The items you carry or in the trailer are between you, the talking angel and/or devil sitting on your shoulders, and your bank account, but the way these goods are delivered is closely related to other people on the road. If the trailer is not properly maintained, it will pose a danger to the driver, any passengers and all drivers in the surrounding area. 

This is why it is important to adhere to a regular towing service schedule, just like you would a car. Although the trailer does not have a complex power system that requires continuous monitoring, it still requires the efforts of the owner. The trailer should be checked every time it is used. There are several parts that require frequent or semi-frequent attention.

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The easiest way to keep all your service and inspection needs in order is to use a checklist, so the guide and gear editor has compiled a reference guide to help you. Take a look below.

Use these tips to keep your trailer in good condition and easily drive on the road.

Typical average service frequency: check each trip

Make sure that the coupling itself is in a good, clean condition, and there is no slack from top to bottom or from left to right. Make sure that the latch stays in place when in use and lock it with a split pin. Don't forget to connect the chain to the auxiliary coupling. 

Typical average frequency of use: Inflate before each trip, replace when the tread is worn or the sidewall is broken

Check the air pressure in the tires before each trip and refuel if necessary. When you are at the sight level of the lug nut, check the tire with gloved hands for damage, punctures, or items stuck in the tire. If you use a trailer frequently, use a quarter or tread gauge to check the tread. If your itinerary is more dispersed and you have less mileage on the trailer, you can reduce the frequency of checking the tread. Make sure that the valve stem is also in good condition.

Rotating tires: Every time a tire is taken out of the warehouse for use in the new season, it must be rotated.

A RAM does the RAM thing.

Typical average service frequency: when damaged

When checking the tires, you should also check the condition of the wheels. Look for rust spots, damage, or general wear that may be harmful to the use of the wheel.

Typical average service frequency: once a year

This may depend on how often you use the trailer, but eTrailer recommends repacking wheel bearings and checking their condition at least annually.

Typical average service frequency: check each trip, service once a year

Whether hydraulic or electric, the brakes need to be checked regularly and maintained at least once or twice a year, depending on the usage rate of the trailer. Check for corrosion, wear, stuck parts and overall function. In addition, please make sure that the brake fluid is always at the correct level and replace it at least once or twice a year.

Typical average service frequency: check once or twice a year per trip, service

Surge brake actuators and solenoid valves are essential to your travel safety. Before you go on the road, check both each time and make sure that all grease connections are properly lubricated.

Typical average service frequency: check each trip

Most trailers will use leaf spring suspensions, although some may have torsion axle settings or even axleless suspensions. Regardless of the type, they are affected by everything under the trailer, including salt, road dirt, dirt, gravel and tar. Inspect metal, rubber, bolts, and everything else for rust, deterioration, or any other damage.

Pro tip: This is not exactly a "service", but if you bring a trailer for camping or use it to launch boats, it is best to spray the trailer after each use and before putting the trailer away. This will help remove salt and dirt that may damage the trailer parts.

Check the brake lights and turn signals every time. 

Typical average service frequency: in pairs, when they die

Trailer lights require as much attention as the mechanical parts of a trailer, or more. Be sure to check your lights before each trip. When one of the lights is broken, replace a pair.

Typical average service frequency: never, if properly maintained

Part of the visual inspection will include looking at the metal or wood (if any) that make up the trailer's walls. Look for spoiled materials, soft spots, rust, or other wear that may reduce the functionality of the trailer. 

Typical average service frequency: per trip

The Breakaway system is designed to stop the trailer when the trailer "disengages" from the tractor. It is usually achieved by using a small battery, an electric brake, and a circuit with a switch. When the key is removed from the switch, it closes the circuit connecting the battery to the electric brake and activates the trailer's brake. 

Typical average service frequency: after a period of time without using a trailer for inspection

Spare tires are already very sad, because they are spare tires, don't ignore them completely. Show them the love they need by checking the air pressure and making sure nothing is dry.

Typical average service frequency: when damaged

Before each trip, be sure to check the integrity of the safety chain. Look for rust, cracks, warped and/or bent metals that may cause problems.

You have a question, the drive has an answer!

Answer: As a general rule, it is best to check the trailer you use every day. Not everything needs to be repaired, but a quick check does not require much time and helps prevent any problems while driving.

Answer: If you use the trailer frequently, it is best to repack the bearings once a year.

A: It depends on how often you drive the trailer, but a good general rule is once a year, or approximately every 10,000-12,000 miles.

Answer: It is questionable whether you will over-lubricate the bearing to the extent that it will cause problems. However, the main disadvantage of overlubrication is that it may spill and coat your wheels, brakes and trailer with grease.

A: You can find products literally labeled as wheel bearing greases for various specific uses and trailer types.

Answer: Before each trip, check your axles to make sure they are properly lubricated.

There are dozens of different types of trailers, but most of them are used to tow things. Below, the presenter reviewed the inspection and balance of the inspection carriage. 

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