Trailer Care & Maintenance Guidelines
Proper maintenance is essential to maximise the service life, reliability, and safety of your trailer. Routine inspection and preventative care form part of responsible ownership and are necessary to maintain warranty compliance.
Service Intervals
- Trailers must be serviced every 5,000 km or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
- Commercial operators should service trailers at more frequent intervals due to increased usage demands.
Routine Inspection Checklist
Regularly inspect the following components:
- Wheel bearings
- Wheel nuts
- U-bolts
- Shackle bolts
- Coupling bolts
- Suspension components
All fasteners should be checked for correct torque and signs of wear.
Structural Integrity
Inspect the chassis, drawbar, and all welded areas for:
- Cracks
- Fatigue
- Distortion
- Structural damage
If any structural concerns are identified, repairs must be completed immediately by a qualified professional. A trailer showing signs of structural compromise must not be towed.
Storage Recommendations
To reduce corrosion and prolong structural longevity:
- Store the trailer undercover whenever possible.
- If stored outdoors, use a suitable protective cover.
- Park the trailer with the front slightly elevated to allow water drainage from the rear.
Surface Protection & Corrosion Control
Australia’s climate can be harsh on exposed metal surfaces. To minimise corrosion:
- Repair scratches, chips, or exposed metal promptly with appropriate protective coatings.
- Touch up any cold galvanised or painted weld areas as required.
- Apply rust inhibitors such as fish oil or protective underbody coatings annually, particularly to seams and moisture-prone areas.
Preventative maintenance significantly reduces long-term deterioration.
Loading & Towing Safety
- Do not exceed the trailer’s specified Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)or Gross Vehicle Mass rating.
- Load distribution should ensure approximately 60% of the weight is positioned forward of the axle(s).
- Loads must be secured to prevent movement during transport.
- The trailer should sit level when connected to the towing vehicle.
- Never operate a trailer that is unevenly loaded or exceeds its rated capacity.
Post-Use Care
- Remove all debris and waste after use.
- Clean the trailer thoroughly, especially internal surfaces.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to saltwater, corrosive materials, or harsh chemicals.
Wheel Bearing Maintenance
Wheel bearings are high-wear components and require regular servicing:
- Inspect and regrease bearings every 6–12 months, depending on usage conditions.
- Replace bearings every 1–3 years, or sooner if wear, pitting, or contamination is detected.
- When servicing bearings, always replace split pins and bearing seals.
- Click here for detailed Wheel Bearing Degrease Guide
Operating Conditions
When towing across varying Australian road conditions — including unsealed or corrugated surfaces — increase inspection frequency and maintenance vigilance accordingly.
Important Notice
Consistent maintenance is essential for safe operation and long-term performance. Failure to maintain your trailer appropriately may affect warranty coverage.
Why Trailer Maintenance Is Essential
Routine trailer maintenance is not only vital for maximising service life and performance — it is also a legal obligation in Australia. Operating a poorly maintained trailer increases the risk of accidents, exposes you to potential fines, and may compromise insurance coverage in the event of an incident.
Adhering to scheduled servicing and understanding your compliance responsibilities ensures your trailer remains safe, roadworthy, and fully protected.
1.General Trailer Maintenance Guidelines
1.Routine Inspections
A comprehensive inspection should be carried out before and after each use.
If any component appears worn, damaged, or unsafe, it should be replaced immediately. Replacement parts can be sourced online or by contacting our team for assistance.
Key areas to inspect include:
Chassis & Body
- Inspect for cracks, corrosion, deformation, or structural fatigue.
- Address rust early to prevent long-term structural deterioration.
Coupling & Safety Chains
- Confirm the coupling mechanism is secure and functioning correctly.
- Ensure safety chains are undamaged and correctly rated.
Electrical System
- Check wiring for damage, exposed sections, or corrosion.
- Confirm all plug connections are clean and securely fitted.
2.Tyre Maintenance
Tyres play a critical role in towing stability and safety. Neglected tyres can lead to blowouts, poor fuel efficiency, and handling instability.
Tyre Pressure
- Maintain pressure in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Tread Depth
- Replace tyres when tread depth falls below the Australian legal minimum of 5mm.
Wheel Alignment
- Uneven tyre wear may indicate misalignment, which should be corrected promptly to maintain safe handling characteristics.
3.Brake & Lighting Systems
Operational brakes and lighting systems are mandatory under Australian road regulations.
Braking System
- Inspect brake pads, discs, drums, and hydraulic components regularly.
- Monitor brake fluid levels where applicable.
Lighting & Reflectors
- Confirm brake lights, tail lights, indicators, and reflectors are fully operational before towing.
- Replace faulty globes or damaged lenses immediately.
4.Lubrication & Preventative Care
Correct lubrication minimises friction, reduces wear, and extends component life.
Wheel Bearings
- Clean, inspect, and regrease every 5,000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Moving Components
- Lubricate hinges, latches, suspension pivot points, and other moving parts according to manufacturer recommendations.
Compliance Reminder
Consistent maintenance is fundamental to safe towing practices and legal compliance. Failure to properly maintain your trailer may result in safety risks, regulatory penalties, or reduced warranty protection.
If you require parts, servicing advice, or technical support, our team is available to assist.