Whether they’re used for work or play, anyone who has owned and operated a trailer knows the immense utility value they can render. For those using trailers of various sizes and capacities for occupational purposes, they know that efficient use of the proper trailer device can be pivotal to a transportation, delivery, utility, or materials handling business—be it small, medium, or large-sized. And for adventurers, who utilize pull-behind trailers for recreation purposes and camping trips, they know that this vital adjunct can be game-changing to their on-the-road-exploration and overall travel experience.

But whether you utilize a trailer for recreational or professional reasons, the need for appropriate and timely maintenance remains the same. Trailers supplement vehicle travel and play a highly functional role, but they must follow all safety rules and guidelines to eliminate hazards and ensure accurate operation. 

So, what are some of the “must do’s” when it comes to maintaining your trailer investment. Here is a Top 10 Trailer Tipslist for referral:

1. Check Those Lug Nuts: Most important, owner-operators should regularly check to ensure that lug nuts are tight, in place, and operating securely to make sure that the stability of the trailer isn’t at risk out on the highway. This is essential for good trailer operation, and maintenance checks should occur every 500 miles at minimum. (Source: LetsGoAero.com) And just as an additional measure of precaution, owners should ensure that all primary operational elements of the vehicle are in top shape and ready to manage the additional strain of trailer towing. This effort should include inspecting suspension, brakes, electrical connections, and the overall structural of the tow vehicle to make certain that all components are in optimal condition.

• It’s All about the Ride”: Second, wheel and tire conditions are the next essential area of concern—both to ensure that tires are installed properly, and to ensure that tire pressure is at adequate safety levels. Trailer owners may want to confer with a tire installation partner or dealer for specifics pertaining to various trailer and vehicle models. When wheels and tires malfunction, the entire balance and safety of both the towing vehicle and trailer are at risk for obvious reasons. Additionally, make sure to inspect tires for adequate tread depth, proper inflation, and any signs of wear or damage—while also being aware that under-inflated tires can lead to unexpected blowouts and overly worn, or “tired,” tires can decrease traction and control.

• Grease the Bearings: Same as with the need to carefully check lug nuts, bearings should be regularly monitored and greased. (Wheel bearings connect wheels and axles to ensure appropriate tire and wheel spin.) And of course, the same goes for the ongoing supervision of the fasteners that connect the trailer to the primary vehicle.

• Watch “How You Haul”: A vehicle tow/trailer operation is related directly to the security of the cargo that’s being hauled. It’s important that gear, equipment, and other materials in your payload are evenly balanced (both side-to-side and front-to-back) to avoid items breaking loose or prevent the entire trailer from tipping over on rigorous turns or at higher speeds. This oversight action includes making certain that safety chains and other strapping and positioning devices are properly placed, locked, and loaded—and using additional tie-down straps for extra balance. Proper weight distribution is crucial for overall stable towing.

• Measure Your Towing Capacity: Before towing, confirm that your vehicle is even capable of towing the trailer’s weight—and that the cargo volume is within the vehicle’s towing capacity limits as specified by the manufacturer. Note that weight requirements may fluctuate greatly according to different vehicle makes and models. Avoid excess capacity that can strain the vehicle’s brakes, transmission, or even the engine, which can lead to unexpected and potentially dangerous mechanical failures.

• Getting Hitched: It’s also a good idea to inspect the hitch mechanism on both the trailer and tow vehicle. Mounting and connecting bolts, rivers, and other hardware can become loose or unreliable over time and with excessive use. Be sure to include a secondary safety harness such as a strong chain that is in good condition and capable of maintaining the weight and control of the trailer should the main hitch fail.

• Careful Unloading: The above also relates to the process of safely unloading gear and other items after the journey. This imperative task may apply more to those who utilize their trailer for professional cargo transport purposes (versus those on a family camping trip with more benign items in tow). Quick turns and high speeds can cause gear, cannisters, boxes and other equipment to shift, even with the best precautions. Workers who unload a trailer should also be cautious when opening the gate and removing the cargo load. (This necessity becomes even more important in extreme and perilous weather conditions.)

• Tie That Mother Down: More than just inspiration from a classic song by the rock band Queen, this recommendation is crucial when hauling items in an open trailer to prevent cargo from potentially spilling and become an unwanted airborne visitor for the vehicles behind. In addition to ensuring the proper balance of cargo, as mentioned above, making sure that it can’t “fly out” of the trailer or be hurled toward other approaching vehicles is essential. Consider more secure options such as ratchet tie-down straps and use of a heavy-duty cargo net. Additionally, it’s just good practice to always maintain a safe distance to all cars (both ahead and behind) when towing. The extra volume and weight of a trailer attachment requires that drivers have more time to slow down the vehicle and come to a full stop, especially in a panic situation or unanticipated emergency scenario.

• Light It Up!: Because trailers must be easily visible out on the highway (so that other drivers can properly navigate and negotiate around them, when coming up behind or when passing a trailer), it’s critical that your unit is outfitted with adequate lighting. Make sure to use light sources that are bright, in operation, and installed from each visual angle for maximum safety. Check all trailer lighting connections and wiring to ensure nothing is frayed or is missing insulation, which could create a “short” or subsequent loss of lights. Also, it’s important to monitor ALL light functions, including taillights, turn lights, reflectors, and especially brake signals.

1. Protect that Trailer—Inside and Out: And the last, but still essential, task is to make sure your trailer’s external surfaces are proactively shielded from road damage (such as flying rocks, mud, plants, and other debris). Coating your trailer investment with Bullet Liner’s premium, advanced spray-on polyurea coating will help to protect it out on the highway—keeping its aesthetic good looks, staving off premature sun damage, and deterring rust and corrosion. Elastomer coatings can also be used on interior surfaces and sidings and within the trailer bed to guard against denting, scrapes, and other damage. Bullet Liner is a leading global supplier and applicator of industrial grade polyurea protective coatings and offers an affordable way to extend the longevity of your trailer investment. Find a Bullet Liner dealer in your area today!

By being mindful of the above precautions and following comprehensive trailer maintenance guidelines provided by your trailer manufacturer, dealer, or repair and maintenance partner, trailer owners should be able to ensure that equipment stays safe and productive for years to come—whether their trailer use is occupational, as part of a cargo or utility business, or as part of a Jeep or other recreational vehicle adventure on the open highway!

To learn more about the many overall benefits and advantages of Bullet Liner technology and protective coating solutions, which are guaranteed to not prematurely fade, crack, bubble, or peel, check out the details at www.BulletLiner.com.