Check 5 Before You Drive: Checking 5 Essential Features of Your Trailer Before You Hit the Road

Before you hit the road with your SureWeld Trailer in tow, let’s ensure that your Trailer is in optimal condition for a safe journey. Skipping this checklist and overlooking minor issues may lead to accidents, breakdowns, and costly repairs. Don’t worry, our team at SureWeld is here to help you stay safe and worry-free!

Check out our checklist, covering five critical areas of your Trailer to inspect before every trip. By thoroughly examining your couplings and chains, Trailer lights and wiring, wheels and tires, suspension, and Trailer chassis, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of running into troubles on the road.

1. Connection Points.

First things first, let’s start your pre-trip inspection by examining the couplings and chains of your Trailer.

• Couplings:
  • Is the coupling mechanism securely attached to the towing vehicle’s hitch?
  • Any signs of wear or damage, such as rust, cracks, or loose bolts?
  • Periodically grease the coupling to prevent friction and wear during the journey.

• Chains: Your safety chains are your last line of defense in case the coupling fails.
  • Are the safety chains properly attached and have adequate slack to allow for turns but not so much that they drag on the ground?
  • Are the chains free from rust and defects?
  • Are the hooks in good condition and properly secured to the towing vehicle?

2. Trailer Lights and Wiring

Proper lighting is essential for road safety, both for your Trailer and other drivers.

• Lights: Test all the lights on your Trailer, including;
  • Brake lights
  • Indicators
  • Hazard lights
  • Taillights.
  • Ensure all light lenses are clean, to ensure maximum visibility.

• Wiring:
  • Any issues with the wiring can lead to erratic lighting and pose a danger on the road. Repair or replace damaged wires and connectors as needed.
  • Any exposed wires, damage, or loose connections?

• Breakaway cable; ( Only on selected models)
  • Good working condition.

3. Wheels and Tyres

Your Trailer’s wheels and tyres are the foundation of its stability and safety that will keep you rolling smoothly.

• Wheel Nuts:
  • Check the tightness of wheel nuts, ensuring they are properly torqued. Loose wheel nuts can result in wheel separation, which is extremely hazardous.

• Bearing Adjustment:
  • Do the wheel bearings have any signs of wear or play? Repack or replace bearings if necessary. Adequate bearing adjustment is crucial for both tyre wear and safe towing.

• Tyre Condition:
  • Does the tyre tread depth have signs of uneven wear, cracks, bulges, or punctures?
  • Are the tyres properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations? Overinflated or underinflated tyres can affect handling and lead to blowouts.

4. Suspension

A well-maintained suspension system provides stability and ensures a smoother ride.

• Leaf Springs:
  • Do the leaf springs have any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear? Replace any worn-out components to maintain proper suspension function.

• U bolts:
  • Do the U-bolts have any signs of cracks, bending or stretching?
  • Are they showing signs of loosening or movement? Replace any damaged U-bolts immediately, ensure they are tightened to manufacturers recommendations, and clean and apply rust-preventing lubricant regularly.

5. Trailer Chassis

The chassis is the structural backbone of your Trailer, so its condition is critical for overall safety.

• Stress Points:
  • Does the chassis show any signs of stress points, cracks, or signs of fatigue, especially around high-stress areas like the hitch connection and suspension mounts?

• Fasteners Check:
  • Are all fasteners, bolts, and nuts for tight and corrosion-free? Loose or rusted fasteners can compromise the structural integrity of the Trailer.

Conclusion

Before you embark on any journey with your Trailer, run through this list to ensure that your Trailer is in optimal condition. By checking couplings and chains, Trailer lights and wiring, wheels and tires, suspension, and Trailer chassis, you’ll minimise the risk of accidents and breakdowns while on your journey.

If you have any signs of wear and tear out of the ordinary, please contact the team at SureWeld to get it rectified immediately. Regular maintenance and thorough pre-trip checks are the keys to a safe and hassle-free towing experience. Remember, safety always comes first, and a well-maintained Trailer is essential for your safety and that of others on the road. Happy Towing!

Ensure your SureWeld trailer is road-ready with our Check 5 Before You Drive checklist. Click below to download and stay safe!