Car Hauler Trailer Maintenance Plan: Keep Your Trailer Road-Ready for Years

A car hauler is an investment, not just another piece of equipment. Take care of it, and it will work for you for years. Ignore basic maintenance, and you’ll eventually pay for it in breakdowns, uneven tire wear, or expensive repairs.

At Ibex Trailers in Waxahachie, we sell Texas-built LaCosta car haulers designed to last, but even the best trailer needs routine upkeep. Here’s a simple, real-world maintenance plan you can follow to protect your trailer and your wallet.

Before Every Trip

This takes five minutes and prevents most roadside problems.

Check tire pressure

Under-inflated tires run hot and wear out fast. Check them when the tires are cold and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

Look at your lug nuts

If you see shiny threads or movement, stop and tighten them.

Test your lights and brakes

Have someone watch the lights while you test brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. If the brakes feel weak or inconsistent, don’t ignore it.

Inspect the coupler and safety chains

Make sure the coupler is fully latched and the safety chains aren’t twisted or dragging.

Monthly

Grease the bearings

Wheel bearings are the most common failure point on any trailer. Fresh grease once a month for heavy use, or every couple months for light use, can save you from being stranded.

Check the wood deck

Look for cracks, soft spots, or loose boards. Tighten any loose fasteners before they become a problem.

Inspect tie-downs and D-rings

If a D-ring looks bent or loose, replace it. These are what keep your vehicle on the trailer.

Every 3 to 6 Months

Brake inspection

Pull a wheel and visually inspect the brake shoes, magnets, and wiring. If you hear grinding or notice weak braking, don’t wait.

Suspension check

Look at leaf springs, equalizers, and shackles. Any cracks, bent parts, or uneven wear should be addressed immediately.

Look over the wiring

Road vibration is hard on electrical connections. Secure any loose wires and replace brittle insulation.

Once a Year

Service the hubs completely

Pull the hubs, clean the bearings, replace seals, and repack with fresh grease. This one step can double the life of your axle components.

Re-seal or treat the wood deck

Texas heat and moisture eat untreated wood. Sealing the deck once a year helps prevent rot and warping.

Inspect the frame

Look closely at welds, crossmembers, and the tongue. Any cracks should be repaired before they spread.

Storage Tips

If the trailer will sit for a while:

• Store it on a hard surface, not dirt or grass

• Block the tires or slightly elevate the trailer to reduce flat-spotting

• Disconnect the wiring harness

• Cover the coupler to keep moisture out

Why This Matters

A well-maintained car hauler doesn’t just tow better. It holds resale value, avoids downtime, and keeps your vehicle safe every time you load it.

At Ibex Trailers, we see it all the time. The trailers that look almost new after years of use are the ones owned by people who stick to simple maintenance like this.

If you ever have questions about caring for your LaCosta car hauler, stop by our lot in Waxahachie or give us a call. We’d rather help you prevent a problem than fix one later.