One can prolong the life of their trailer by following these simple steps and remember, regular maintenance is the key to a long life for any trailer and forms part of the warranty guarantee.
- Trailers must be serviced every 5,000km or annually whichever arrives first.
- Check wheel bearings, wheel nuts, u-bolts, shackle bolts, and coupling bolts regularly.
- Check the trailer chassis and drawbar for any signs of structural damage, fatigue, cracks in members or welds. Should any damage or cracking be present then repairs must be carried out immediately prior to using the trailer. Do not tow a trailer with structural damage.
- Store the trailer under cover or cover the trailer when not in use.
- Store the trailer with the front end higher than the rear. This allows any water which may enter the trailer to flow freely from the tailgate.
- Should scratches, stone chips, or any areas of concern be noticed, these areas must be ‘touched up’ immediately. Any areas on galvanised trailers, tops and cages that are welded and painted with cold galvanised paint must be touched up regularly.
- Prevention is better than cure (our environment is corrosive and harsh on metal).
- Do not exceed the recommended Gross Vehicle Mass (the combined weight of trailer and load) with any trailer. Ensure the trailer is correctly loaded with the majority of the weight (60%) forward of the axle(s). Ensure the load is secured and cannot move during transit. Do not tow a trailer that is not sitting level behind the towing vehicle.
- Refuse must not be left in the trailer and after use the trailer must be cleaned, particularly inside.
- Apply rust preventatives, fisholene or even old sump oil to the underneath of the trailer and all seams, anywhere moisture can sit. This will repel the moisture and add years to the life of the trailer. It is recommended that one repeat this process annually.
- Trailers with polyethylene bodies must be kept clean and have a suitable conditioner applied regularly (every 3 months) to ensure the trailer body keeps its colour and its resilience for years to come. Failure to maintain and condition the polyethylene trailer body will reduce its service life.
- Polyethylene expands and contracts according to the conditions, and the rate at which it expands differs from that of the trailers’ metal chassis. In hot conditions, the trailer body and floor can show signs of slight deformation as it expands. Note this is a natural occurrence and is to be expected. The polyethylene trailer body has an inbuilt memory and will return to its natural position in due course.
- Sharp objects or corners can wear or damage the polyethylene trailer body and any such sharp areas must be covered to protect the trailer body.
- We recommend that trailers be kept away from salt water, corrosive chemicals and materials. Wheel bearings work very hard on any trailer and should be checked and regreased every 6-12 months, depending upon usage. We recommend bearings be replaced every 3 years. Don’t forget you’ll need a new split pin and a bearing seal for each axle, and be prepared to replace the inner and outer bearings if pitted or worn. See our STEP BY STEP Do It Yourself Wheel Bearing Degrease Guide