How to Maintain a Trailer

Operating and storing a trailer through various weather conditions will eventually lead to wear and tear that can make operating it dangerous.  Perform these routine maintenance steps to keep your trailer at its optimal performance level.

Do a walk around inspection of your trailer each time you hitch it to a vehicle.  Check for visible damage to the walls, floor, tail lights, tires, and to the wiring harness.  Look under the trailer to see if there is anything hanging down that may drag the ground.  If the walls or floor of the trailer are made of wood, keep the wood treated to avoid rotting.  If you find rotten boards, replace them immediately.  If the majority of the trailer is metal, apply a fresh coat of paint at least once a year and touch up scratches or exposed metal to help prevent rust.

Check the wiring harness for breaks or brittle wires.  Replace any corroded wires or connectors and try to run them through a piece of conduit if possible.  Ask someone to assist you with checking brake lights and turn signals.  Replace any burned-out bulbs.  Verify that the license tag has an up-to-date renewal sticker and that the registration for the trailer is in the glove box of the vehicle which will tow it.

Inspect the trailer hitch and be sure the ball is attached tightly.  With the trailer attached to the hitch, test the connection by pulling up on it aggressively, but be careful not to strain your back.  The safety chains should be clean and rust-free and they should be attached each time the trailer is used.

Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in the trailer’s tires.  Do not load too much cargo onto the trailer as to exceed the recommended towing capacity.  If you are not sure about this limit, check the trailer manufacturer’s website for details or look in the owner’s manual if you have a copy.  Do these routine checks to ensure the safety of your cargo as well as everyone who will be traveling on the same road.