Enclosed trailers are often ignored during routine maintenance, but they need regular care to keep them running for miles in good condition, just like your vehicle does. Enclosed trailers are built tough to get your load from place to place safely, but years of use in harsh weather conditions can cause wear and tear. If any part of your trailer is damaged, the goods can get damaged too. Damaged trailers reduce resale value and create safety hazards. The slightest crack in the window glass can cause leaks on rainy days; worn out tires can lead to serious accidents. It is important to inspect every nook and corner of your trailer before you set out. Here are some tips to ensure your trailer is in top shape for years to come:
Routine Inspection
Your enclosed trailer needs routine inspection at least twice a year:
- Inspect the lights, brakes, electric wires and fixtures before every trip.
- Trailer tires and wheels are more likely to wear down than car tires because they carry a greater load. Tires also expand and contract as they pass through hot and cold weather conditions. Look out for wear and tear. Replace damaged or worn tires before you set out. Keep a spare tire at all times. An interior spare tire carrier is a good idea.
- Uneven tread wear can create imbalance, incorrect inflation and axle misalignment. Tires with little tread can lead to less grip on wet roads and loss of vehicle control.
- Check tire pressure when it is cold.
- Be vigilant every time the season changes, especially in harsh weather conditions.
- Check the windows for any damage during temperature changes. There should be no cracks on the glass.
- Make sure LED tail lights, interior dome lights, and clearance lights function well before you set out at night or in the winters.
- Is your equipment properly stored? Check safety chains, straps, axles, wheel bearings, and tongue jacks for potential damage.
- All equipment should comply with the trailer’s height and width.
- Tighten lug nuts with a torque wrench or lug wrench. Loose lug nuts can lead to serious accidents and injury as the wheel can disconnect from the trailer.
- Wash your trailer after every trip to remove grime, dirt and salt buildup, all of which can lead to severe corrosion. Use automobile safe, non-caustic cleaners that are gentle on your vehicle.
- Ensure moving parts such as hinges, hinge parts, locks and suspension parts are well lubricated. Apply a corrosion blocking agent to prevent rust when the trailer is not in use.
If you have a new trailer, create a maintenance schedule right away. Check the status at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 month intervals.
Beothuck Trailers, Edmonton
Trailer inspection and maintenance is best done by professionals who know trailers inside out to maximize safety.
Beothuck Trailers manufactures, services and sells all types of trailers, we offer rental services as well. Bring your enclosed trailer to our facility for any repair work or replacement of damaged trailer parts. We are committed to full customer satisfaction. Our flexible rental services are tailored to your business or personal needs or bring your own trailer to our facility for specialized trailer repair services.
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