Your trailer is your livelihood. Whether you’re hauling equipment for work or gear for your next overland trek, it’s an investment worth protecting. Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your trailer but also helps you avoid costly repairs, unexpected downtime, and potential safety risks on the road.
In this guide, we share practical trailer maintenance tips to help you safely and effectively haul whatever you need for years to come.
Why Trailer Maintenance is Important
Your trailer should support you, not hold you back. Regular maintenance ensures it stays a powerful, reliable tool that operates safely and efficiently.
Below are just a few of the benefits of keeping up with trailer maintenance:
- Extend your trailer’s lifespan by preventing premature wear and tear
- Ensure that safety systems like breaks and lights are always functioning properly, protecting both you and everyone you’re sharing the road with
- Save money on costly repairs, downtime, and replacements
- Avoid potential legal penalties for issues like malfunctioning brake lights
Taking a proactive approach to trailer maintenance lets you harness these benefits for smooth, reliable hauling. But how do you know which areas to focus on? Let’s take a closer look.
Essential Trailer Maintenance Tips
Staying on top of even minor trailer maintenance tasks helps prevent breakdowns, reduce costly repairs, and ensure safety on the road. Here, we’ll tell you exactly what areas to focus on, so you can keep your trailer operating at its peak.
Monitor Tire Condition and Air Pressure
The condition of your trailer’s tires should be at the front of your mind before and after every trip. This is incredibly important for preventing blowouts, ensuring fuel efficiency, and keeping every haul as steady as possible.
Consider running a quick visual inspection before and after departure to check for cracks, bulges, uneven wear, or any other signs of damage. You’ll also want to keep an eye on tire pressure. You can use a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to easily keep tabs on your trailer’s tire pressure at a glance.
Clean Your Trailer Regularly
Keeping your trailer clean is about more than appearances alone. It also prevents rust, corrosion, and wear that could impact the integrity of your entire trailer. Consider giving your trailer a thorough wash at least once a year, or any time it gets especially dirty.
Below are some helpful tips for cleaning your trailer:
- Rinse before you scrub: Use a hose or pressure washer to remove dirt, mud, and debris before scrubbing anything, otherwise you might scratch the surface.
- Choose the right cleaning products: Select non-abrasive soaps or detergents designed specifically for trailers to avoid damaging the finish.
- Focus on key areas: Pay special attention to the wheel wells, undercarriage, and hinges, which are prone to rust and grime.
- Dry thoroughly: After washing, dry your trailer with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots and corrosion. For enclosed trailers, keep vents and doors open to air out any moisture inside.
Grease Trailer Hitches, Wheel Bearings, and Moving Parts
A little grease can go a long way when it comes to keeping your trailer in top shape. Apply grease to your trailer hitches, coupler, jack, and wheel bearings every 6 months to prevent rust, sticking, and wear. If it moves, slides, or pivots, it needs lubrication.
While grease doesn’t necessarily wear off, it can collect dirt and debris over time, which reduces its effectiveness. Inadequate lubrication can cause friction and damage to moving trailer parts, so be sure to apply enough fresh grease to purge the old dirt and keep things operating smoothly.
Test and Inspect Trailer Brakes
The condition of your trailer’s brakes could be the difference between a smooth stop and a dangerous situation. Before every trip, test the brakes to ensure they engage properly and provide enough stopping power.
It’s also a good idea to regularly check brake pads for signs of wear and replace them if needed. If your trailer uses electric brakes, check the wiring connections and brake controller settings to make sure everything is working properly.
Beyond routine self-checks, consider scheduling professional brake inspections every 6 months to stay ahead of potential issues. It’s much better to discover you have a brake problem in the shop than on the road.
Inspect the Suspension System
Your trailer’s suspension system is what keeps everything smooth and stable on the road. If it’s not functioning properly, it can throw off your balance and make hauling unsafe for both you and everyone you’re sharing the road with.
Make it a habit to visually inspect your suspension components for signs of wear or damage on a regular basis. Check that nothing is obstructing their movement and replace any worn or damaged parts to keep every ride as smooth and safe as possible.
Check Your Trailer Lights
Lights are some of the most important safety components for trailers, and when they aren’t working properly, this can be a safety hazard and even lead to legal trouble.
The last thing you want on your plate is to let faulty lights get you pulled over—so always test your tail, brake, and turn signal lights before every trip. Corrosion can also impact your trailer’s electrical wiring, so regularly check for frays or damage, and ensure all connections are secure.
If you find burnt-out bulbs, replace them or upgrade to LEDs for better visibility. Many trailers already come with DOT-approved LED lights, but it’s worth verifying with your manufacturer.
Schedule Annual Trailer Inspections
One of the smartest moves you can make for your trailer and your safety is scheduling an annual inspection with a professional. Whether you notice any problems or not, having an expert review it at least once a year can help you stay on top of any potential issues before they escalate into more costly ones.
Again, the best place to discover a safety issue is in the shop—not on the road. Make it a habit to schedule that yearly checkup to keep your trailer in top condition.
Shop Our Full Inventory of Towing Accessories and Trailers for Sale Online
Your trailer is your gateway to efficient work, memorable outdoor adventures, and everything in between—and regular maintenance is critical for keeping it functioning safely and efficiently.
Whether you need routine trailer maintenance or repair, our Campway’s Sacramento location, and Campway’s Martinez #2 location offer expert services to ensure it stays in peak condition. From towing accessories to the best trailers and parts, we have everything you need to hit the road with confidence.
Contact us online today or visit any one of our locations in Sacramento and Martinez to browse our selection in person!
