Basics of Trailer Maintenance and Recommended Schedule for Service
Question:
We are new to trailering. I have heard different and contradictory things about trailer maintenance. Is there a reliable guide for what to do and how often to do it? I know how to grease pack bearings but I don't want to do it any more often than I have to! You guys seem to know the real deal. Help me, please!
asked by: Jayrod
Expert Reply:
There are some basic guidelines you can follow for your periodic trailer maintenance. You are smart to get ahead of this instead of waiting for something to start making noise - or worse. The lifespan of your trailer's componentry will definitely be longer if you maintain these items along the way. This means not only peace of mind but also potentially lower costs to keep your fun rolling.
We have many helpful articles available on our site for all sorts of subjects (please see the linked page) and these include one specifically concerning trailer maintenance. I linked that particular article too.
Naturally, there are checks and inspections that should be made EVERY time you ready the trailer for towing. These include but are not limited to checking tire pressure and condition, tightness of wheel lugs and of all hardware on the trailer, condition of your breakaway system and battery, proper operation of all lights and of the trailer brakes. Other steps are required on a periodic basis, such as checking the grease level in your hubs and the general condition of your suspension (a worn suspension means more stress on the trailer frame and on what is loaded into it).
A simple and cost-effective way to help keep your trailer healthy is to protect it in the off-season. We offer storage covers for all types of trailers and also tire covers. Both protect against damaging UV rays and also against water damage and other contaminants. Keeping the trailer cleaner during storage also means less prep/upkeep come springtime.
I linked our pages for storage covers like # CA80042 which fits pop-up camper trailers and for tire covers like # CA80083.
Products Referenced in This Question
Classic Accessories PolyPro III Deluxe RV Cover for Pop Up Campers up to 18' Long - Gray
- RV Covers
- Storage Covers
- Pop-Up Camper Cover
- No Access
- 16 Feet Long
- 17 Feet Long
- 18 Feet Long
- Better UV/Dust/Weather Protection
- Gray and White
- Classic Accessories
more information >
Classic Accessories RV Tire Covers for 24" to 27" Tires - Single Axle - Gray - Qty 2
- RV Tire Covers
- Single Axle
- 24 Inch Tires
- 25 Inch Tires
- 26 Inch Tires
- 27 Inch Tires
- Vinyl
- 2 Covers
- Better UV/Dust/Weather Protection
- Gray
- Classic Accessories
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
LubriMatic Marine Trailer Wheel Bearing Grease - 3 oz. Cartridges - Qty 3
- Lubricants Sealants Adhesives
- Grease
- Brake and Bearing Grease
- Petroleum-Based
- Marine Bearing Grease
- Calcium Sulfonate
- 3 oz
- LubriMatic
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Compatibility of LED Hitch Cover FHG72VR with Wiring Harness 118384 on 2012 Chevy Colorado
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Q&A: Comparing Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Couplers # DM16080-95 & # DM15931-95
- Q&A: Replacement Idler Hub For Old Boat Trailer With DICO 45264 Idler Hubs
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Q&A: Grease Used in CE Smith Pre-Greased Hub CE13110
- Article: Replacing the Bearing, Races and Seals on a Trailer Hub
- Q&A: What is the Best Grease for Trailer Bearings
- Q&A: Recommendation For Greasing Boat Trailer Bearings - Regular or Marine Grease
- Q&A: Recommended Bearing Buddy and Bearing Kit for Malone MicroSport Trailer
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Hydraulic Disc Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: Overview of Lubricating Grease