Checklist to Follow Before Driving with Your Trailer
Inspecting a trailer before you hit the road is an important process, which helps you catch issues before they become more severe. At True Value Trailers & Power Equipment, we created a checklist for you to follow when getting prepared for your next trip. This should help you out a lot, but if you are still looking for the perfect trailer, come view our selection of the latest models at our dealerships in Penrose and Florence, CO. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Pueblo.
Inspect Your Trailer
There are certain parts of your trailer that are going to require slightly closer inspection than others. For example, the tires should be properly inflated and balanced. Check for signs of excessive wear, and replace tires as needed. You’ll also want to make sure that the trailer frame is free of any cracks, bulges, and other signs of damage that may indicate a weak frame. The taillights, clearance lights, brake lights, directional signs, hazard lights, and reflectors should all be in working order.
A key step of your trailer inspection checklist is looking at the hitch, which is the connection point between your tow vehicle and your cargo. You'll want to inspect all moving parts and ensure everything moves easily. Brakes are also going to require some attention. Check to make sure the drums are in good condition.
Next, inspect your suspension to ensure there aren’t any major signs of damage or wear and tear. You’ll also want to clear the area of any obstructions you may notice and make sure air springs are properly pressurized. The deck should be clean and free of any loose items or debris that could jostle around and damage your cargo in transit.
Weight Distribution
After you’ve loaded your cargo, it’s time to check that it is spread evenly throughout the deck to create the lowest possible center of gravity. Your towing vehicle and trailer should have even weight distributions from the front to rear and left to right.
Follow a Maintenance Schedule
The best way to go about making sure that your trailer is in peak working condition is to set a maintenance schedule. This should include basic six-month checks that inspect all the most essential parts of the trailer as well as annual maintenance checks. These annual checks are a little more thorough and will include more in-depth top-to-bottom inspections. If you don’t have the skills or the time to do these inspections yourself, consider getting in touch with our service department.
We hope that this trailer inspection checklist helps you haul your cargo safely. True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose and Florence, Colorado, has many experienced technicians that are ready to help you with all your trailer maintenance concerns, whether it’s a routine checkup or a more complex repair. Contact us and let us know how we can help you get back to business. We welcome all those from Colorado Springs, so stop by today.