Trailer maintenance
A trailer maintenance schedule that keeps it safe and holds its value.
Most trailer problems are cheap to prevent and expensive to fix. Here’s a practical schedule to follow, and a way to get one built for your own trailer.
The schedule
| What | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tire pressure and condition | Before each trip | Check cold pressure against the sidewall or trailer label, and look for cracks and uneven wear. |
| Lights and wiring | Before each trip | Brake, turn and running lights; a corroded plug is a common culprit. |
| Coupler, safety chains and breakaway | Before each trip | Latch and pin secure, chains crossed and not dragging, breakaway cable connected and its battery charged. |
| Wheel lug nuts | After the first 50–100 miles on new or remounted wheels, then regularly | Torque to the manufacturer’s spec; lug nuts can settle after a wheel is fitted. |
| Wheel bearings | At least once a year, or every 10,000–12,000 miles | Inspect and repack (or check oil-bath hubs). Sooner after a boat trailer’s been submerged. |
| Brakes | At least once a year | Inspect shoes, magnets or pads and adjust. Check the brake controller in the truck too. |
| Tire age | Check the date code yearly | Many tire makers advise replacing trailer tires after several years even with good tread, because rubber ages. |
| Frame, deck and roof | Each season | Treat rust early, keep the deck sealed, and reseal enclosed-trailer roof seams before leaks start. |
General guidance. Your trailer’s manual and its axle, brake and tire manufacturers’ instructions come first, and how you use the trailer (distance, loads, salt, water) can mean more frequent service.
Get a maintenance plan built for your trailer
Free for up to 3 trailers. Answer three questions about how you use it, and TrailerBook builds a schedule from its specs and service history, with reminders when things are due.
Why it pays to keep records
A trailer with a record of brake, bearing and tire service is easier to sell and usually worth more. On TrailerBook, work logged by a service shop is marked verified, and the history stays with the trailer when it changes hands.
Common questions
How often should trailer bearings be repacked?
A common guideline is at least once a year or every 10,000–12,000 miles, whichever comes first, and sooner for boat trailers that are submerged. Follow your axle manufacturer’s instructions.
How often should trailer brakes be checked?
At least once a year, and whenever braking feels weak or uneven. Electric brake magnets and shoes wear and need adjustment.
When should trailer tires be replaced?
When the tread is worn, the sidewalls are cracked, or the tires are getting old. Check the date code on the sidewall; many makers advise replacing trailer tires after several years regardless of tread.