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Trucks are motor vehicles explicitly designed for transporting cargo. They move 71% of all goods transported around the United States. Their end-use varies widely from long-haul or regional delivery to construction and municipal use. 

But to carry the load, trucks require extra carrier vehicles called trailers. These have wheels but no engines, which means they have to be attached to the trucks with engines to perform their function. They come in various types—including flatbed, enclosed, refrigerated, and lowboy—depending on the purpose and type of load to be carried. 

Although trailers are made to be tough and withstand even the harshest conditions, periodic maintenance is still required to keep them in great shape. And while trailer care is dependent on the type of trailer you have, here are general trailer maintenance tips that you can do to keep your trailer performing and looking at its best:

Clean it after every trip. 

Cleaning the exterior of your trailer is the most basic maintenance task that you can do to keep it in good condition. This has to be accomplished after every trip, especially when the chassis or body has dirt, dust deposits, grime, and mud that need cleaning. You can use simple water and mild detergent solution with a bucket, hose, and large sponge or soft brush. High-pressure hoses and brushes with stiff bristles are highly discouraged as these can damage the finish and loosen exterior fittings. 

Keep moving parts lubricated.

Trailers are composed of moving parts, such as doors and hinges, that need to be greased to function properly. Without proper lubrication, these parts will grind together, creating friction that will eventually wear each other down and cause them to rust or break. You can prevent this from happening by keeping them lubricated. You may add enough new grease to purge the old grease that’s already been contaminated by dirt and debris. A wide selection of lubricants from various brands can be easily purchased online these days for your convenience. 

Check the tire pressure and tread. 

The tires are the most hardworking components of your trailer. They work round the clock as they must support the trailer's weight even when it's not on the road. Because of this crucial function, they are made tougher than car tires to ensure they withstand daily use and constant abuse. But just like the tires of smaller vehicles, they too require frequent maintenance. Checking the tire pressure is one such task since it affects how the trailer rides on the road. Too much pressure can cause the tire treads to wear down faster, while too little pressure can damage the axles and wheels from the trailer’s weight. So, be sure to check the tire pressure and tread before hitting the road and repair or replace the tires if necessary. 

Touch up nicks and scratches.

Nicks or scratches in the paint of your trailer can be unsightly, and if left ignored for an extended period, they might result in rusting that can cause severe damage to the body of the vehicle. Touching up nicks and scratches is an effective way to improve the trailer’s look and extend the lifespan of its body components. There are many options available for scratch removers, so there’s always one that will work best on your trailer. 

Make sure it is lighting up properly.

Lights— such as the side lights, indicators, and brake lights—play crucial roles in keeping you safe on the road while driving your trailer truck. So, be sure to check them before your trip to avoid any untoward incidents. If any of these lighting components are defective, make sure to replace them. Also, it is worth knowing that these lights are not just there for illumination purposes but also compliance. If you don’t want to be pulled over for having one or more lights out, then take the time to inspect all lighting components and make sure they are lighting up properly. 

Secure the load with restraints.

Whether you are using a closed trailer or a flatbed trailer, it pays to keep your load secured with restraints. Doing this not only ensures the goods you are transporting are delivered at their designated location safely and in one piece but also the safety of other road users. When loads are not secured properly, chances are your vehicle will lose balance and the load will fall either at the back or at the side, in case of an open trailer, putting the safety of other road users at risk. If it’s an enclosed trailer, on the other hand, falling or moving loads can damage the floor or body. You can prevent this from happening by equipping your trailer with reliable load bars, which are offered in different types and sizes for your specific needs. 

Protect the trailer body against corrosion.

Aside from nicks and scratches, various chemicals and salt are also major causes of corrosion. And these are very common during the winter months. As much as possible, avoid driving on roads treated with salt, but if this could not be avoided, then take even more caution when doing so. The same is true when you are driving in snowy or rainy conditions. Snow or rain often gets mixed with the salt on the road. When this gets to your trailer while driving, you must wash it immediately after to prevent it from causing damage to the body. 

Be sure to check other essential trailer components. 

Apart from the brakes, tires, and lights, there are other essential components that warrant inspection to keep your trailer in good condition. These include wheel nuts, bolts, fasteners, pivoting joints, springs, axles, wiring connections, plugs, and receptacles. Their functions may not be as crucial as the bigger components, but they are equally important in the overall operation of your trailer. So, make sure to check them periodically—if they are already defective, then purchase replacement trailer parts online for more convenience. 

Here at FinditParts, you can find a wide array of trailer parts and accessories for your repair, maintenance, and upgrade needs. Feel free to check out our catalog and place your order online so we can process it right away.