5 Signs Your Trailer Needs a Repair

Tags: Trailer Maintenance

While owning a trailer or fleet has plenty of advantages, it also requires regular maintenance and repairs. Whether you use it for work to transport equipment to and from job sites or for recreation to transport your ATV, a lack of proper maintenance could lead to necessary trailer repair.

Trailers are designed to carry heavy equipment, travel long distances, and withstand harsh conditions when constantly on the road. However, trailers, like any other vehicle, can suffer from wear and tear. Damage to company trailers can result in days off work, so being aware of the signs that require trailer repair is critical to keeping your trailer in good shape for the long haul. To keep you on the road and with a standard maintenance schedule, we’ll educate you on why and when you need trailer repairs.

Why Trailer Repair Is Important

Identifying and acting on the warning signs will help your trailer last a long time. Some trailer repairs are not always noticeable, such as a slow fuel leak. Keeping your trailer in top shape is a trucking 101 best practice.

Routine trailer maintenance is critical to ensuring the longevity of your trailer as well as your ability to haul safely to your destination. Before hauling, be certain that your trailer and all of its parts are road-ready. Trailer parts that are worn or broken can cause loss of control of the vehicle and injury due to tire blowouts, axle damage, loss of the ability to brake properly, and more.

To ensure safe and dependable operation, you must inspect, maintain, and service your trailer on a regular basis. Preventative action, like a maintenance schedule, is better than being reactive, and most likely cheaper. If you are unable to or unsure how to perform the tasks listed here, contact your dealer or nearest trailer repair shop.

A Typical Maintenance Schedule

Trailer repairs include tasks you should have in your maintenance schedule. Before you tow, a monthly check, a semi-annual check, and an annual check are good cadences for you to check in with your trailer’s fitness.

Your usual truck and trailer repair daily routine should look like the following:

• Cleaning and inspecting the trailer
• Correcting any tire failures
• Inspecting moving parts
• Monitoring tire pressure
• Replacing light bulbs

We’ve also included other things to check at each check-in cadence:

A well-maintained trailer will last for many years and provide a safer haul each time you tow it. Treat your trailer like your main vehicle to ensure it’s always ready when you need it. Preventive steps like these won’t lead you to time-consuming or costly surprises.

Signs Your Trailer Needs to Be Serviced

Consistent truck and trailer maintenance gives peace of mind that the vehicle won’t fail when you least expect it. When it comes to service, the more functions or the larger the size of your trailer, the more it requires.

The following is a suggestion for common trailer repairs. However, depending on the trailer’s usage, including cargo weight and mileage, as well as the environmental factors, your trailer may require more frequent maintenance than that described below.

Clicking Sounds

Any clicking sounds are typically not a good sign. Troubleshooting them means you’ll need to check for any loose parts banging together. If you reduce the internal noise of the vehicle, you can hear where the problems stem from as you make various maneuvers.

You’re likely having problems with the vehicle’s brakes. It could also mean the truck has suspension or axle issues. Left unaddressed, you or your driver(s) could endanger themselves or others, especially if an accident occurs.

Faulty Lighting

Sometimes, lights and wiring need to be repaired. If the lights are flickering or not working, this can be a major safety concern. Potential problems could be a blown fuse, a loose connection, or something more serious, like faulty wiring or electrical shorts. Troubleshooting these issues on your own is not recommended, as electrical systems can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Fluid Leakage

Another common sign you need trailer repairs is if you find a leak. This could indicate issues with the seals or gaskets. It could also be due to corrosion or overtime wear on the metal parts. 

If left unchecked, leaks will further damage the trailer. The fluids used in vehicles are hazardous to the environment. When you notice leaks, you can troubleshoot by trying to identify where the leak is coming from and what kind of liquid it seems to be (e.g., fuel, oil, something else from cargo). However, you should contact a professional right away at a trailer repair shop, as it could be a serious issue.

Limited Maneuverability

Axles appear again on this list because they are one of the most important components of any trailer. If you have any turning or other maneuvering issues, troubleshoot by performing a thorough inspection of your trailer, beginning with the axles and everything connected. More intricate details will determine whether it is a broken connecting switch, axle damage, or engine problems.

Because of how frequently they are used and how much weight they carry, having problems with your trailer’s brakes is not uncommon either. Brake issues can also contribute to limited maneuverability. If you notice any difficulty or lag in your braking, they likely need to be repaired as well.

Unusual Noise

Unusual noises coming from your trailer are generally a sign of a loose or damaged component. Checking your trailer for visible damage regularly is a good way to keep it in good condition. Any cracks, corrosion, or damaged spindles may indicate that your axles need to be replaced. When you hear knocking, clicking, or other unusual noises coming from your trailer while driving, it is usually a sign that something is loose or damaged. Troubleshooting can be difficult, since the sounds often occur while driving.

Common Trailer Repair Questions and Answers

We know you want your truck and additional fleet to be around for the long haul. Even if you don’t check in with your manuals regularly, here are a couple of quick answers for questions you’ll likely run into regarding trailer repairs.

What is the Average Life of a Trailer?

The lifespan of a trailer depends on the model, how it’s used, and how it’s maintained. Usually, most will see about 10 to 15 years. Preventive care is helpful and will make your investment worth it. In addition, trailer inspections will also add longer life to your trailers and catch any problems early on.

When Should I Service My Trailer?

Every 6 months is a good standard for how often to get your trailer serviced. You should adhere to this rule, especially if you aren’t sure where your trailer’s service manual is. Each trailer, like your car, has a maintenance schedule that you should adhere to in order for it to function properly.

How Often Should You Check Trailer Brakes?

Trailer brakes should be checked and adjusted every 3 months or every 3,000 miles, depending on how often you’re on the road.

How Do You Inspect Trailer Bearings?

Jack up the trailer and make sure it’s secure with equally spaced jack stands. Check the wheels for looseness. The wheel should have a very slight amount of give, typically less than 1/8-inch. The bearings must be serviced or replaced if the wheels are loose or wobbly.

How to Tell if a Trailer Axle is Bad?

There’s no need to check your axles every day, but doing so every few months ensures you catch any damage early. If your trailer was involved in an accident or subjected to a rough ride, inspect its axles as soon as possible. Driving while needing trailer maintenance can result in serious damage to your vehicle, cargo, and other drivers.

What Maintenance is Needed on a Trailer?

Some of the most common kinds of maintenance that a trailer shop will perform regularly are:

• Tires: check pressure and tread
• Brakes: check operability of brakes and breakaway brakes
• Wheels: tighten nuts and bolts
• Coupler and hitch ball: clean grease buildup and check for physical issues

For our full list of recommended trailer maintenance, see the trailer repairs graphic above.

How Often Should You Service Your Trailer

Trailer repair parts can stack up fast. The final bill for a trailer service visit depends on a few things, like what needs fixing and where you’re getting the work done. Minor maintenance and repairs are usually on the cheaper end. But when it comes to major fixes or full-on replacements, costs can climb quickly. That’s why it’s always smart to get a clear, detailed estimate from your service provider or repair shop before committing.

Set a Schedule, and Stick to It

If your trailer’s part of your daily grind, plan on booking service at least twice a year. That regular check-up goes a long way in keeping your equipment running smoothly and safely. Even if your trailer’s going to sit for a while, don’t skip out on service. Sitting idle doesn’t mean it’s immune to wear or surprises. A quick trip to the shop now can save you from bigger headaches (and bills) when it’s finally time to roll out again.

Don’t Let Winter Wreck Your Equipment

Here’s a tip from our own service manager: If you’re operating in cold-weather climates or rolling through the winter months, don’t skip washes. Salt and brine used to treat roads can corrode trailer components faster than you think. Regular cleanings during these months protect your investment and keep you safe on the road.

Stay Vigilant with Trailer Maintenance

As a general rule, have your truck and trailer repair services scheduled semi-annually at least. This will help keep them in good working order and safe for your business. Even if you do not intend to use your trailer anytime soon, you should still have it serviced. By taking it in for service, you can avoid major issues when you finally hit the road. Remember, a preventative action plan is better than being reactive.

Get Serviced with Hale Trailer

Trailer maintenance will keep your fleet in good condition and ensure your safety. Keeping your truck or fleet conditioned will get you back on the road quickly.

Hale Trailer has the experience ideal for conducting trailer repairs. We have worked hard to maintain a sizeable inventory and trailer repair experts so we can replace and repair your trailer as soon as possible. We have a line-up of trailers ready for the road now available to you for purchase or rent. Our selection can be found online, or stop by one of our locations to learn more about how we can help you.