Whether you use a trailer to transport horses, livestock or heavy equipment, you probably focus more on what you're moving than on the trailer itself. However, if you want to ensure no injuries or damage to whatever load you're carrying, care and attention is important. In particular, these trailer maintenance suggestions are useful.

1-Clean Trailer

Cleaning the structure may be an afterthought; you may think you'll hose down or pressure wash your trailer on weekends or once a month. However, cleaning is an essential part of maintenance. Not only can you better see damage when the trailer is clean, but washing away debris, mud and rock salt will prevent corrosion and other damage to the surface and finish. Rock salt can be particularly bad for the tires and undercarriage of your trailer. Use a hose with warm water and gentle soap to clean the entire thing including the undercarriage. Rinse off the tires if they rolled over rock salt.

2-Check Lights

Lights are easy to forget if your vehicle's lights seem to be working. However, a trailer's electricity can be affected by burnt out lamps, rock salt and other factors. Without working lights, you could be a danger to other drivers, who may not see your trailer well. You also run the risk of being pulled over by a local policeman and ticketed if lights aren't functional. Use a friend to stand by each trailer light as you apply your brakes to see if they light properly. Replace bulbs or investigate wiring as needed.

3-Properly Inflate Tires

Tires may already have air, but you need to be very aware of whether they have too little, or alternatively, too much. Low inflation can cause your trailer to lean a bit and the trailer's weight could overwhelm the tires, resulting in flats. By contrast, overdoing it brings its own set of issues, namely blowout possibilities that could be dangerous for whatever you're transporting and other vehicles and drivers. Therefore, consult your trailer manual and mechanics to know what correct inflation should be.

4-Store Properly

Whenever not in use, the trailer needs proper storage. That usually doesn't mean sitting around outside on your property. Do your best to cover the trailer or put it into an enclosed space. Ensure you lift it with car or truck jacks so less pressure is exerted on tires. In fact, you may want to remove tires altogether and stack them horizontally.

Your trailer needs attention so it can continue transporting the equipment or animals you need it to move. These suggestions will help, but consider asking local  retailers, mechanics and other professionals about how best to treat your trailer.

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