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Tow Far, Tow Good: Trailer Maintenance

Routine care to ensure trouble-free trips

Nothing opens the door to recreational opportunities wider than the lowly trailer, be it for hauling a boat, motorcycle, ATV, horse or whatever your pleasure. Often overlooked and unappreciated, this bucket of steel on wheels adds mobility and freedom to our outdoor experience, taking us to new adventures in distant settings where we garner fond memories to feed our souls for years to come.

While this near-poetic expression about a trailer may seem like overkill, the bottom line is it plays a valuable role. But, alas, it can do just the opposite, too. A broken down trailer seems to grant one the uncanny ability to coin four-letter words on the spot. The more literate come up with entire phrases to voice their disdain about this 'broken down piece of sheetmetal.'

Truth is, we often don't think twice about our trailer when everything goes smoothly. And that is the problem. We need to give regular thought and attention to the trailer to ensure happy outings. It's called maintenance—which to many is nothing but a four-letter word camouflaged in 11 letters. What it really spells is work, which, as they point out, is indeed a four-letter word.

However, a little work now can eliminate a lot of work later. Not to mention expense. And safety. An ill-maintained trailer may decide to go south on you when you're traveling north at 60 mph amid heavy traffic. Should it happen—and it does all too often—things can get ugly and people can get hurt. So, whether you do it personally or hire someone else to do it, it is prudent to keep your trailer in good working order. The following tips are designed to help you do just that.

Check the Tread

Most trailering accidents involve the trailer's tires, so let's start there. Two words: Air pressure. Tire maintenance requires maintaining adequate pressure. If you run your trailer with underinflated tires you're a candidate for disaster.

An underinflated tire will build up excessive heat, which can lead to tire failure. The proper amount of air pressure a tire is designed to carry is listed on the sidewall—and it's not likely 32-35 psi (pounds per square inch), which is what most passenger car tires (P) are rated at.

Most trailer tires (ST) are made with stiffer sidewalls to handle extra weight and therefore commonly come with psi ratings in the 50s. Make sure they are properly inflated every time you hit the road, and if you are traveling some distance, check them en route, too. Unless you are a clairvoyant, do not make the mistake of guessing how much air is in the tire by merely looking at it.

A tire can lose up to half its air pressure without appearing to be low. And remember to check tire pressure when the tire is cold. Driving just a few miles can heat up a tire, giving an elevated and inaccurate psi rating.

Tires should also be checked for cracks, bubbles, tread separation—all of which warrant replacement. Tread depth is another consideration. A quick gauge is to insert a penny between treads. If the top of the tread doesn't reach Abe Lincoln's head, it's wise to replace the tire.

While checking your tires, take some time to inspect the wheels and hubs. Lug nuts can work loose, especially during the first couple hundred miles on new trailers. If, while trailering, your wheels hit a large pothole or a sizable piece of debris, check the tires and wheels for damage.

Lube or Lose

Wheel hubs require regular inspection and maintenance. Neglect here can be catastrophic. Because of the wheel's high spin ratio, wheel bearings need lubrication. Without adequate grease, bearings will wear out, seize and cause the wheel to lock. As a result, sometimes the entire wheel can fall off the trailer, something you don't ever want to see happen in your side mirror while you're cruising down the highway. Telltale signs of impending trouble are splattered grease on the rims (perhaps indicating a bad seal), metal shavings in the grease and, if underway, a smoking wheel.

There are different types of hubs. Some require removal of an end cap and disassembly of the hub. The bearings are repacked with grease by putting a glob of grease on the heel of one hand and pushing the bearings into the grease with the other hand. And, yes, it's very messy.

Other types of hubs are equipped with convenient zerk fittings that permit the attachment of a grease gun. A few squeezes of the gun handle until you see grease coming out the perimeter of the casing is all it takes. Many newer trailers are equipped with Bearing Buddies or similar products that apply a positive pressure of grease to the bearings at all times. Still, the grease reservoir needs refilling occasionally with the use of a grease gun. It is not recommended, however, to use a pneumatic grease gun because the force can damage the rear seal.

Occasionally wheel bearings and hubs should be cleaned with mineral spirits or the like and repacked. And bear in mind that even well-greased bearings will eventually wear out and need replacement. For that reason, you may want to have them inspected annually by a reputable dealer.

Take a Brake

If your trailer is equipped with brakes, they, just like those on your tow vehicle, require maintenance. Most trailers are equipped with hydraulic surge brake systems that use a hydraulic coupler or actuator. When you hit the brakes the trailer "surges" toward the tow vehicle telescoping the actuator to apply force to its master cylinder, which then applies hydraulic pressure to the trailer brakes.

The actuator has a reservoir of brake fluid that needs to maintain a certain level to be effective. Check it regularly. Occasionally the interior components of the actuator or coupler need to be serviced by a knowledgeable mechanic to ensure proper operation.

Some trailers come with flush kits on the wheels that allow you to hook up a garden hose to clean them with freshwater. If yours has it, use it regularly. If it doesn't, rinse the wheels and brakes manually with a hose. Brake lines should also be checked for fray, leaks and loose fasteners.

Get Wired

Attention should also be given to the trailer's electrical system by inspecting the wires, connections bulbs and lenses. Putting a little electrical socket grease on light bulb bases and plug contacts will help prevent rust and corrosion. It is important to periodically check the system's ground wire to make sure it's securely attached to the trailer frame.

Watch Your Tongue

The trailer winch gears should be oiled occasionally. Inspect the lock spring to make sure it works properly and hasn't corroded. Check out the winch strap or cable for fray or kinks and replace it if it looks bad. You should also lubricate the trailer's tongue jack and the swiveling tongue (if the trailer is equipped with one).

Touch Up

Finally, inspect the trailer's suspension for abnormalities and debris and look the entire trailer over for rust spots and chipped paint (if it's not the galvanized type). Painted trailers benefit from waxing just like your tow vehicle. It's smart to get some touch-up paint from the manufacturer and apply it quickly when chips occur.

All of this may sound like a lot of work, but in reality it doesn't take as long as it may appear. And doing it regularly helps ensure that your trailering experience will be fun—which, incidentally, is a three-letter word.