If you are like any of the other thousands of Australians who use their trailers regularly throughout the year, then you are going to want to keep it in tip-top shape. A trailer is a major investment, especially when you are purchasing brand new, so you must make sure you do everything in your power to maintain that investment. After all, you want to be sure that you get the very most from your trailer for years to come and not have it become a money pit.
From first-time owners to seasoned veterans of the road, everyone could use an annual refresher on how to keep their trailer working its best. A trailer has a lot more moving parts than many people realise, each of which requires a certain amount of care and attention. For trailer owners, it’s important to remember that there is a lot that could go wrong if you don’t carry out routine maintenance. After all, when you’re out on the road, you want to ensure that you stay safe and that you are responsible when it comes to the well-being of other road users too.
Let’s take a look at some helpful tips to ensure you continue to get the very most out of your trailer as time goes on.
Invest In A Quality Cover
A simple canvas trailer cover could save you more than you could imagine. As you will not be driving with your travel trailer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is going to spend some extended periods exposed to the elements. While that may seem harmless to the average person with no previous knowledge of trailers, dust, dirt, and other debris are certainly not your friend. If your trailer is exposed to the weather for long periods of time without adequate protection, it can cause all kinds of problems, from cosmetic to mechanical.
It doesn’t matter if you are buying brand new or severely used, if your travel trailer is going to be sitting idle, you need a cover for it. There are many options, either locally or online, and if you are purchasing from a dealer, they will most likely offer you one before any signatures are collected anyways.
Inspect Everything You Can
There are many things that can go wrong if they are not caught in time, which means it is essential that you do regular inspections on your trailer. Start at the top, and work your way down. If your trailer is fully enclosed, be sure to check all the seams so you can be confident it is watertight. A leaking seam or seal could cause many issues if unnoticed for an extended period of time, so it is best to get on top of any issues right away. You should also check lug nut tightness, air pressure in the tires, electric hookups, the condition of the hitch, and any other moving parts your trailed might have.
See A Mechanic Regularly
Even if you are a seasoned backyard mechanic, it never hurts to swallow your pride and have a professionally trained and certified one take a look at your trailer once a year for further peace of mind. You want to ensure that everything is well-maintained, and it’s always wise to complete a typical seasonal checkup that checks all of the important components so you can be safe on the road. While it might take a little bit of time and money to bring your trailer to an experienced mechanic, it is more than worth it in the long run when it comes to you having confidence in your trailer moving forward.
Educate Yourself
These days it is easier than ever to learn what you need to know, so take advantage of the times and educate yourself on how best to look after, operate, store and use your trailer. This is especially important for first-time owners, as the more you know, the better your trailer will keep and the better of an experience you will have when you’re using your trailer. Take the time to learn all of the unique components and accessories of your trailer, and don’t forget to brush up on a little more maintenance tasks from time to time. Becoming an expert on your own rig will help you to identify potential issues before they ever happen, helping you to save on potentially expensive repairs down the road.
Take Care Of Your Trailer, And It Will Serve You Well For Many Years To Come
If you truly want your trailer to stand the test of time and be there for you when you need it, it’s crucial that you put the time and effort into maintaining it properly. Following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your trailer will operate as expected, be in the best condition possible and, most importantly, will be ready for work when you need it most.
