You rely on your trailer for a wide range of projects and there’s a good chance you’ve got a reliable model that runs just as smoothly today as when you first bought it. The only way this will continue to be true is if you put in the right amount of maintenance ahead of time.
Taking care of your trailer is just as important as taking care of any other vehicle you may own, so to help you out, Trailer Source has provided a guide to some basic trailer upkeep that you’ll want to know about. You can also contact us about our servicing department when it’s time to get an expert’s opinion on your trailer. Our service department is available for appointments so contact us today! We proudly serve Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
First things first, before performing any fixes or checks to your trailer, you must review your owner’s manual, potentially for both the trailer and the axles, when applicable. We can provide you with some general tips that should apply to most trailer makes and models, but the only place you’re going to find specific tips for your product is the owner’s manual. You’ll find maintenance tips and warnings, and sometimes suggested products and even a servicing log.
Keep it Clean
One of the easiest, simplest ways you can avoid problems with your trailer is to keep it clean. This not only makes it look better, but it can help remove the kind of grit and grime that can wear down certain mechanical and electrical parts and finishes. If your trailer comes into contact with corrosive materials—like the salt you’ll find near the sea or de-icing products—then washing your trailer will be particularly important if you don’t want these materials to wear it down.
Warm water and a gentle detergent on a soft rag should do the trick. Make sure you get every nook and cranny, not just the deck.
Tire Checks
The next easy but important area to visit is your tires. Trailer tires in particular can wear down a lot faster than car tires, so the more you use them, the more diligently you’ll want to check them. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time traveling at high speeds. Make sure the tires are inflated properly, as recommended by the manufacturer, and that they’re free of damage and excessive wear and tear.
Before Each Trip
On top of your tires, there are other maintenance checks you’ll want to perform before each trip. Doing so days or even a week or longer ahead of time can give you time to fix any problems you may encounter. These checks should include:
- Testing the brakes
- Testing the lights
- Testing the breakaway switch and battery
- Tightening loose lugnuts
- Inspecting the trailer for damage
- Ensuring the weight of the cargo is properly distributed
Servicing Your Trailer
Your trailer will likely need additional servicing from a professional. No matter how skilled you are, there are likely some things you don’t have the expertise or the tools to fix. It can also be helpful to get a second opinion from a trained professional.
That’s where the Trailer Source service department comes in. Once every six months, you’ll want to contact us about getting your trailer in for a servicing appointment. Our technicians can take a closer look at the brakes and frame, along with other more technical parts, to ensure they’re still working properly and that your trailer continues to work safely and efficiently.
Is it time to visit our service department? Contact Trailer Source at one of our five locations and let one of our staff members set up an appointment with one of our trained technicians so we can get you back on the road in no time. We’re happy to help all those from Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado, so ask us today what we can do for you!
