When to Take Your RV Trailer in for Repairs

December 22, 2022 by
When to Take Your RV Trailer in for RepairsHaving an RV is a great way to travel in style and take your home with you wherever you go. Your RV goes with you to many regions and allows you to have many unique experiences while making fun memories with your family, so when it breaks down, you want to have it repaired quickly. Here are seven warning signs that it's time to take your RV in for repairs and how you can resolve the issues quickly and efficiently.

Odours

Strange smells may not seem like a big deal when you are living the RV lifestyle, but they often indicate problems with your exhaust system. You need to have the element checked out by a mechanic immediately to keep you in your family from getting sick.

Vibrations

If you feel the floor of your RV starts vibrating, it could indicate a problem with your suspension. An expert can resolve the problem quickly to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Electrical Problems

If the lights in your RV start flickering or the outlets stop working, you have an electrical problem. Unlike many other common RV issues, electrical problems can be hazardous to your health, so they need to be resolved immediately.

Soft Spots On the Roof

You may not think that soft spots on your roof are major hazards, but they are usually caused by water damage, so they need to be looked at immediately. Periodically check the roof of your RV for soft spots so that you can guarantee the integrity of your vehicle.

Illuminated Brake Lights

Brakes are arguably the most important element of an RV. If other parts of your RV start to malfunction, you can usually refrain from driving it until the issue is resolved. If brakes go out while you're in the middle of driving the vehicle, you may cause an accident that could be disastrous. If the brake light indicator is on your dashboard, you need to have the brakes checked to make sure they are working properly.

Strange Noises

You drive your RV often enough to recognize the normal sounds that it makes. If you start to hear strange noises while you drive or when you shift gears into park, there is likely a problem with the suspension. Your trailer would need to be seen by a mechanic immediately for trailer service and repair if you start to hear strange noises.

Bring In Your Trailer Today!

Our team of mechanics is qualified to resolve a wide variety of issues, and because we have unparalleled knowledge of the trailer industry. When it comes to RV repairs our team provides services for items outside of the unit like brakes, suspension, tires, lighting, jacks, axles and wiring.For years, McFarlane Trailer Services has been a top competitor in the equipment trailer industry. Not only do we have a wide variety of trailers in our inventory, but we also offer repair services to keep them in peak condition. Each of our trailers comes with a warranty of up to five years, so contact us today to resolve your trailer problems.

The Importance of Servicing Your Enclosed Utility Trailer

May 31, 2022 by
The Importance of Servicing Your Enclosed Utility TrailerThe trailer is one of the most important parts of any towing setup. Nevertheless, you may take it for granted, not giving much thought to its maintenance because it doesn't use oil as your towing vehicle does. Still, enclosed utility trailers do have moving parts, which means that they need regular maintenance if they are going to stay in good shape. Here are some answers to questions you may have about maintaining your trailer.

How Important Is It To Maintain Your Trailer?

Regular maintenance on your trailer helps it meet or exceed its expected useful lifespan. This means that your money goes further following your purchase. Maintaining your trailer regularly also helps you to avoid unpleasant surprises that result from your trailer breaking down on the road in the middle of towing something large and cumbersome.

How Often Should You Service Your Enclosed Utility Trailer?

Generally speaking, it should be sufficient to have your trailer serviced at least every six months. There are some specific features that you should check more often according to manufacturers' recommendations. These include the breakaway functionality, tire pressure, and wheel torque. If you have access to the service manual for your trailer, this should include a maintenance schedule for you to follow. 

What Are Some Specific Maintenance Tasks That Enclosed Utility Trailers Require?

The manufacturer of your trailer may also publish trailer maintenance checklists that you can use as a guide. While it is best to use a maintenance checklist written specifically for your trailer, this is not always necessary. If you can find a list for a trailer that has all the same components as yours, you can still use it.Examples of maintenance tasks that typically need to be performed on an enclosed utility trailer include the following:
  • Tires: Check your tires for cracks that indicate dry rotting. If you find any, your tires need to be replaced. Your tires also need replacement if the tread has reached the wear bar or is less than 2/32 of an inch deep. You also need to check the air pressure in the tire often, which can fluctuate with changes in the weather.
  • Hitch: An improperly aligned hitch can make steering difficult or cause the trailer to sway from side to side. You should check the hitch frequently for damage, and if you are experiencing problems that may relate to improper alignment, you should have it adjusted.
  • Brakes: Problems with the brakes or the trailer brake controller could cause the trailer to jackknife or skid when stopping. When you grab each brake shoe and try to rock it back and forth, the resistance from the brake drum should be equal and the movement should be smooth without any stuttering or play.
  • Body: Keep the body of the trailer free from corrosion by keeping it clean and using sprays, coatings, sealants, or waxes. Keeping the trailer clean also helps you to identify minor problems early on.

Do You Need To Grease the Wheel Bearings?

Whether you need to grease the wheel bearings depends on what kind of trailer you have. Newer trailers are more likely to have wheel bearings that are lubed for life. However, if your trailer is older, you may still have to grease the wheel bearings. How often you do this depends on the size of your trailer and how often you use it. Grease the bearings every six months when the trailer is not in use or every 2,000 to 12,000 miles when it is.

Do You Need To Perform Trailer Maintenance Yourself?

You do not need to perform the required maintenance on your trailer yourself. If you are unfamiliar with the processes or have an issue that you cannot identify and resolve yourself, you can take it to the service department at McFarlane. Find out more about the trailer maintenance and repair services we offer.