The Ultimate Guide to Caring For Your Aluminum Trailer
With proper maintenance, an aluminum trailer can provide years of reliable service for motorists and vacationers whether on the highway or rough terrain. The key is understanding how to properly care for your trailer, from cleaning it regularly to choosing the best type of paint or sealant. Learn everything you need to know about aluminum trailer care with this guide.
Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
It's so simple that it often gets overlooked. But, low tire pressure can result in excess trailer sway or complete tire failure leading to damaged wheel, trailer or tow vehicle. So, be sure to check your tire pressure before and after each trip. Your recommended tire pressure settings can be found on the sidewall of your tire. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Clean Your Trailer Thoroughly
The first step in caring for your aluminum trailer is to give it a thorough cleaning. In addition to washing the exterior with an appropriate soap, scrub under the hood and brush away any caked-on grime and dirt deposit on metal surfaces. Regular cleaning will keep your trailer shining and prevent corrosion or rust from forming over time. See our Aluminum Trailer Cleaning Guide article for detailed instructions.
Inspect For Damage
After you’ve given your trailer a thorough cleaning, it’s time to check for any damage that needs repair. Give the entire trailer a once-over, paying close attention to areas like the frame, axles, runners, and wiring. If you find any cracks or other signs of wear and tear, it’s best to get them fixed as soon as possible. Investing in regular maintenance will ensure your aluminum trailer stays healthy and ready to go year after year!
Avoid Corrosion
Corrosion is one of the most common issues that aluminum trailers face due to their constant exposure to moisture and road salt. In order to avoid corrosion, it’s important to remove dirt, grease, and other debris from your trailer on a regular basis. Make sure all surfaces are thoroughly dried before you perform any maintenance tasks such as applying wax or touch-up paint. Additionally, every season check your wheel bearings for proper lubrication and inspect your tire pressure often. Staying on top of these steps will really help reduce the risk of corrosion and prolong the life of your trailer.
Grease the Wheel Bearings
One of the most important steps of trailer maintenance is to regularly grease the wheel bearings and other moving parts. Lubricating them will drastically reduce resistance and prevent any excess friction that can cause excessive heat buildup. To do this, remove the tiny caps on the wheels to expose the bearing and then apply fresh grease with a syringe or grease gun filled with a waterproof marine-grade grease. This is an essential step that should not be overlooked as it ensures everything runs smoothly while also preventing rusting.
Don't Forget To Check the Hitch
You should inspect your hitch and all of it's components regularly. This includes the receiver, safety lock and chains, jack and the electrical plug. Worn or heavily rusted parts should be replaced immediately. You should also be sure to grease your tow receiver with a waterproof grease at least once each year.
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