Going out for a road trip in your trailer sounds like an awesome way to spend the weekend or the vacation days. However, everything can become a nightmare in a few seconds if you haven’t performed regular maintenance on your trailer. We know trailers commonly spend most of the year parked without any kind of use, and that might make you think that they won’t require any upkeep, but things can’t be far from the truth.
Luckily, you can perform the maintenance and inspection of your tipper box trailer, camper trailer, or any kind of trailer that you have by yourself. You just need a little bit of confidence, watch some tutorials on YouTube (in case you don’t feel confident enough), and get down to business. So, whenever you’re doing upkeep to your trailer you should check this:
Tyre tread and pressure checks
If you’re an avid user of automobiles, then you must be aware of how important it’s to keep your tyres in good condition. Things would be the same for your trailer, its performance would be basically based on the tyres, so keeping them well maintained is a must. Also, if your trailer supports added weight, it will be normal that the tyres wear out faster. The first step would be to check the condition of the rubber, if you see cracks on the side, or if the tread wear indicator is showing, then it would be time to replace your wheels with new ones.
In case the tyre is in good condition, the thing you must keep an eye on is the tyre pressure. Don’t hesitate on following the user guide to know which would be the recommended pressure the tyres must have to ensure a safe ride.
Wheel hubs and bearings
After checking the tyre tread and pressure, the next step you must perform is to inspect the hubs, bearings, and axles. While this might sound like a difficult thing to do, it’s an easy inspection. First, jack the wheel off the ground and grab both sides of the wheel and wobble it to check if you get some movement, if you do so, then nip up the bearings.
Another way to check the bearings is to spin the wheel, if the wheel spins silently then everything is in order, nevertheless, if there is rumble then the bearings need a replacement. Also, check that the axle is straight, and sitting on the centre pin of the spring.
Trailer brakes and suspension system
Different types of brakes are regularly used on trailers, we have the electric magnet type, the hydraulic type brakes, and the mechanical override disc brakes type. Identify which one is the type of brake that your trailer uses and check them for adjustments. See if there is any wear and tear on the brake pads, If the hydraulic fluid levels are fine, etc.
Suspension components must be checked too; see if there are any shock absorber leaks, cracked leaves, or bushes perished or split.
Chassis inspection
To check the trailer chassis, you’ll need to get a little bit dirty and lay down on your back under your trailer. Inspect your chassis and the crossbars to see if everything is under control. If you see cracks in the welds or steel or if you notice any rust, then you need to perform a service to get the chassis and crossbar reinforced with new sections.
If you don’t feel qualified to solve any issue that might show with this part of your trailer, then take it to a car mechanic or any place where they can service your trailer without a problem.
All light and electrical components
Driving on a dark highway without proper illumination is a must, not only for your safety but for others too. Your lights can help you to avoid any accidents and you must keep your trailer’s lights working properly. Remember, if the brake and taillights of your trailer don’t work, then you can be credited for a fine.
Before going to the road, you must ensure that all your lights are working, and now that you’re doing upkeep of the light system, check any other electrical components as well.
And last but not least… the tow hitch:
This is a component that you must maintain too, and for doing so, you should lubricate it. Check you don’t have any wear on the part of the tow hitch. In case you have a normal ball amount, guarantee that all the moving parts can move freely and are all well lubricated.
After performing this check-up and servicing what requires upkeep, your trailer would be ready to put its wheels on the road. Don’t forget to do scheduled maintenance, so the next time you want to do a trip you don’t need to spend the previous evening doing maintenance to your trailer parts.
Social Profile