Pre-Season Check List.

Its that time of the year again to go through your pre-season trailer check list.  There are several things to check or maintain on your trailer on an annual basis before the heavy usage begins.  These things help to ensure the trailer is in tip top shape and most importantly safe.  Most of the things that have to be done are easily over looked because they don’t seem important or maybe they seem redundant or hard to do.  Here’s a simple check list to go through before each season that will help pro long the life of the trailer and help make it safer.

Trailer Tires

Trailer tires are constructed differently than a standard passenger car tire and have to be treated differently.  After sitting all winter it is good to check a couple different things with the tires.  First thing to check is the tread of the tire.  The tread of the trailer tire should be even depth across the width of the tire.  If this is not the case it is usually an indication of an issue with axle or suspension (More on this to come).  Side walls should also be checked to ensure there isn’t any cracking or deterioration.  Next check the tires PSI, it is suggested to run ‘ST’ and ‘LT’ trailer tires at the maximum PSI listed on the tire.  Finally check lug nuts to ensure none are loose.

Hubs

There are several different types of trailer hubs as well as lubrication systems available on the market.  The best thing to do would be to remove hub/drum/rotor to repack bearings and check seal.  This can be a lot of work depending on the set up so it’s often over looked.  If this is something that is not going to get done that doesn’t mean nothing should be done.  Most of the time (except drum brake applications) the rear seal can still be checked for leaks without removing anything.  Also take advantage of the lubrication system being used to lube up (check owner’s manual or call us for specifics) and check old grease for any contaminants that could indicate an issue.

Electric Brakes

Electric Drum brakes should be checked to ensure that they are properly adjusted.  Also check that the magnets are still functional and the best way to do that is to use the breakaway kit.  Pull the pin on the breakaway kit and listen for the magnets.  Once the pin is pulled you should hear the magnets humming.  If this is not the case, then check out “Electric Brake Troubleshooting”.

Hydraulic Brakes

Short of bleeding the brakes and adjusting the (drum) brakes there is no fancy way to test them until you hit the road.  What you can check is pad/shoe wear to ensure that they are still at safe levels. Also check for any leaks in the system and make sure master cylinder is full.

Lights

Lights are probably the most simple to check although it is easiest with help.  With trailer plugged in to the tow vehicle check the running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and all marker lights.  If there are broken or non working lights it might be a good time to up grade to LED lights.