Hauling with Confidence: Ultimate Trailer Maintenance Guide
Routine trailer maintenance is vital to ensure you get the most out of your investment and stay safe while on the road. Failure to do so could put you in a dangerous position and negatively impact your bottom line.
Why take chances? Our team at Pinnacle Trailer Sales not only provides routine maintenance and service, but we also have an extensive rental program so you never have to wait to get back on the road. We understand the importance of having the right trailer, for the right haul, right now. When you’re ready to get started, just contact us by calling 800-513-9373.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the proper maintenance steps that help ensure the longevity of your trailer and the efficiency of your hauls. By following our steps, you can rest assured that your trailer will be in top condition for years to come. Remember: a well-maintained trailer is less likely to experience breakdowns which can equate to expensive repairs and dangerous situations.
Our Ultimate Trailer Maintenance Guide
What Maintenance Needs To Be Done On a Trailer?
We’ll outline some of the most important aspects of trailer maintenance for you.
Our Trailer Maintenance Checklist
Follow manufacturer’s instructions: At Pinnacle Trailer Sales, we work with some of the most trusted brands in the trailer industry, offering an extensive inventory of new and used trailers.
There may be some variation in maintenance times, so we always recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions about the best practices for trailer maintenance.
That said, we do offer the following general guidelines:
- Inspect and lubricate the wheels: Examine wheel bearings and remember to apply grease when you need to—which is generally once a year or every 12,000 miles.
- Service your brakes: Again, every 12,000 miles or once a year, your brakes should be carefully inspected and this includes the drums, brake pads, and fluid levels.
- Examine the electrical system: Frayed wires and loose connections can cause issues with your lights and electrical connections. Every time you begin a job, you should check to be sure your lights and signals are working.
- Inspect the trailer frame: It’s easy to overlook rust damage. We encourage you to be proactive with rust-preventative measures and repair any issues as soon as possible.
- Check your tires: Tires experience a lot of wear and tear and it’s vital to be sure to check their pressure and tread regularly and replace when necessary. Regardless of how “healthy” your tires may look, you still need to replace them every five to six years—or sooner depending upon the individual manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Coupling and hitch: Always be diligent when inspecting your coupling and hitch for wear and tear. It should always be properly lubricated.
How Long Do Trailers Last?
There are a lot of variables to consider, including whether the trailer was bought new or used. However, if you take care and provide the recommended and proper maintenance, then you can expect your trailer to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
The key element of how long your trailer will last depends upon not only maintenance but whether or not you complete repairs as soon as possible, instead of waiting for them to get worse.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Your job means you have to be prepared to deliver in even the harshest conditions, and regular trailer maintenance helps ensure that your rig is ready as well. Remember to regularly clean your trailer to maintain its condition, but tasks such as brake service or structural repairs are best left to the dependable pros at Pinnacle Trailer Sales.
During the winter months, salted roads mean you should check regularly for rust and corrosion. Be sure to store your trailer in a dry, covered area when you’re not hauling.
How Often Should You Grease a Trailer?
This may depend upon how many axles or the size of the trailer. In general, they should be greased once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Again, we refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for the definitive word.
How Often Do You Service Trailer Brakes?
Obviously, if you’re noticing an issue with your brakes, you should get them serviced immediately. You should service your trailer brakes per the manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, you should perform regular trailer maintenance on your brakes at least once a year or every 12,000 miles.
When You Need the Right Haul, There’s No Need to Wait: Pinnacle Trailer Services Delivers It Right Now
As a professional, trailer maintenance is a part of your regular job. But it’s always best to start with a quality trailer from a company you can depend upon.
For decades, Pinnacle Trailer Sales has made it our business to help you discover the best type of trailer for the job. So whether you’re looking for hauls in the agricultural sector or you need a dump trailer for a construction job, our sales, service and rental teams will have you prepared for any situation.
Ready to get the right trailer for the right haul, right now? Contact us by calling 800-513-9373 today.
