After a long and arduous winter, it looks like warm weather may be here to stay. The brutal cold weather has put your trailer through a lot in the past few months and it’s time to make sure it is in tip-top shape for the season ahead. We’re sharing our tips and suggestions on how to inspect and restore your trailer to keep you safe and effective in warm weather.
Do a Visual Inspection 
Look for signs of wear and tear or erosion while you’re looking at the exterior of the trailer. Note areas that you’ll need to take a closer look at when working on repairs or restorations. We recommend that the trailer sits with a ‘2” rise while empty on level ground or level if you have a loaded deck.
Check the Little Parts
Small parts with tiny nooks and crannies are susceptible to corrosion, rust and damage. Check your hinges, latches, chains, springs, d-rings, pins and other small parts to make sure they are free from blemishes, snug and ready for safe use in the months ahead. If needed, replace these parts before jumping into more work.
Check Your Electrical Systems
Check all your circuits and your electrical systems to make sure your connections are still strong. Plug in your trailer and check your lights, brake lights, turn signals, battery, alternator and other electrical systems to make sure they are good to go. While you’re checking these systems, replace any light bulbs that may have burned out.
Inspect Your Brakes
Your trailer brakes are arguably the most important thing to inspect before hitting the road. Do a visual inspection of the brakes (above your axles), your brake controller/brake box and trailer plug. Check for corrosion and decay in your wiring, and do some brake testing from within your truck. Your brake controller manual should have instructions on how to perform a basic brake test, sharing how to determine how strong the resistance should be. If there are any issues, go visit your mechanic.
Check Your Tires
Winter weather does a number on your tires, so make sure to give them a good twice-over to make sure they’re ready for the road. If you have seasonal tires, switch them out. If not, make sure to check for cracks, dents, cuts, bulges, worn treads or dry rot. Make sure they are inflated and can stay inflated. Inspect your hubs, valves and dust seals as well.
Inspect the Deck 
If your deck went through another season of snow and rain, it’s time to do a thorough inspection. Make sure your boards are intact and secured to the trailer frame. Check on eye level for any warping or distortion. Load your equipment to make sure there is no bowing and that your deck can still safely support the weight of anything you tow.
Thoroughly Wash Your Trailer
Thoroughly washing your trailer will go a long way in making sure your investment will last for years. Over time, salt buildup can lead to rust and corrosion, resulting in a preventable cost to you. Using your cleaning solution of choice, wash away the accumulation of road salts, dirt and debris. A power washer will help you get into the nooks and crannies of your trailer to wash away hidden dirt.
Building The Best
Towmaster Trailers partners with rental companies across the country to provide resilient, versatile trailers that offer long-term ROI, even through rigorous rental usage.
If you want to know more about how to make equipment investments that will last for years, reach out to the Towmaster Trailers team today.