Purchasing an aluminum utility trailer can be an expensive long-term investment. In order to make the most of your investment, it’s important to perform occasional maintenance to keep your utility trailer in good condition. Most tasks can be performed by anyone who isn’t necessarily a mechanic.
Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your trailer, use your best discretion so as not to damage the finish. While pressure washing is one of the most commonly used cleaning methods, you want to be careful about concentrating the pressure on one area of the trailer. In any case, use your best judgment when cleaning your aluminum utility trailer.
Lubrication
There are many moving parts on your utility trailer that create friction when used. It’s essential to lubricate those moving parts in order to keep them working smoothly. Doing this can reduce friction and decrease the probability of wear and tear leading to part failure in some cases.
In most cases, use your discretion when lubrication problems arise. It’s best practice to bring problems like this to the attention of a professional mechanic.
Light bulbs
Replacing your own light bulbs is a simple and easy to accomplish maintenance task. Checking all the lights on your trailer should be done periodically, especially the taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Burned out lights can be a safety issue and you could potentially be cited from local authorities for an infraction.
There are usually two trailer bulb types: bayonet and push-in. In addition to that, there are also three styles of trailer light bulbs: incandescent, halogen, and light-emitting diode. When handling new bulbs, use clean hands. Oil on your hands can lead to early burnout. Once installed, check for proper functionality.
Tires
One of the most important maintenance tasks is keeping your tires functioning and serviceable. Ensure your tire pressure is in line with the manufacturer’s specifications which are typically printed on your tire’s sidewall in pounds per square inch, or PSI.
Checking your tire pressure is a very simple task and can be completed using a tire pressure gauge. These can be purchased inexpensively at your local auto parts store. Depending where you live, certain conditions may be factored into the best tire pressure.
Wear and tear is also another thing to keep an eye on. Outer wear and center wear could be signs of under-inflation or over-inflation. Standard best practice is to replace your tires when their typical life expectancy is over.
Another way to extend the life of your trailer tires is to rotate and balance them. That said, be careful when rotating or swapping your tires. Swapping tires without rotating them properly can cause you to install your tires backward or, potentially, another safety hazard. This is one maintenance task that would be best performed by a mechanic.
Frame and body
Making repairs to your aluminum utility trailer’s frame and body may seem intimidating, but you should be able to make straightforward repairs. Tasks can be as simple as tightening bolts or fasteners. Typically, there will be clear signs of loose parts when you examine your trailer. If you hear squeaking or rattling, that is a forewarning. Use your best judgment and ask questions when needed.
Routine tightening usually involves a routine set of combination and socket wrenches. American-made utility trailers, like Primo Trailers, use standard tool sizing, whereas foreign-made utility trailers use a metric measurement system. If you have a foreign-made trailer, it will be more expensive to invest in expensive wrenches for such repairs. It would be easier and save you money taking your trailer to a service shop.
For more complicated tasks, such as repairing your trailer’s frame suspension and coupling systems, call the professionals or the dealer where you purchased the trailer. These are serious components and you do not want to cause any more damage if they’re not repaired properly.