensure Your Trailer Stays in Good Shape

Keeping your trailer in good shape is important for two huge reasons: first, keeping it in good condition helps lengthen its operating life. Second, it will be safer for you to use.

In this article, we’ll talk about some ways to ensure your trailer stays in good shape.

1.   Keep It Clean

Your trailer may be needed in some dirty and unpleasant work. However, that doesn’t mean you ditch cleaning it.

If you’re using a cage trailer, tipper trailer, or any heavy-duty trailer for hauling garbage, you must clean it regularly. Hose it down and scrub with a heavy brush.

For cage and box trailers, store them with the front turned so no water can pool and cause erosion and other damages.

2.   Check the Brakes

As with any other vehicle, check your brakes regularly. It doesn’t only guarantee your vehicle is working fine; it also keeps you safe.

Check your brake cables for wear and tear. Look for damages or scratches on the bearings and brake shoes.

You can replace brake pads quickly, and they’re inexpensive. A rule of thumb: when in doubt, make the switch.

Remember the danger of faulty brakes -- they increase the chance of accidents.

3.   Grease Well

Once dirt and dust particles accumulate into your vehicle’s moving parts, you may suffer friction and damages.

Keep your trailer parts greased and keep the axles and joints moving smoothly. It’s a good idea to make lubrication a part of your maintenance routine before any long trip.

4.   Inflate Tires

Overinflating tires may be good or bad depending on who’s talking. However, here’s for sure: underinflating your tires will have negative effects on your vehicle, not to mention your fuel usage.

It’s best to adhere to your fleet’s regulations (if any) when it comes to how much you must inflate beyond the minimum. Never let them run flat and check them regularly, too.

It also helps to check government regulations for safety standards.

5.   Light Up Properly

Check all the lights of your trailer and make sure they work properly.

For instance, you can check if the brake lights come on once you step on the brakes. Check the indicators and make sure they’re in sync. Ensure the hazard lights work well.

Further, see if the number plate light is operational. The taillights should illuminate the license plate sufficiently.

6.   Check the Wiring

If the lights don’t work even when the bulbs are new, check the wire connection. They may be dirty and in need of thorough cleaning.

Check, too, if you have loose wiring connections on your hand. You can tighten or crimp the wires.

7.   Inspect the Trailer’s Air System

Before you haul, you should also inspect the trailer’s air system. Check the:

• Hoses
• Compressor
• Gauges
• Valves

And other related parts. Check for contamination, as it can disrupt airflow to the brakes and suspension system.

If you find any part of the system that needs repair, do it right away or contact someone who can fix it.

8.   Inspect the Interior

Don’t forget to include the interior of the vehicle in your regular checklist.

Search for cracks, dents, or holes, which are some obvious damages. Watch for broken supports, too, as they can lead to greater damage as time goes by.

Keeping Your Trailer in Shape

It is easy to guess or trust your instinct when it comes to maintaining your trailer. But that rarely pays off.

What’s more important is to adopt a little bit of prevention now so you won’t have to worry in the future. Take time before each trip to check your trailer and keep it in shape.

If you do find some serious damage or some parts that need repair or replacement, do not hesitate or put it off for some other time. You’ll be saving yourself from a lot of trouble down the road.