2025 Trailer Maintenance and Care: Best Practices for Keeping Your Trailer Running Smoothly
Maintaining your trailer is essential for ensuring its longevity, reliability, and safety. At Basic Trailers, we pride ourselves on building tough, durable trailers made for Australian conditions, but it is nevertheless important that you focus on keeping your trailer in excellent condition.
Following are some expert tips and best practices to keep your trailer running smoothly in 2025.
Regular inspections
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your trailer is by conducting regular inspections. Whenever you are about to put your trailer to work, take a few minutes to check for visible signs of wear and tear. Pay particular attention to:
• Tow coupling: Inspect the coupling mechanism for rust, cracks, or other damage.
• Tyres: Check for uneven wear, cracks, or punctures, and ensure the tyre pressure matches the manufacturer's specifications.
• Lights: Confirm that all tail lights, brake lights, and indicators are working correctly.
• Frame and body: Look for any signs of corrosion, dents, or structural issues that may compromise the trailer’s integrity.
Regular inspections can help you catch small issues before they require costly repairs.
Tow coupling
It’s important regularly to inspect the hitch to ensure that no parts have become loose. It can also be useful to apply some great to the inside of the tow coupling at regular intervals, as this will both reduce wear and make it easier to hitch and unhitch.
You should also check the electrical cables, as if they’re not stowed properly they can become frayed or damaged.
When you’re inspecting the tow coupling, you should also check that the tow ball on your vehicle is secure. It also pays to spray the electrical plug on your vehicle with WD40 in order to prevent rust developing.
Tyre maintenance
Your trailer’s tyres play a crucial role in its performance and safety. Proper tyre care includes:
• Inflation: Ensure tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased wear, while over-inflation may cause a bumpy ride and reduced traction.
• Rotation: Rotate the tyres periodically to ensure even wear, especially if you use your trailer frequently.
• Replacement: Replace tyres when the tread depth reaches 1.6mm or if you notice significant damage.
Lubrication
Keeping your trailer’s moving parts well-lubricated is vital for smooth operation. Grease the wheel bearings, hinges, and other mechanical components regularly to prevent rust and ensure optimal performance.
At Basic Trailers, we recommend using high-quality grease designed for trailers and following a regular lubrication schedule.
Brake system checks
It’s essential to keep the braking system in top condition. Regularly inspect the brake pads, drums, discs and brake cables for wear, and check for wear on the bearings and brake shoes.
It is a good idea to test the brakes before every trip to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Electrical system maintenance
The electrical system of your trailer is critical for ensuring safe travel. Inspect the wiring regularly for signs of wear, corrosion, or disconnection. Ensure the connectors are clean and securely attached. If you notice flickering lights or other electrical issues, address them promptly to avoid accidents.
Cleanliness and corrosion prevention
At Basic Trailers, all of our trailers are manufactured from 100% Australian RHS steel and checker plate, and then etched, primed and painted with industrial dark grey enamel. This is why they are so robust and able to withstand even the harshest road and worksite condition.
Nevertheless, if your trailer is left uncleaned for extended periods of time, this can result in a potentially damaging build up of dirt, debris and soluble salts. Therefore, it’s important to give your trailer a good hosing down and a scrub with a heavy brush at regular intervals.
Secure loading practices
Improper loading can lead to trailer damage and unsafe driving conditions. Therefore it’s important to always:
• Distribute weight evenly across the trailer.
• Secure the load with appropriate straps or restraints.
• Avoid exceeding the trailer’s maximum load capacity.
By following these loading best practices, you can reduce wear on your trailer and improve fuel efficiency.
The Basic Trailers Difference
At Basic Trailers, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, durable trailers designed to handle Australia’s demanding conditions. Whether you own a box trailer, tandem trailer, or custom-built model, our trailers are engineered for reliability and ease of maintenance.
For additional tips or trailer parts, visit us at www.basictrailers.com.au. Our team is here to help you make the most of your trailer and ensure it remains a dependable partner for years to come.
Don’t wait for a breakdown to start prioritising your trailer’s maintenance. Follow these best practices to keep your trailer running smoothly in 2025 and beyond with Basic Trailers—Adelaide’s trusted trailer experts.
