Your tandem trailer is a big investment, so it’s important to take care of it. DAMEL is a trailer manufacturer and here are some tips on how to look after your trailer to ensure it lasts you a long time.
Keep it Clean
DAMEL trailers are designed to be easily cleaned. As a trailer manufacturer, regularly washing your tandem trailer to keep it looking its best is recommended. If you don’t wash the dirt and road grime off your trailer, it will slowly lose its high quality looks and be more likely to sustain other kinds of damage. It’s especially important to wash your trailer after you’ve transported any acidic or alkaline materials such as clippings, fertiliser, cement-based materials, etc. These substances can damage the zinc coating on your trailer.
Make sure to wash these parts of your tandem trailer: frame, frame ribs, tyres, axle and winch. If the electrical plug gets wet, ensure it is dry before your next use.
Check the tyres.
It is important to check the tyres on your tandem trailer regularly to ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure and in good condition. It’s important to check these before a long journey with your trailer. In the long run, trailer tyres are cheap compared to the costs of potential damage resulting from their failure!
To check the tyre pressure: use a tyre pressure gauge to measure the pressure of each tyre. The correct tyre pressure for your car trailer will be listed in the owner’s manual. Also, check the condition of the tyres, and visually inspect them for any signs of wear or damage. If you see any cracks, cuts or bulges in the tyres, they should be replaced.
Check the Brakes
Be sure to check and maintain your trailer brakes in the same way you would your car. This includes checking the level of brake fluid and topping it up or replacing it as needed. When necessary, also check and replace the pads, as well as the rotors if they are sufficiently worn.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
You should regularly lubricate the moving parts of your car trailer to keep it running smoothly. This includes the fasteners, as they need to be kept functioning properly. Be sure to check the safety chain and the fasteners that it attaches with. These parts are essential to your safety and the safety of others on the road, so you should never skimp on their maintenance.
Check the Lights
Lights play an important role in ensuring your safety on the road. Make sure they are in good condition and working properly. This means repairing or replacing any damaged wiring, replacing blown bulbs, and ensuring that your lights don’t allow moisture into them.
To check the lights on your tandem trailer, you will need to turn on the headlights and then turn on the taillights. Then, you will need to check the brake lights and the turn signals.
How Often Should You Carry Out Tandem Trailer Maintenance?
Once a month, inspect and service your trailer for:
Lubrication – Lubricate gate and door hinges if your trailer is equipped.
Every Six Months, inspect and service the following areas on your trailer:
Electric Brakes (magnet) – Check wear and current draw.
Electric Brakes (controller in tow vehicle) – Check power output (amperage) and modulation.
Tyres – Thoroughly inspect tread and sidewalls. Replace tires when treads are worn and/or the sidewall is worn or has a bulge. Rotate tires every 5,000 miles.
Electric Brakes – Check operation
Surge Brakes – Check operation and master cylinder level.
Brake Shoes and Drums – Adjust.
Safety Chains and Hooks – Check for wear or damage.
Coupler and Hitch Ball – Check for cracks, pits, and flats. Replace with ball and coupler hitch having trailer GVW rating if needed. Grease, and then check the locking device and replace it when worn.
Ring and Pintle – Follow the same steps as you would for the Coupler and Hitch Ball.
Wheel Bearings – Check for loose, worn, or damaged wheel bearings. Lubricate the bearings as needed. (Please see Utility Owner’s Manual, Section 9, Pages 43-51)
Annual Maintenance
Every year, be sure to check the following:
Brake Shoes and Drums (all types) – Check for scoring and wear. Replace per manufacturer specifications.
Jack, Drop-Leg (if equipped) – Grease gears at the top.
Structure Frame Members – Inspect all frame members, bolts, and rivets. Repair or replace damaged, worn, or broken parts.
Structure Welds – Inspect and repair all welds as needed.
Wheel Bearings – Disassemble, inspect, assemble, and repack. Replace immediately if immersed in water.
Wheel Rims – Inspect for cracks and dents and replace as needed.
Axle Attachment Bolts – See your dealer for inspection.
Brake Wiring – Check for bare spots, fraying, etc. and replace as needed.
Additionally, tandem trailers should be professionally inspected annually, as well as after any impact incidents.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your trailer in good condition and prolong its life.
Why DAMEL?
If you’ve got any other questions about your trailer, DAMEL is a trailer manufacturer that is here to help you out. Give us a call on 027 555 6937 or send us a message.
