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Trailer Maintenance Tips

Why Trailer Maintenance is Critical

Regular trailer maintenance keeps your equipment safe, reliable, and road-ready. A few small checks and adjustments can prevent major repairs, protect your investment, and extend the life of your trailer.

Trailer Maintenance Checklist

Tires and Wheels

Inspect Tire Pressure - Check tire pressure before every trip. Underinflated tires can cause blowouts and reduce handling.
Check Tread Depth - Look for uneven wear, bald spots, or cracks. Replace tires if needed — trailer tires often age out before they wear out.
Tighten Lug Nuts - Re-torque wheel lug nuts regularly, especially after tire changes or long trips.

Brakes & Bearings

Test Trailer Brakes - Use your brake controller to confirm that electric or surge brakes are functioning correctly.
Inspect Brake Pads/Shoes - Check for wear and replace them as needed.
Repack Wheel Bearings - Grease wheel bearings at least once a year or every 12,000 miles to avoid bearing failure.

Lights & Wiring

Check Trailer Lights - Test brake lights, turn signals, and running lights before every trip.
Inspect Wiring Harness - Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or corrosion. Repair damaged wires immediately.
Protect Electrical Connections - Use dielectric grease in plug connections to prevent moisture buildup and corrosion.

Hitch Coupler, and Safety Chains

Inspect the Coupler - Make sure it latches securely to the hitch ball and isn’t cracked, rusted, or bent.
Lubricate the Coupler Mechanism - Apply grease to moving parts of the coupler and ball for easier locking and less wear.
Check Safety Chains - Ensure chains are in good condition (no kinks, cracks, or excessive rust) and properly crossed under the coupler.

Suspension and Frame

Inspect Suspension Parts - Check leaf springs, shackles, bolts, and equalizers for signs of wear or cracks. Replace worn parts immediately.
Check Axles and Mounts - Make sure axles are securely mounted and show no unusual bending or rust damage.
Inspect Frame and Welds - Look for cracks, rust, or deformation along the trailer frame and at weld points.

Trailer Deck and Body

Maintain Wood Decks - Seal wood trailer decks annually with a water-resistant sealant to prevent rot.
Inspect Metal Decks - Look for rust spots, dents, or cracks on steel or aluminum decks.
Clean Trailer Regularly - Wash the trailer to remove salt, dirt, and grime, especially after winter or coastal trips.

Doors, Ramps, and Accessories

Inspect Hinges and Latches - Lubricate door hinges, ramp springs, and locking mechanisms regularly.
Check Ramp Operation - Make sure ramp doors or loading ramps open, close, and lock properly without binding.
Test Stabilizer Jacks - Verify that stabilizer or tongue jacks operate smoothly and are free from rust or damage.

Roof, Seals, and Weatherproofing

Inspect Roof Seams - Check the roof and corner seams for cracks or gaps.
Maintain Weather Seals - Replace worn or cracked door seals and roof gaskets to keep water out.
Touch Up Paint or Coatings - Repair scratches in paint or powder coating to prevent rust from spreading.

Seasonal Trailer Maintenance Tips

Before Winter Storage
Clean and dry the trailer thoroughly.
Inflate tires to proper pressure.
Disconnect the battery if the trailer has one.
Cover or store indoors if possible.
Spring/Summer Preparation
Recheck brakes, bearings, lights, and seals.
Inspect tires for weather cracking or dry rot.
Test battery systems and breakaway switch operation.

Final Trailer Maintenance Reminders

A little maintenance now prevents expensive repairs later. Always inspect your trailer before trips, service it regularly, and fix small issues before they turn into major problems.

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