A well-maintained trailer is a safe trailer — and it lasts years longer than one that’s neglected.
At Trailer Place, our service department sees trailers
come in with problems that could have been prevented with basic maintenance. Use this checklist
to keep your trailer in top shape.

Before Every Trip

Tire pressure — Check with a gauge (don’t just look at them). Underinflated tires cause blowouts, reduce fuel economy, and damage rims. Check the tire sidewall for the recommended PSI.
Lights — Have someone stand behind the trailer while you check brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Replace burned-out bulbs immediately — it’s a DOT violation and a safety hazard.
Hitch and coupler — Ensure the coupler is fully seated on the ball and the latch is secured. For gooseneck trailers, verify the ball is tight in the truck bed and the coupler lock pin is in place.
Safety chains — Cross chains under the tongue in an X pattern. They should have enough slack to turn but not drag the ground.
Breakaway cable — Connected to the truck and the pin is in the breakaway switch.
Load security — All cargo strapped, chained, or bungeed. Nothing loose that could shift or fly off.

Monthly Maintenance

Tire inspection — Look for cracks in the sidewall, uneven wear, embedded objects, and tread depth. Replace tires before they hit 2/32″ tread depth.
Wheel lugs — Torque to manufacturer specifications. New trailers should have lugs re-torqued after the first 50 miles and again at 200 miles.
Brake adjustment — Electric brakes need periodic adjustment as the shoes wear. If the trailer pulls to one side during braking, the brakes need adjustment.
Wiring — Inspect for chafing, loose connections, and corrosion. Trailer wiring gets constantly exposed to road spray and debris.
Grease fittings — Pump grease into all zerk fittings on the coupler, jack, and any moving pivot points.

Every 6 Months

Wheel bearing service — Repack or inspect wheel bearings. This is the #1 most neglected maintenance item on trailers, and bearing failure is the #1 cause of roadside breakdowns. If you hear grinding, humming, or feel heat coming from a hub, the bearings need immediate attention.
Brake inspection — Pull a wheel and visually inspect brake shoes/pads, drums/rotors, magnets (on electric brakes), and hardware. Replace worn components before they cause unsafe stopping.
Hydraulic system (dump trailers) — Check hydraulic fluid level, inspect hoses for cracks and leaks, verify cylinder operation. Top off fluid with the manufacturer-recommended type.
Structural inspection — Look for cracks in welds, bent crossmembers, rust spots, and loose bolts. Catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.

Annual Service

Professional inspection — Have a qualified trailer technician do a complete inspection. Worth the $100-$200 for peace of mind.
Rust treatment — Touch up any paint chips or scratches before rust spreads. Apply rust inhibitor to the frame and undercarriage, especially in humid Gulf Coast climate.
Suspension check — Inspect leaf springs for cracks, equalizers for wear, and U-bolts for tightness.
Floor inspection (flatbed and dump) — Check for thinning, holes, or soft spots in the deck. Replace boards or steel panels before they fail under load.

Texas-Specific Tips

Humidity damage — Southeast Texas humidity accelerates rust on steel trailers. Keep trailers under cover when possible and address paint chips immediately.
Heat and tires — Texas summer heat + hot asphalt + highway speeds = maximum stress on tires. Never run underinflated tires in Texas summer. Consider upgrading to load-range E tires for extra durability.
Wash after livestock use — Manure and urine are extremely corrosive. Wash your livestock trailer thoroughly after every use to prevent accelerated rust.

Trailer Service at Trailer Place

Our service department handles everything from routine maintenance to major repairs on all trailer
brands — not just the ones we sell. Bring your trailer to 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488
or call (979) 532-1486 to schedule service. We carry a full stock of replacement parts and can
usually complete service the same day.