The Importance of Routine Trailer Maintenance
Unfortunately, a trailer in distress on the roadside is an all-to-familiar sight. For the person hauling this load, several things are happening all at once:
- Someone’s plan was ruined unexpectedly. Perhaps a work crew is waiting for the cargo, or a supply chain connection was broken. It definitely ruined someone’s day.
- For a period, the trailer and cargo are vulnerable to traffic and occupants, doubly so if the trailer is left unattended.
- Obviously, a repair needs to be made. However, repairing a trailer alongside the road is usually much more expensive than repairing it in the local shop.
Many of these unfortunate situations could be avoided by proper trailer maintenance. Most drivers are familiar with vehicle maintenance but are less familiar with trailer maintenance, so let’s change that.
When a trailer is attached to a towing vehicle it becomes an extension of that vehicle. The driver becomes responsible for the trailer and the cargo. Towing requires special care whether moving in a straight line or making turns, but especially while backing up. Hauling a trailer might cause angst, but a well-maintained trailer shows that you.
- Value safety above all, for your driving team and everyone on the road. Mechanical failures usually happen while the vehicle is at a high rate of speed surrounded by other vehicles going just as fast. These are very dangerous situations for mishaps to happen.
- Wish to protect your investment in people, vehicles, trailers, and cargo.
- Welcome the peace of mind that comes from doing everything possible to ensure safe towing trips.
Trailer Maintenance cannot guarantee an accident or failure will not happen, but it will prevent avoidable safety mishaps.
What kind of maintenance do trailers need and how often is it necessary?
- Always start with the manufacturer’s recommendations if available. No one knows the product better and is more aware of problems that develop. Compliance with specific maintenance guidelines might be required for the trailer’s warranty.
- The Department of Transportation requires a comprehensive trailer inspection annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This includes an inspection of the brakes, wheel bearings, lights, and wiring. These are crucial safety components on trailers. The hitch structure must also be inspected for safe opening and locking.
- Inspections should not end with annual mandatory inspections but should include a walk-around visual inspection preceding each trip. These visual inspections become more important during extreme weather or wet road conditions.
A few components deserve special attention; inspect them often and complete Trailer Maintenance as required:
- Moving parts usually need to be lubricated. Look for grease zerks on and under trailers. Smaller trailers may have zerks to accommodate greasing the wheel bearings. Bearings need to be lubed every 6 months or 6,000 miles to prevent friction and bearing failure.
- Hydraulic lifts on trailers require a specific grade of hydraulic fluid and should be inspected often to identify wear or fluid leaks. The manufacturer’s guidelines will specify the correct fluid.
- The trailer may include a battery to operate components. The battery may receive a trickle charge while the trailer is connected to the towing vehicle while underway. If the battery needs a further charge, a charger should be pre-wired to ensure adequate charge. These batteries require maintenance and replacement just like the battery of the towing vehicle.
Trust the Trailer Maintenance Experts
Trailer Wheel and Frame knows that each trailer has a unique trailer maintenance schedule. Call us today at 281-931-7777 and let our trailer experts assist with creating a custom Trailer Maintenance schedule to keep you on the road doing what you do best.
