Some of the most common trailer issues are outlined below – together with some ways to avoid them.
Tyres in poor condition
As with cars, poorly maintained trailer tyres can potentially lead to dangerous situations on the road. To avoid this, you should:
- Keep an eye on the trailer tyre tread level which should be above 1.6mm at all times, and replace them when this gets too low.
- Ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct levels by checking them regularly and adding air as needed. Over or under inflation can increase the chances of blowouts and can cause damage to the sidewalls.
Worn brakes
Issues with trailer brakes are fairly common. Worn brakes can cause various problems including excessive vibration and brake failure. To prevent this from occurring, you should get your trailer brakes and brake cables checked regularly for signs of wear, fraying or corrosion – and replace them when needed.
Damaged suspension
This is a common issue and, at worst, can cause the trailer to malfunction. Regularly taking your trailer over difficult terrain can result in premature wear of the suspension system.
Routine visual inspections can help you spot and deal with potential suspension issues before they become critical. For example, if you notice that the leaves are starting to spread or there is light between leaf springs, it is a sign they will need to be changed out.
Trailer specialists
If you need trailer parts or advice, there are a number of specialists such as /autoandtrailer.com/shop/trailer-parts who can help.
Overheating bearings
Bearings are subject to high temperatures for a sustained amount of time. They rely on grease to cool them down and reduce friction. If the grease leaks, or breaks down, it can cause parts to grind against each other which generates heat and can potentially lead to failure. Water may also get into the housing which can cause corrosion that can lead to overheating.
To prevent these issues, change out the bearings at least once a year, and clean them and regrease if necessary.