How Often Should You Have Your Trailer Serviced?

People often underestimate the need for trailer service and repair. While repairs can be mitigated with proper maintenance, many trailer owners do not adhere to an adequate maintenance schedule.

A trailer needs attention to function as you expect. You need to keep an eye on tire wear and bearing grease. You need to wash the bed and undercarriage to prevent rust.

McFarlane sells quality trailers, but you risk losing money on your investment if you do not keep up with maintenance. Taking care of your trailer means understanding maintenance schedules and adhering to checklists. It also means taking your trailer in to be serviced when necessary.

Understanding Trailer Maintenance Schedules

Just like an automobile, your trailer requires routine maintenance. A maintenance schedule helps you keep track of everything your trailer needs when it needs it.

When you purchased your trailer, it should have come with a service manual. If you lost your manual, you can try contacting the manufacturer for a copy or looking for one online. Most manuals recommend having your trailer serviced every six months.

Depending on your trailer, it may have specific parts or components that require more frequent maintenance. For example, many manufacturers recommend checking tire pressure, wheel torque, and breakaway functionality more often to ensure the usability of the trailer.

Acknowledging the Importance of Trailer Maintenance Checklists

Many trailer owners want to service their trailers on their own, but DIY options are often a mistake, especially if you are unfamiliar with the service steps and requirements. For example, if you are unaware of the signs of a faulty component or cannot adjust brakes, it is best to take your trailer to a service technician.

If you feel confident in your abilities, you will want to look for the service checklist provided by your trailer’s manufacturer. If you cannot find the checklist from your trailer’s manufacturer, you can substitute one from another company.

Checklists are crucial to proper servicing because they inform you how and when to care for each part. Only knowledgeable owners should try DIY servicing; it is usually best to take your trailer to a shop.

Importance of Checking Wheel Bearings and Tires

Wheel bearings ensure your trailer moves and operates smoothly. The bearings require routine greasing to ensure they function correctly. Most trailers will only need to be greased every 10,000 or 12,000 miles or every six months, whichever occurs first. Smaller travel trailers will require more frequent greasing, with many manufacturers suggesting every 2,000 miles.

You should grease any other components at the same time as your wheel bearings. Grease does not last forever. If you use the trailer often, you may need to grease it more frequently. A professional technician can help you figure out how often is appropriate for your trailer and use case.

Besides greasing the bearings and components, checking your trailer’s tires is a vital safety measure. The tires take more abuse than any other part of your trailer. When assessing your tires, you want to ensure there is enough tread — a minimum depth of 2/32″. You’ll also want to check the tire pressure. Check the owner’s manual for proper pressure requirements. Finally, check the tires for any signs of cracking or rotting. If you notice any significant wear, you should replace the tires.

Calling McFarlane Trailer Sales for Your Trailer Needs

Routine trailer service is crucial to ensure the longevity of your trailer. However, adhering to the strictest maintenance schedule will not prevent normal wear and tear. When it is time to replace your trailer, head over to one of Ontario’s most trusted dealers, McFarlane Trailer Sales. Contact a representative to learn about the current inventory and services.