Even if your trailer looks OK at first glance, it still needs routine maintenance to ensure it serves you well for as long as possible. Keep all the moving parts of your trailer in good operating order to protect your investment and ensure your safety, whether you’re just taking your boat to the lake or hauling it across the nation. Read on to find out what should be a part of routine servicing for your trailer and where to find reputable service providers.
Tire rotation, proper installation of trailer weights, and sway detection are just a few of the maintenance tasks necessary to keep your trailer in top shape. You should also consider yearly inspections to make sure your tires, lights and brakes are all in good condition. As part of your routine maintenance, you should inspect the hitch lock and any other parts attached to the hitch for signs of wear and damage. It may not be necessary to inspect your trailer every month if you invest in a modern model equipped with a system that can send you an alert whenever an issue is found. These systems provide peace of mind and keep your rig on the road. Reading the owner’s manual or speaking with an expert here at the shop is your best bet for figuring out what service is necessary or if there is a problem.
Be respectful of the fact that your trailer doubles as your workplace and home on the road. What if something unexpected happened, like a flat tire on the highway? Taking that risk is not a good idea. Plus, you can’t do anything about it if it isn’t working! When was the last time you took a peek under the hood or had your brakes checked? Stop by your neighborhood service center for some expert advice. They’ll aid in keeping things operating smoothly, which will save you both time and money. Have you kept track of when the last time your trailer was serviced was? It’s possible that you won’t learn of the existence of such things until it’s already too late.
Did you know that trailer lifespan can be cut by as much as 85% due to a lack of maintenance? Every time you use your trailer, dirt and debris will collect on the metal. If left unattended, this can lead to rusting and corrosion. Even worse, these trouble spots are not likely to become apparent during standard inspections. It becomes obvious, though, as soon as they begin to decay or break down. Bearings, ball joints, suspension springs, shocks, axles, and so on are just a few of the numerous moving parts in a trailer, and it’s easy to lose track of a few of them. If you have an older trailer without any of these features or safety features- then maintaining it is all the more important.