Over the past few years, the design and manufacturing of trailers have improved. With proper maintenance, today trailers can remain safe and on the road longer. By following a few trailer maintenance tips, you can help ensure your trailer is always in top operating condition.
1. Washing And Cleaning
If you want to keep your RV in the best condition for the longest time, you’ll need to keep it clean. Dirt hangs onto moisture, and together they can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to take over. Leaves and debris stuck to your roof can harbor insects and pests, and in some cases it can damage your RV’s finishes. A clean trailer also allows you to more easily spot trailer problems.
A simple solution of household detergent and water is all you need. Start with your roof, since water flows down, and this way you will not need to rewash any given area. Be careful with stiff-bristled brushes. And be very cautious if you’re using a pressure washer. You could do more damage than good with a high-pressure spray. A regular hose will do just fine.
2. Keep All Your Lights Working
Periodically check all the lights on your trailer. It’s particularly important that your taillights, brake lights and turn signals all work. If a light is not working, it’s usually because the bulb or lamp is dead, as opposed to a wiring issue.
Not only can burned-out lights be dangerous, but you could get pulled over or fined for having faulty lights. Have a friend or family member sit in your towing vehicle and operate the brakes and signals while you watch for defects.
There are two primary trailer bulb types: bayonet and push-in, as well as three styles of trailer light bulbs —incandescent, halogen and light-emitting diode. Refer to your manual for more info.
3. Check The Air Pressure
Proper tire air pressure has always been the key to tire longevity. Often, drivers are too busy to check tires regularly, so inflation pressure monitoring systems are recommended. As you know, tires are a major expense, so they deserve proper attention.
Checking tire pressure is simple. There are three common tire pressure gauges on the market — stick, dial and digital. You can get any of them inexpensively at an auto parts store. To get an accurate reading, make sure you check pressures when your tires are “cold.” A good rule is three hours after you’ve parked your trailer.
If your tires are properly inflated but you continue to see tire wear, it may be an indication of another problem with the suspension, shock absorbers, axle alignment, etc. Have a professional mechanic take a look.
4. Maintain Inside & Out
Don’t forget to inspect the inside of the trailer. Regularly look for deep scrapes or holes in the roof, which can cause leaks. Leaks could damage your loads, as well as let potentially damaging moisture or “critters” into the trailer.
5. Bring It To A Shop Every 60 Days
We recommend bringing your trailer to a shop every 60 days for a thorough inspection. A professional will check your brakes, inspect your suspension, lube your rig correctly, and do a security check. Don’t attempt to make any repairs or alterations on your trailer that would affect its road safety or legal compliance. Professional technicians know what modifications are allowable and how to make repairs that conform to regulations.
The technicians at Continental Truck Services are highly skilled and certified to quickly and effectively fix any problem. We are here to provide top quality service at the fastest possible times. Call us today to schedule your appointment: (407) 591-6747. We are located at 9640 SIDNEY HAYES RD, Orlando, FL 32824, United States. Be safe!
