Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your trailer.

What to check for when using your trailer:

• The trailer should look square and straight.
• Make sure the trailer sits level when hitched.
• Make sure to tie down and anchor any cargo firmly in place.

• Decking:
  Your trailer deck is made with #2 Pressure-treated Pine lumber. This is the wood flooring material of choice with Trailer Manufacturers. Our lumber is pressure treated with MCA which increases the wood’s longevity and builds resistance to leaching and insect decay. Applying a quality sealant of choice at least once a year will help to protect your trailer deck from cracking or warping. Storing your trailer in a dry/sunny spot will help decrease exposure to moisture. Also, avoid dragging/scraping heavy loads across the deck. If a board is damaged, replace the board.

• Safety chains:
  Check to make sure that these haven’t been drug on the ground or worn through, ensure that they are properly fastened. Hook the safety chains- crossing the chains to eliminate any droop that might catch on anything

• All latches, hinges, and pins:
  This includes gate latches, storage ramp pins, coupler pin, and kicker ramp pins. Ensure that they are latched down.

• Tires:
  Inspect 3 months/3,000 miles. Replace every 6 years. Check tires for cuts, bulges, worn treads, or belts showing. Tires should be inflated to the manufacturer’s specs, maintaining optimal pressure to reduce rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Replace tires every 6 years, regardless of mileage, as they can become compromised even without having been on the road. Wheels should be inspected for cracks, dents or distortion. Wheel lug nuts should be torqued to proper specifications. Inflate tires to the pounds of pressure listed on the tire.

• Brakes:
  Inspect every 10,000 miles. Breakaway batteries have a limited life expectancy. Have the battery on the breakaway tested yearly.

• Axles:
  Inspect every 2 years or every 5,000-6,000 miles

• Idler or Brake Axles:
  Clean, inspect, and re-pack bearings and replace grease seals at least every 2 years or every 5000-6000 miles.

• Brake Axles:
  Check brakes are working properly and adjusted for your loaded weight. Check for cracked brake pads or unusual wear in the drum. Inspect brake linings for wear or contamination every 10,000 miles. Check wiring to backing plate for damage.

• Couplers:
  Check to make sure that you are using the correct size ball. The coupler will have the ball size needed imprinted on it. Due to the friction created during operation, a yearly inspection to identify excessive wear is recommended. Check the coupler to make sure that it is operating correctly, with the coupler latch moving the collar that locks under the hitch ball. Consider greasing the inside of the coupler so that the hitch ball has some lubrication.

• Jacks:
  Tongue jacks also need lubrication. Ensure that your jack is not bent or damaged.

• Hitch:
  Check the hitch for cracks and the bolts for signs of wear. Make sure the ball is tight on the receiver and the receiver pin is secure.

• Wires:
  Plug in the electrical system and check running lights, brake lights and turn signals. Inspect trailer wiring for wear or damage, a frayed wire could short out against the frame. If wiring is damaged or missing, your wires can chafe and ground out.

• Apply lubricate to all pivot points. Any point that rotates/moves should be lubricated to help prevent damage from friction.

If you have any questions/concerns give us a call and we will be happy to help! (870)280-2709