The Ultimate Trailer Maintenance Checklist for Long-Lasting Performance

Trailers are essential tools, and whether being used for transporting goods, equipment, or vehicles, ongoing maintenance is critical to ensuring both longevity and safety. A well-maintained trailer can last for years, saving time, money, and the stress of repairs or breakdowns.

At Basic Trailers in Adelaide, we understand the importance of maintaining your trailer to achieve optimal performance. A proactive approach to maintenance can make a world of difference, ensuring your trailer remains reliable for all your towing needs.

This blog outlines a comprehensive maintenance checklist that will keep your trailer in top shape.

1. Inspect and Maintain the Tyres

Tyres are the most critical contact point between your trailer and the road. Over time, they wear out, and improper maintenance can lead to blowouts or reduced towing efficiency.

• Check tyre pressure: Underinflated or overinflated tyres affect handling and fuel efficiency. Ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
• Monitor tread depth: Uneven or excessive tread wear indicates alignment issues or overloading. Ensure the tread depth remains above 1.6mm, the legal minimum in Australia.
• Inspect for cracks or bulges: Tyres can develop cracks or bulges due to wear, UV exposure, or age. Replace damaged tyres immediately.
• Rotation and alignment: Regular tyre rotation helps maintain even tread wear, extending the life of your tyres.

2. Check and Grease the Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings play a vital role in reducing friction between the wheel and the axle. Without regular maintenance, they can seize, leading to a costly breakdown.

• Grease the bearings: Regularly apply quality grease to the wheel bearings to prevent friction. Check your manual or consult Basic Trailers to determine how often your specific trailer requires lubrication.
• Inspect for wear: If you notice noise, vibrations or excessive heat coming from the wheels, it might be time to replace the bearings.

3. Examine the Suspension System

The suspension system ensures that your trailer remains stable when carrying loads. Poor suspension can lead to uneven towing, affecting both safety and comfort.

• Check for worn or broken parts: Look for any signs of wear, rust, or damage in the leaf springs or other suspension components.
• Inspect bushings: Rubber bushings can deteriorate over time, so replace them if they appear cracked or damaged.
• Test the trailer’s bounce: Push down on the trailer to test the suspension. If it doesn’t bounce back smoothly, the suspension may require attention so get in touch with Basic Trailers.

4. Ensure the Lights are Working Properly

Trailer lights are essential for safety on the road, helping other drivers know your intentions when braking, turning or reversing.

• Check the wiring: Ensure the electrical connections are secure and that there are no frayed or corroded wires.
• Test lights regularly: Test your brake lights, indicators, and reversing lights regularly. Repair or replace any faulty lights immediately.

5. Examine the Brakes

Just like the tyres, the braking system is vital for road safety. Over time, brake pads wear down, reducing their effectiveness.

• Inspect brake pads: Check the thickness of the brake pads and replace them if they are too thin.
• Test the brakes: Ensure the brakes engage smoothly without noise or jerking. If there is any issue, it might be time for servicing.
• Check brake fluid: In trailers equipped with hydraulic brakes, regularly check the brake fluid level and top it up if necessary.

6. Inspect the Trailer Coupling and Hitch

The trailer coupling and hitch are critical for connecting your trailer to the towing vehicle. Any issues here can result in dangerous detachment while driving.

• Grease the coupling mechanism: A well-greased coupling ensures smooth movement and prevents wear.
• Check for wear: Inspect the coupling, hitch and safety chains for rust, cracks or wear. Replace any compromised components immediately.
• Test the connection: Regularly test the connection between the trailer and the towing vehicle to ensure it is secure.

7. Examine the Trailer Frame and Body

The structural integrity of your trailer is key to its long-term durability and safe operation.

• Look for rust or corrosion: Check the frame, panels, and joints for signs of rust or corrosion. Sand away small spots of rust and apply a protective coating to prevent further damage.
• Tighten loose bolts: Vibration and movement can cause bolts to loosen over time. Regularly inspect and tighten any loose bolts or screws on the trailer.
• Inspect the flooring: Depending on your trailer's design, the flooring may be exposed to moisture and wear. Ensure it remains sturdy and free from rot or cracks.

8. Check the Trailer’s Load Capacity

Overloading your trailer can cause excessive wear on the tyres, suspension, and brakes. It also increases the risk of accidents.

• Know Your trailer’s limits: Every trailer has an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and a specific load capacity. Ensure you do not exceed these limits.
• Distribute the load evenly: Proper weight distribution improves towing stability. Place heavier items over the axle and secure all cargo with straps.

9. Maintain the Jockey Wheel

The jockey wheel and jack play essential roles when hitching and unhitching your trailer.

• Lubricate the jockey wheel: Regularly lubricate the jockey wheel to ensure smooth operation.

Talk to Basic Trailers about trailer maintenance

A well-maintained trailer represents an investment in safety, efficiency and longevity.

By following this trailer maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your trailer remains in peak condition for years to come.

Basic Trailers in Adelaide provides a range of high-quality trailers and accessories, and we are always here to assist you with expert advice and parts to keep your trailer performing at its best.

For more information on trailer maintenance or to explore our range of trailers, call Basic Trailers on 1300 770 770, or email info@basictrailers.com.au.