Many people own a cargo trailer for use during moves, for hauling large purchases home from the store, and for transporting trash to the landfill. However, because these vehicle attachments do a lot of heavy lifting and are regularly exposed to the elements, maintenance is needed. The guide below offers advice on how to look after your investment.

How to Care for Your Trailer

1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Check your tires every few weeks or, if the trailer is rarely used, before every haul. Inflate them to the pressure recommended on the tire sidewall. Keep in mind that summer heat can cause tires to increase in pressure, especially on hot roads, so you want to err towards the minimum of the recommended range.

While refilling them, check each tire for adequate tread depth (at least 1/16"), as well as sidewall cracks or grayish fading. These are signs that they need to be replaced.

2. Wash Off Winter Grime

Because trailers sit so low to the road, their undercarriages accumulate grime. Worse, they also collect de-icing salt in the winter. Salt combines with moisture to create a substance that corrodes metal five times more rapidly than pure water does. Therefore, rinse your trailer off regularly to prevent rust.

3. Lubricate

Keep a grease gun and silicone spray on hand to lubricate all moving parts, including hinges, gates, doors, bearings, springs, and latches when you hear squeaks or squealing. This will keep components from locking into place and make the equipment easier to pull. 

If you're looking for a new way to haul belongings, contact Trailer Factory Ohio, a new and used trailer dealer in Burbank, OH. They are an authorized dealer for PJ Trailer®, Load Trail®, and Cargo Mate® and serve Medina County and the surrounding areas. They specialize in dump, flatbed, utility, and cargo trailers and offer custom designs and financing. Check out their inventory on their website, or call (330) 410-5670 to ask about current business hours.