A well-maintained trailer can help you carry your load for years. Many commercial and personal-use trailers also last for decades if maintained effectively. Caring for your trailer is no rocket science. All it takes is a little discipline and consistency!
Whether you buy trailer in melbourne, maintaining it is essential. Regular maintenance ensures smooth transportation and gives your trailer a long life. If you do not want to repair and maintain your trailer yourself, you can seek a trusted professional trailer maintenance service in melbourne, too. Expert professionals will help you with matters like coating, painting, trailer brake repairs, and much more.
Having said that, every trailer buyer or renter should know at least the basic maintenance practices. This reduces excessive dependence on professionals and allows them to resolve minor complications.
If you have purchased or rented a trailer, here is a quick trailer maintenance checklist to help you care for your prized possession:
1. Look After The Braking System
Trailers with an ATM (aggregate trailer mass) of over 750 kg in Australia need brakes. Your trailer’s braking system keeps it safe along with the towing vehicle and its driver. Functional brakes ensure that the trailer transports your cargo seamlessly. Even the smallest issue with the braking system can lead to serious complications.
Never overlook your trailer’s brakes. Always check and maintain them regularly, especially before a trip. Whether you have fitted electrical or hydraulic brakes, they need regular maintenance. Constant wear and tear can hamper the braking system’s performance, putting your trailer and its cargo at risk.
We advise every trailer owner to examine brake pads, cables, and discs every six months. You should be even more careful if you own or rent a commercial trailer. The stakes here are higher.
If your trailer has an electrical braking system, thoroughly check its controller and connections before every trip. Override brake cables that are rusted or stretched; they require immediate attention.
It is better to delay your trip if your trailer’s braking system needs maintenance. Never ignore the tell-tale signs and always stay alert. For example, know that something is wrong with the brakes if your trailer leans heavily on one side when you apply the brakes. You should also seek a professional trailer maintenance service if the brake pads get weak.
2. Grease The Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings ensure that your trailer’s wheels move seamlessly. Keep them lubricated to keep them safe from overheating. Wheel bearings may also seize suddenly, bringing your trailer to an unexpected stop while driving. Such problems can damage the axle or even detach your trailer from the towing vehicle.
You should grease the wheel bearings at least once every year. You might need to increase the frequency for commercial and heavy trailers. If your trailer comes in frequent contact with water or salt air, it needs marine-grade grease.
Inspect the seals and repack the wheel bearings whenever you change tyres. Know that it is time to pay the wheel bearings some attention if:
- You hear grinding or humming sounds from your trailer
- The hub radiates excessive heat after driving
- The wheels start wobbling or vibrating abnormally
Be careful about how your trailer’s wheels move and how well they respond to the brakes to keep them safe.
3. Inspect Trailer Tyres
A lot of your trailer’s safety lies in its tyres. A small malfunction can make your trailer vulnerable to various accidents. Consider the tyres as a trailer’s first line of defence, and maintain them effectively.
If one or more trailer tyres are poorly inflated, worn out, or out of shape, things can get really risky. Your trailer can get easily out of control while being towed.
To avoid such accidents, you should check tyre pressure regularly. Never start or end a trip without doing this. Use a high-quality gauge and follow the instructions in your trailer’s manual while inflating the tyres.
You should also take the tyre’s tread depth seriously. The tyres of Australian trailers should have at least 1.5 mm of tread. Watch out for signs like cracks, uneven wear, and uneven bulges to keep the tyres safe.
4. Check Lights And Electrical Connections
Modern trailers are equipped with new-age lights and extensive electrical connections. While they have their pros, they require regular maintenance. You should know that faulty trailer lights are not only dangerous for you, but they are also illegal.
Especially if your trailer makes a lot of night trips or is used for sites where the visual range is low, you should always take the lights seriously. Focus on all the lights on your trailer, including brake lights, indicators, tail lights, and more.
You should also check the electrical connections throughout your trailer. Seek professional help if you see loose, cracked, or exposed wires. Ignoring them increases the risk of short circuits and other electrical disasters.
Protect your trailer’s electrical connectors by applying dielectric grease. It also keeps your trailer safe from moisture buildup. Upgrade your trailer with LED lights instead of traditional bulbs. These lights give you better visibility and are energy-efficient.
5. Keep A Maintenance Log
Keep track of your trailer’s maintenance. It is common to get occupied with work and forget thinking about your trailer. Keep a log of the dates when you sent your trailer for repair. Also, note the parts you got repaired.
If your trailer is not used too often and you have stored it for a long time, send it for a professional checkup before using it again. Stay consistent with repair and maintenance, and your trailer will live a long life!
Conclusion
Whether you have purchased or rented a trailer, maintaining it is a must. Look after every component and observe even the smallest signs of damage. Focus on the braking system, lights, wheel bearings, tyres, and every part of your trailer that influences its functionality.
Whenever in doubt, consult local trailer professionals for repair and maintenance. These experts will help you identify what is wrong with your trailer, conduct repairs, and recommend the most effective trailer maintenance tips.
