Fall is a season where many people are looking to get the most out of their trailers. Naturally, this necessitates that owners take great care of their trailers so that they can continue to function at peak performance through the season.
Michael Snow- CEO of TrailersPlus- recognizes that routinely examining your trailer is the best way to prevent damage that would otherwise effect both its safety and efficiency. He maintains that- while checking for issues may appear daunting to new trailer owners- steps are made easy through available resources and assistance from professionals in the space.
Here, Michael Snow explores a few maintenance tips for trailer owners this fall.
Check Tires
Trailer owners should always check their tires as any issues can negatively impact both the efficiency and safety of the trailer while towing. Tires should be filled to the maximum inflation designated on the sidewall of the trailer. As the weather cools, is a great idea to check your pressure as cold can influence your tire pressure significantly.
One common way that trailer owners check their tires when doing maintenance is by running a gloved hand over them. This helps to check for punctures, damage, or stuck on items that could harm your tires when you start moving. The tread will impact how well your trailer performs as well. If you use your trailer often, you will want to consider using a tread gauge to ensure that it is in good condition.
Lubricate Parts Regularly
Lubricating trailer parts regularly is a crucial part of trailer maintenance. Reason being moving parts create friction, and proper lubrication reduces friction and ensuing wear and tear that can lead to part failure if you are not careful.
When applying grease to a trailer you want to ensure that you are using the correct type and applying it correctly. For example, you will need a lighter, more oily lubricant for parts such as door and gate hinges, but wheel bearings and other sealed components will need axle and bearing lubricant applied from a grease gun.
One of the biggest reasons for lubricating your trailer parts is that new grease needs to be applied to help purge the old grease. This is because debris can stick to grease and make it less effective over time. In months such as summer and fall it is important to lubricate to purge this old dirt and keep your trailer functioning properly.
Inspect Your Suspension
Checking your suspension is an important step in trailer maintenance because all suspension types can get dirt, gravel, tar, salt, and grime stuck to them. When inspection suspension, you want to ensure that there is not anything touching or interfering with its movement. It is also great practice to check for rust, cracks, or any damage that may negatively impact your suspensions’ function.
While there are some routine fixes that trailer owners can perform without any difficulties, it is always best to bring your trailer into a professional if you notice any issues with suspension. These components are under tension, and it can be easy to get injured by unwinding trailer suspension parts on your own. Professionals have an idea of how the suspension systems work as well as the tools to repair them safely and efficiently.
Don’t Forget the Lights
It is dangerous to tow a trailer that does not have working lights, and owners should periodically check to be sure that brake lights, taillights, and turn signals are in working order. Issues with lights can cause collisions on the road and are a common reason for traffic stops.
With trailer lights, owners always want to be vigilant about preventing corrosion, which can be caused by road salt and debris that harm electrical connections.
Most of the time, light issues are because of a dead bulb or lamp, but the issue may be with the wiring if that is not the case. By checking the wiring for a dirty or loose connection, many light problems can be solved easily with a bit of patience.
Remember that corrosion can spread throughout a trailer and drastically reduce its lifespan. Regular checks are the most efficient way to prevent this issue.
Inspecting trailer lights helps keep roads safe
Keep an Eye on the Brakes
Malfunctioning brakes on a trailer can be a recipe for disaster. Owners will always want to ensure that brakes are in working order- meaning that no brake fluid is leaking, and the brake pads are in good condition. Not only are functioning brakes required by law, but they also are crucial for safety on the road and while performing tasks.
Simple maintenance with brakes can go a long way for your trailer. Checking for wear, stuck parts, corrosion, and optimal functionality will increase the lifespan of your brakes and help prevent common issues. Many experts recommend giving trailer brakes a check every few trips, but getting it serviced once or twice a year is also an important step for efficiency.
Getting professional assistance is also crucial if owners notice any issues with their brakes. This is because trailer brakes are more complicated than they appear and require specialized knowledge and tools to service correctly.
Clean Your Trailer!
It can be easy to put off cleaning your trailer but keeping your trailer in good shape is one of the foundational steps for proper maintenance. After hauling messy cargo, a good sweep and rinse can prevent debris from getting into places that can harm essential parts.
For deep cleans, mild soaps can do a great job getting messes off your trailer. Naturally, you will want to choose a cleaning product that is best for your trailer’s material. For example, aluminum trailers can be cleaned with aluminum trailer cleaning products that are formulated to clean the body without damaging it.
In areas where cold winter weather is approaching, it is always a good idea to remember the damage that salt can do to the body of a trailer and its electrical system. Washing the trailer frequently can help rinse off salt as well as other debris.
Stay Vigilant with Maintenance This Fall
Michael Snow of TrailersPlus acknowledges that owners should always be on the lookout for any issues that seem to get worse over time. Some of the most common reasons that owners bring trailers in for repairs are unusual noises, difficulty breaking, bouncy or bumpy rides, and noticeable damage to essential parts.
For any season where your trailer is getting a lot of use, stay vigilant regarding maintenance. Bringing your trailer in for maintenance or repairs keeps it in optimal working condition while keeping you and others on the road safe!
