If you’re planning on owning a car trailer, there are many different aspects you must be aware of before you can start hauling cargo. For one, your trailer is a significant investment. Therefore, you must protect this investment through proper routine care and maintenance. Doing so also ensures your trailer performs well and will last longer.
Car trailers are in many ways similar to cars, but they have specific maintenance requirements. Read on to learn how to maintain your car trailer properly and prolong its lifespan!
1.Check And Maintain The Lights
Lights are a vital part of your car trailer. They’re used to signal other motorists to keep you and others on the road safe. As such, before you hit the road, you want to check and ensure that all the lights on your trailer, including brake lights and turn signals, are working as they should.
Besides protecting you from danger, having working lights is legally mandated. In the United States, vehicles and car trailers are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to have working lights. Since it’s easy to spot, there’s always a chance of getting pulled over if your lights are not working correctly.
With this in mind, you must check your car trailer’s lights every time before you take a trip. The most common issues, such as a burn-out bulb, blown fuse, or bad grounding, can easily be fixed. If the bulbs are out, replace them immediately. Remember, they aren’t replaceable with just any type of bulb. They must be a specific type and size for your trailer’s make and model. Ensure you get the correct bulb before taking a road trip.
2.Clean And Wax Regularly
If you own a car trailer, you want to maintain it properly. However, it’s no secret that owners often overlook taking extra care of their car trailers. If you want to keep your car trailer in tip-top condition, prioritize its proper care and maintenance.
Your car trailer can pick up debris, dust, and contaminants during a trip. Experts recommend washing your trailer regularly. Prioritize the area beneath the trailer because this is where most of the dirt settles. Cleaning can remove all contaminants that can easily damage its exterior. Moreover, cleaning and waxing can guarantee it looks great year-round.
3.Check The Brakes
Your brake system is a vital part of your car trailer. This ensures your safety and the safety of your cargo and everyone else on the road around you. Therefore, it would be best to have these checked and repaired by professionals.
You want to ensure you check your brakes before you take your trailer for a spin. This will help you determine if they need replacement. Either way, brake pads must be replaced every 18,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. You also want to have the brake fluid professionally checked to ensure it’s filled and that no leaking exists.
4.Consider Lubrication
One of the most necessary car trailer maintenance practices is lubing. It is imperative to lubricate your trailer’s moving parts so it can operate smoothly. Also, if you want to avoid dealing with damages related to overheating issues, this is something you must do regularly.
As such, you should consider lubricating these parts of your trailer:
- Lubricate the hinges of the gates and ramps to avoid rust.
- Lubricate the hinge pins and bushings on both sides of the ramp gate hinges.
- Lubricate all pivot points and bearings that rotate with a grease gun or spray lubricant.
The type of lubricant to use will depend on the type of trailer hitch being used. The most common lubes are WD-40, silicone spray, or graphite powder. These products will also help prevent corrosion from forming on the metal parts of the hitch. It’ll allow it to operate smoothly over time.
5.Inspect Your Tires
When it comes to tires, some services should be done more frequently. This includes checking air pressure and replacing your tire when it has worn-out treads or cracked sidewalls.
Ideally, you should check your tire’s air pressure before every trip. You want to make sure it’s filled up and adequately deflated. Check for wear, cracks, cuts, and any other damage that may have occurred over time. You can do this by running a gloved hand over the tires. If there are any issues with these areas, replace them immediately.
Depending on how frequently you use your trailer, you want to ensure that your tire’s tread has a good depth. You can use a tread gauge or a quarter to check the grooves. But if there are a few miles on your trailer, you don’t have to check the tread often. While at it, you want to ensure the valve stems are in tip-top condition.
Conclusion
If you take care of your car trailer, you can ensure your safety, avoid costly repairs, and enjoy more trouble-free days on the road. Most people don’t consider this, but it can significantly affect how well your trailer lasts. With these tips, you can avoid future problems. Make sure to check your tires and brakes. Lubricate any moving parts and clean your trailer regularly.