Tips for Trailer Service and Repair
A little proactive trailer service and maintenance can go a long way in keeping your rig running smoothly and out of the mechanic's shop. While there are some steps best left to a professional, there are still plenty of steps that you can handle yourself. Below we cover some useful tips for servicing your trailer. If you have any questions or need to bring your trailer to a service department, get in touch with the experts at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. You’ll find us in Penrose and Florence, Colorado.
Read the Manual
Remember that it’s best to review the owner’s manual properly before you begin any maintenance task. While generalized tips work for most trailers, there may be specific information about your model in the manual that you should be aware of. This could include recommended products, a trailer service schedule, and anything else that might only apply to your model.
Tires
No matter what trailer you have, make sure to inspect your tires before every trip. Look for any signs of damage or poor tire pressure. To measure the exact psi levels and adjust as needed, you can use a tire pressure gauge. To know the recommendations, check your owner’s manual. Of course, at some point, you’ll probably just need to replace a damaged tire or a tread that’s worn out too much.
Deck
For the most part, your trailer deck needs to be cleaned, no matter what kind of material it’s made of. However, depending on the building materials and how often you use it, you might want to take extra precautions against what the elements can do to your trailer. If you have a metal deck, it will need to be tended to if you notice oxidation. Inspecting the deck frequently will help you stay on top of problems and avoid any serious damage.
Inspection
Take a little extra time before each trip to ensure that your trailer is operating properly since this can keep you and other commuters safe. Check that your brakes and lights are functioning well. The breakaway switch, battery, and the lug nuts should all be in good working condition. Ensure the load weight is spread evenly in the trailer, as uneven weight distribution leads to problems with towing. You can damage a new model by not loading the cargo properly so always double-check this. You can invest in a weight-distribution hitch that automatically levels out the trailer. You will want to perform regular inspections to increase the chance of catching trailer service issues before they snowball into larger problems.
Problems of Disuse
Sometimes problems can creep up if your trailer has been sitting in disuse for several months. If your rig is going to spend a significant amount of time in storage, you may want to take it out for a drive every two or three months. A quick ride with your trailer will help ensure all the parts get the exercise they need. This will help prevent problems and malfunctions that are caused by disuse.
Regular Trailer Service
While you’ll be able to handle some of the problems your trailer faces, you’ll eventually need a trained technician’s help. They’ll be able to provide a more thorough check of all the various parts of your trailer. You’ll definitely want to do this at least once a year, but we recommend once every six months. Remember that this isn’t just a safety issue. Poor performance can affect longevity and efficiency, so definitely don’t put this off.
We hope you found this guide to trailer service and repair helpful! If you've uncovered an issue with your rig, contact our service department at one of our dealership locations in Penrose or Florence, CO. The experts at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment can get your trailer repaired and back on the road in no time. We invite all our friends from Pueblo and Colorado Springs to visit our dealership today!