Important Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Trailer Moving
No one buys a trailer on a whim. Some of us need help hauling vehicles from ATVs to snowmobiles. Others want to complete chores around their property. More still need a trailer as a part of their business. The reason why you have a trailer matters less than this; we all need to keep our trailers on the road, and trailer maintenance will help you do just that. Sometimes, you’ll find yourself making a run for trailer parts while some maintenance can be completed from the comfort of your garage. Here are some tips that will keep your trailer — and yourself — working.
Simple Maintenance Saves Money
You can save yourself headaches and money by completing some basic trailer maintenance at home. Before you load up your trailer, there are a few things you should check.
- Make sure your brake and tail lights are operating properly.
- Check your tire pressure.
- Make sure your tires have plenty of tread.
This all may seem very basic, but a blowout or a flat on your trailer is even more dangerous than a blowout on your vehicle. Inoperable tail and brake lights make your trailer a hazard. These simple checks will help keep you and fellow motorists safe.
Brake Check – Stopping Power Matters
Any trailer over 3500 lbs needs to have its brakes checked annually. If you don’t regularly use your trailer, you may not need to check them as regularly but the fact remains: your brakes need attention.
To that end, the breakaway battery that will stop your trailer in an emergency is only good for a year and will need to be replaced. It may seem obvious when you discuss it, but it can be very easy to overlook when you’re going about whatever task you are completing with your trailer.
Structurally Sound – Rust, Nuts and Bolts
Once you’ve checked the basics and the brakes, you need to double-check the trailer itself. Make sure all of the nuts and bolts are still tight and haven’t shaken loose in transit. Check for rust spots and oxidation. This is especially important for trailer maintenance if you have an aluminum trailer.
If the protective plastic pieces have cracked and fallen off, the aluminum and steel from the axle will react. This can cause the axle to fall off, creating a gravelly dangerous situation.
No Need to Stop
Some maintenance is easy to tackle at home, but why go through the hassle when you can rely on the trusted techs at M&G Trailer? Our service department will ensure your trailer is in tip-top shape.
With a full stock of trailer parts, we can get your trailer back on the road in no time. If your trailer needs a repair or you are in the market for a new trailer, stop by today!