Trailers are tough, but they're easy to forget about until something goes wrong on the highway. A few regular checks keep your trailer safe and roadworthy and save you money in the long run.
Before every trip
- Coupling: make sure it's fully seated on the tow ball and the latch is locked. Give it a lift to check it won't pop off.
- Safety chains: attach them properly, crossed under the coupling if your setup allows, with rated shackles done up. They shouldn't drag on the road. Safety chain and brake requirements for light trailers are set out in VSB1 (Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1) and the ADRs.
- Lights: plug in and check the tail lights, brake lights and indicators with a helper or by checking your reflection in a window. Dirty or corroded plugs are the most common cause of flickering lights.
- Tyres: check pressures (the correct figure is usually on the trailer or in its paperwork) and look for cuts, bulges or uneven wear. Don't forget the spare.
- Wheel nuts: a quick check that they're all there and tight.
- Load: spread it evenly, keep heavy items low and over the axle, and tie it down properly.
- Jockey wheel: wound up and secure before you drive off.
Every few months
- Wheel bearings: jack each wheel up and give it a spin and a wobble. Grinding, roughness or play means they need attention. Bearings that have been dunked at the boat ramp need more frequent checks.
- Springs and U-bolts: look for cracked leaves, broken centre bolts or loose U-bolts.
- Brakes: if your trailer has brakes, check they're working evenly and that cables, hydraulic lines or wiring aren't damaged. Electric brakes need the controller set to suit the load.
- Frame and drawbar: look for cracks near welds, bends and rust, especially underneath and where water sits.
- Floor and sides: check for rot, holes or loose panels that could let a load shift or fall out.
Once a year (or before a big trip)
Do a more thorough check: clean and repack or replace the wheel bearings, adjust the brakes, check the wiring from plug to lamps, and check tyres for age as well as tread. If your trailer runs AL-KO running gear, follow AL-KO's bearing and brake maintenance guidance for your hubs. Tyres can perish even when they look fine, especially on trailers that sit in the sun most of the year.
Signs you shouldn't ignore
- A hub that's much hotter than the others after a drive
- The trailer pulling to one side
- Lights that keep failing
- New noises, like clunks, squeals or grinding
Any of these is a sign to stop and check the trailer properly before the next trip.
Rust and storage
If you can, store your trailer under cover. Wash off mud, salt and fertiliser after use, and touch up chips on painted trailers before rust gets a start. Tilting a box trailer up on its tailgate helps stop water sitting on the floor.
Parts for your own checks
When your checks turn up something worn, we stock the parts to sort it yourself: wheel bearing kits, lights and plugs, brake parts, trailer tyres and rated safety chains and shackles. Bring the old part or your trailer details and we'll help you match it.
Doing your own trailer checks? Grab bearings, lights and plugs, brake parts, tyres and safety chains at Ballarat Trailers & Towbars, 4 Ballarat-Carngham Rd, Alfredton (Monday to Saturday), or give us a call to check we've got the part you need.
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