Preventive Trailer Maintenance Guide

Few trailer maintenance issues come out of nowhere. Most major problems start as something minor and get worse from there, and that’s why it's so important that you regularly inspect your trailer and perform preventative maintenance. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this guide from the experts at Silver Moon Trailers.

Bearings

Your trailer’s bearings are greased to help lubricate the rollers. As time goes on, the grease gets used up, eventually allowing water to seep in. Since water leads to corrosion, this eventually causes the bearings to overheat and collapse. The good news is that you’ll usually be able to hear it if your bearings have gone bad, and you can generally avoid these kinds of problems by replacing your bearings at least once a year. Keeping a bearing replacement kit in your truck in case of emergencies doesn’t hurt either. 

Tires

As your trailer’s tires get worn down by routine usage, it becomes harder and harder for the tires to give you the traction you need, especially in wet or icy conditions. If you notice that your tire’s treads are looking a little worse for wear, replace the tires at once. You should also try to keep the tires within the manufacturer-recommended pressure range, as both over and under-inflation can strain the tire.

Suspension

Check the leaf springs in your suspension every once in a while. If you can see light between them or they are starting to spread, it’s time for some repairs. If you do a lot of towing in rough conditions, we recommend investing in an off-road suspension system. This type of suspension is better equipped to handle the challenges of gravel and other rough terrain types. 

Brakes

Safely towing your trailer is all but impossible without functional brakes. That’s why you should have a professional look at them on a routine basis. Pay particular attention to the condition of the brake cables. 

Rust & Corrosion

If your trailer is made of steel or has steel components, you need to be on the lookout for corrosion. Unfortunately, steel parts tend to corrode on the inside before they corrode on the outside, meaning that you might not notice the issue until it has progressed past the early stages. It’s especially important that you be vigilant about corrosion if you live near saltwater, as salty air tends to encourage corrosion. 

For more information about how to take care of your trailer or to view our selection of trailer models for sale, visit Silver Moon Trailers in Jonesboro, Arkansas. We also offer parts ordering, financing, trade-ins, and servicing. We are proud to serve communities like Newport, Arkansas.