The 4 Key Components of Cargo Trailer Maintenance

Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your cargo trailer looking and running great. In today's post, we'll review the four basic components of cargo trailer maintenance. Take a look and keep these things in mind when considering the purchase and upkeep of a cargo trailer.

Keeping Your Trailer Clean

Many our trailers are coated with several layers of special automotive paint and sealer. Due to this special coating, it is best to use a cleaning solution designed specifically for automotive finishes. It's best to avoid using a high-powered pressure washer, as this can actually cause damage to the finish.

In most cases, hand washing is the best course of action. Use warm, soapy water and a soft clean cloth. Be sure to give your trailer a light rinse, especially if you are in an area that is affected by snow, ice or salt air and moisture. Exposure to mother nature's elements can be rough on your cargo trailer's exterior finish.

While you're focusing on cleaning, don't forget to give these areas attention:

• Lights
• Fenders
• Doors
• Windows
• Exterior hardware 

After rinsing, allow your trailer to air dry or towel dry it. If you want to give your trailer's exterior an extra boost of longevity, consider adding a coat of wax. Not only will this help protect your trailer, it'll make it look great!

Repairs and Replacements

Be sure to regularly inspect your trailer for any normal (or abnormal) wear and tear. Things to watch out for include rust, popping paint, cracks, etc. Thoroughly check the flooring, lights and interior walls and ceiling for signs of wear. Even the highest-quality trailers can be subject to wear and tear, especially if it is located in an area with harsh weather conditions.

If your trailer model has doors and windows, be sure to check the integrity of seals and gaskets. Once these become worn out, moisture can seep into your trailer and damage the structure, as well as your cargo.

Protecting Your Trailer's Joints and Axles

Your trailer's joints and axles help keep the ride smooth, so make sure they stay well-lubricated. Once enough dirt and grime accumulates, the lubrication can begin to wear down, causing friction and possible breakdown.

These areas need extra special attention:

• winch
• ball hitch
• springs
• tongue jack
• wheel bearings

Air Pressure and Tire Integrity

Are you checking the air pressure of your trailer's tires regularly?

The manual that came with your trailer includes details regarding the suggested pounds per square inch (psi) of inflation. This is a very important part of trailer maintenance, especially if your trailer sits for long periods of time. During periods of infrequent use, tires will naturally lose some of their air on their own. Driving with low air is dangerous and can cause a blowout!

Don't forget to check your tire treads as well. If they start looking worn out, don't put off replacing them. Check your spare tire, too while you're at it -- you never know when or if you might need it.

Cargo Trailer Cleaning Tips and Videos

Keeping your cargo trailer looking great is part of maintaining its value and, for business owners, reflecting your company standards. In today's post, we'll cover a few basic tips for keeping your enclosed cargo trailer clean and looking its best.

1. Remove built-up grime.

Use a pressure washer or power sprayer to remove dirt and grime that has accumulated over time. Remember to follow safety instructions and use the washer or power sprayer only as directed.

2. Buff, wax and polish to give it a nice, clean sheen.

Applying a good coating of wax after a thorough cleaning can not only make your trailer look great, it can protect its graphics and paint from the elements. Even if you store your trailer indoors (which is a great idea, we highly recommend it if you can), adding a coat of wax at least once a year can prolong the exterior condition.

Want to add a really nice shine with less effort? Some people have had good results from using teak oil to polish their trailers. Just remember to do a little research before you apply anything to your cargo trailer. Some products may not be intended for your trailer's exterior materials.

Here's a video we found on YouTube of using the teak oil method:



3. Inspect regularly for rust and oxidation.

Check for signs of rust or oxidation and do what you can to remove them and prevent them from appearing in the future. You can find lots of helpful videos and articles online for more information and details on the steps to take to remove rust and oxidation. Depending on your trailer's exterior materials and the level of rust/oxidation present, some methods may work better than others.

4. Store your cargo trailer indoors or under shelter.

If you have a large enough garage or carport, it's best to keep your cargo trailer stored there. Providing shelter from the elements like sunlight, rain, hail, snow, ice, pollen, fallen tree limbs, and so on, can help your trailer maintain its appearance for a longer period of time.

Want a few more tips? Check out these videos we found online:


This one is for a RV with aluminum siding, but the methods could easily be used on an aluminum cargo trailer:

Trailer Check-up - Make Sure Your Trailer is Ready for Summer Travel

Whether you have a cargo, motorcycle, car, utility, horse, equipment, or restroom trailer, proper maintenance and upkeep is needed to ensure that it performs reliably year after year. At TrailerShowroom, we have a wide variety of trailers to meet your needs, and we want to help you protect your investment by providing you with a checklist of sorts keep your trailer on the road and out of the repair shop.

Brakes

The brakes are obviously a critical component, and you want to have them serviced on regular intervals. If you have a disc brake setup, the drums, shoes, and related hardware need to be looked at; the rotors need to be changed if they are damaged; and the pads should be replaced if excessively worn. If you have a drum and disc brake hydraulic setup, you need to look at the wheel cylinders, master cylinder, and brake lines to see if there are any fluid leaks. It's also important to check for any rust. If you have an electric brake setup, you need to check the wiring, magnets, electrical connectors, and battery. You should also ensure that the emergency battery is charged completely and properly mounted.

Bearings

The bearings are also very important, so you want to disassemble them, clean them out, inspect them for damage, and repack them with fresh grease. Failing to service the bearings at least once a year could cause them to implode without notice, which would potentially be disastrous.

The Basics of Trailer Maintenance

Even though our products are extremely well made right here in the USA and many come with our 5-Year Manufacturer's Limited Warranty, routine maintenance is still required! Of course many of our customers are familiar with what it takes to keep a trailer running great and looking its best. For those who need a little refresher, here you go:

Keep it Clean

Since many our trailers are coated with several coats of special automotive paint and sealer, it is best to use a solution specifically designed for automotive finishes. Avoid using a high-powered pressure washer, which can be rough on the finish. We typically recommend hand washing with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. If you spend time in areas affected by snow, ice, or salt air and moisture, it will be necessary to rinse your trailer lightly after it's been exposed to the elements. Keeping your trailer clean will add years to its life. Be sure to give the areas around lights, fenders, doors, windows, and any other exterior hardware a good cleaning as well.

After a good scrub, rinse the trailer and either allow it to air dry or towel dry it. A coat of wax, especially on the exterior metal components, is another way to boost the longevity of your trailer, plus it makes it look fantastic!

Repair-Replace-Refurbish

After cleaning, give your trailer the once over, inside and out. Keep an eye out for any rust or popping paint. Check the flooring, lights, and interior walls and ceiling for signs of wear. If your model has doors and windows, check the integrity of seals and gaskets to ensure that moisture does not seep in and harm your precious cargo.


Lubricate

Your trailer's joints and axles keep the ride smooth, so make sure they stay well-greased and in good repair. Built up dirt and grime cause the lubrication to wear down, which results in friction and possible breakdown. These areas need extra special attention: the winch, ball hitch, springs, and tongue jack. Other vital components that keep your trailer moving efficiently are the wheel bearings. Keep these well greased so the trailer wheels can fully rotate.

Check the Air

The manual that came with your trailer includes details regarding the suggested pounds per square inch (psi) of inflation. This is an important item, especially if your trailer sits for long periods of time when the tires will just naturally lose a little air here and there on their own. Driving with low air is dangerous and can cause a blowout. Don't forget to check your tire treads as well! Replace those worn out tires and check your spares while you're at it. The Boy Scouts motto is certainly true when it comes to maintaining your treasured vehicles: "Be prepared."