With more and more of us using a car trailer on a semi regular basis, thought I'd start a thread to discuss.

Trailer maintenance


~ Tire pressure, inflate to max shown on the tire sidewall, yes even if trailering lighter loads.

~ Keep a regular eye on your tires for signs of weather cracking etc, tire covers or even a piece of plywood to block the sun will add life to them. Same goes to excessive rust etc on the rims

~ Start of the season, remove each wheel, check hub for excessive rust on the mounting face, clean if required, light coat of copper never seize and torque nuts when reinstalling.

~ If your axles are equipped with either bearing buddies or drilled / greaseable option, with wt off the wheel (jack up on the axle is fine) remove the dust cap and add grease while slowly spinning the wheel. Both systems have a spring loaded indicator to show when it's full. This should be done at least at the start of each season and good idea to repeat after each use or two, more often if you travel longer distances especially when it's hot out.

~ Safety chains must have positive lock hooks, S type hooks are no longer legit. When hooked to your tow vehicle, chains must be crossed.

~ Tie down straps, load range must be clearly marked and straps in good shape with no snags or cuts. As for how to use, some inspectors insist at least rear tie downs must be crossed / X'd to prevent load from shifting sideways, good idea to cross front and rear when possible.

~ Realistically, should do a full frame and suspension check before start of the season plus at least a light look over springs, shackles and general frame condition before each use. Walk around to check lights before pulling out of the drive way is a no brainer.