Even the highest quality trailer needs repair from time to time. After long periods of hauling timber across lengthy Canadian highways or towing your ATV up rocky terrain, your trailer will experience some general wear and tear, and some parts may need to be tuned up or replaced. If you get a lot of use out of your trailer, chances are it’s time to get it into the shop for inspection and maintenance services.

If you’re having trouble with your trailer but can’t quite identify the main issue, keep reading for a list of common trailer parts, signs that they need replacing, and why you can count on Factory Outlet Trailers for high-quality parts and maintenance!

The Most Common Trailer Parts That Need Replacing

To get the most out of your trailer, it’s important to understand the role each main component plays so you can properly look out for signs of poor performance. The most common trailer parts to replace include:

• Tires and wheels
• Axles 
• Brakes 
• Wheel bearings
• Wiring and electrical
• Hitch and suspension components

Keeping a close eye on these trailer parts can help you address any needed maintenance before your trailer wears out beyond repair (if your current trailer has already reached this point, you can count on Factory Outlet to help you find a top-quality replacement!). 

When It’s Time to Switch Them Out

There are a few telltale signs that your trailer parts have seen better days. Many issues come from normal wear and tear. The more often you use your trailer, the faster it will be only as good as the sum of its parts (did you see what we did there?). 

Each trailer part has its unique way of telling you when it needs to start planning for retirement. Here are a few things you can look out for:

Tires and Wheels

• Worn tread
• Cracks or bulges on the sidewalls
• Uneven wear, commonly caused by misalignment, overloading, or inadequate tire pressure

Axles

• rusted or corroded metal
• Cracks or curves- axles need to maintain a straight line
• Groans, creaks, or other abnormal sounds
• Noticeable or excessive vibration

Brakes

• Noises
• Depressed pedal during braking
• Pulling and pulsing while trying to hit the brakes 
• Wheel lock-up (only in extreme cases)

Wheel Bearings

• Squeaking, grinding, and other unusual noises
• Grease is leaking from the bearing
• Excessive wheel play

Wiring and Electrical

• Frayed or damaged wires
• Turn signal, brake light, or tail light burnout/damage
• Malfunctioning hoists, ramps, and gates

Hitch and Suspension Components

• Visible damage like rust or corrosion and cracks
• Stiff or misaligned hitch position, causing difficulty attaching or detaching a trailer
• Uneven tire wear
• The trailer is sitting lower than usual 
• The trailer is bouncing or swaying while driving
• Strange noises near the suspension

Get High-Quality Trailer Parts and Repair from Factory Outlet

If you’re spotting any (or, terrifyingly, all) of these issues with your trailer, you’re probably overdue for a good maintenance visit! Our team at Factory Outlet Trailers can help you source the exact parts you need for a wide range of trailer types, sizes, and brands, and our expert technicians will happily complete the repairs.  

Contact us today to learn more.