How to Care, Maintain and Store Your Utility Trailer

The Frame

Inspect the frame of the trailer, including the axles and joints. Make sure that they are in good condition and the frames aren’t bent.
If you notice rust, treat it with a rust remover or use a wire brush and lightly scrub the rust off.
Lubricate all hinges and bolt or screw attachments on the frame of the trailer.
The frame is the backbone of the trailer and so it is crucial to not overload it. Make sure that you have referred to your user manual to determine the amount of weight it can support.
If you have to wash your trailer frame, just use water and avoid using any abrasive cleaning solutions that will damage the paint and finish of the frame.

Caution

Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes from contact with rust remover or metal shavings.

The coupler on the trailer attaches to the hitch ball on the hitch of the vehicle and forms a crucial link for towing. Inspect these components and check that they aren’t loose and that they fit into each other snugly.
Check the hitch ball and confirm whether you have the right one that will fit into the hitch of the vehicle. Do this by measuring the hole in the hitch or by checking the user manual to know the correct size.
Using a hitch lubricant reduces friction between the hitch and the coupler and even with the hitch receiver on your vehicle. Apply lubricant over these parts but make sure that you follow any lubrication suggestions mentioned on the user manual.
The hitch pin and the R-clips act as a locking mechanism that holds and secures the ball mount and the trailer hitch in place. Check that you have these components around and that the hitch pin and the R-clips are in good condition.

Closely inspect all the tires to check if they are well-aligned and in good condition. Look out for shallow grooves and cracks or punctures and replace the tires promptly.
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure of the tires on your trailer. Refer to the user manual to know the correct pressure. When in doubt, you can always look on the side of your tires and you should find a ‘Max Load’ mark along with a PSI number. Use a tire inflator to bring the tires to the right pressure if required.
Check the wheel nuts for a tight fit. If you find that they are loose, tighten them with a torque spanner.
Rotating the tires will prevent uneven wear and tear and should be done every 5,000 miles. Keep an eye on your trailer mileage to know when you can rotate them.

A wire harness connects the electrical system of your vehicle to that of your trailer. Electrical failures can cause collisions with your trailer and so it is important to test these wires for proper functioning and check for any damages.
It is crucial to test and check all parts of the brakes for any damage or wear.
Check for proper operation of all the running lights, brake lights and turn lights. If you find any burned-out bulbs, replace them.

For safe transit, the chained hooks that lock onto your vehicle from the trailer need to be firm and secured. Check for any damage to the hook or any broken chain loops and consider a replacement if the damage is vast.
Lubricate the chain and hooks and treat any rusted components with a rust remover.

Caution

Wear protective gloves to safeguard your hands from sharp edges or rust.

Make sure that the deck board of the trailer is firmly attached to the frame. Check whether all the screws and bolts are in place.
Get rid of any dirt or debris on the deck and clean them with mild soap and water.
Examine the board of the trailer for any cracks or rots. Repair any cracks with adhesive or patches. For rots, use a mild remover and follow the instructions. Apply a waterproof sealant to prevent moisture buildup.
For deck boards that are too damaged, you will need to measure and cut replacement boards to fit them in place.
Avoid using water if your deck is made of wood and use a wood cleaner instead. Waterproofing your decks is a good way to care and maintain your decks.
Avoid overloading the deck and make sure that any weight you place on it is distributed evenly.
Always use tie down to secure anything you place on the deck to prevent it from moving and scratching the deck surface.

Caution

Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes from contact with the adhesive.

Proper trailer maintenance means that inspections should be regular. Remember to perform such inspections on the tires, hitch and the lights at least monthly and a yearly inspection to test for wirings and bearing.
To further care for your trailer, consider cleaning the trailer after every use. If not a proper wash with water, at least wipe down the trailer to get rid of any dust and debris that may have accumulated.
Proper storage is key. The only way you can protect your utility trailer throughout changing weather is by knowing how to store the trailer the right way. In winter, it is likely that the snow and moisture can damage your trailer tires and cause parts to get stuck.
Store your traileronly after it is dry and cleaned, especially if you have washed it and in a sheltered area like your shed or garage. If you are storing your trailer away for longer periods of time, it is best to jack your trailer to prevent flat tires.
Check all functions, especially electric ones before you use the trailer again.