An enclosed trailer is one of the most versatile, durable, and reliable trailers you could buy. Whether you use it for work, hobbies, or transport, maintaining and protecting your investment is vital to ensuring your enclosed trailer lasts for years to come. At Factory Outlet Trailers, we want you to find the perfect trailer and enjoy it for a while, so we’re going to break down our top tips for practical trailer maintenance to help you keep your enclosed trailer in peak condition. 

Your Trailer Needs: Regular Inspection and Cleaning

Routine inspections and cleanings are crucial for preventing long-term damage and maintaining the value of your enclosed trailer. While neglecting cleaning or check-ins on a trailer is tempting, being proactive will help protect your investment. We suggest building a routine to:

1. Inspect Tires Regularly: Check your trailer’s tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition every month of active use and after storage. Properly inflated and maintained tires will help improve your fuel and towing efficiency, as well as prevent blowouts.
2. Examine the Exterior: Look for dents, scratches, or rust spots regularly- especially in prolonged wet conditions or if your trailer is exposed to road salt. Addressing these issues can prevent rust from forming, spreading, and causing structural damage.
3. Clean the Trailer Well: Wash the exterior of your trailer regularly with soap and water to remove dirt, salt, or road grime. For the interior, sweep and remove debris to keep it safe to load and avoid wear on the floor. For stubborn grime, use a product like TSP to clean.
4. Inspect the Lights: You should test your trailer lights before taking it out on the road. Test all lights, including brake, signal, and interior lighting. Replace any burnt-out bulbs or damaged wiring, and be sure to maintain your hitch connection’s integrity as well.
5. Check Doors/Latches: It’s important to ensure that your trailer’s doors, hinges, and latches open and close smoothly. Create a routine to lubricate your trailer’s moving parts monthly or bimonthly to prevent stiffness, uneven torsion, and wear.

Your Trailer Needs: Essential Maintenance Tasks

Like any other vehicle, staying on top of essential maintenance tasks for your enclosed trailer will help you avoid costly repairs. Many of these tasks can be done at home, but if you’re not quite confident enough to try that, no worries: Factory Outlet Trailers also offers servicing at our dealerships! Here’s what we like to focus on for essential maintenance:

1. Lubricate Moving Parts: In addition to door and latch lubrication, your trailer’s hinges, couplers, and suspension components need regular lubrication to reduce friction and prevent rust. Not sure what products to use here? Ask our service department!
2. Repack Wheel Bearings: Depending on your usage demands, your enclosed trailer’s wheel bearings should be inspected and repacked with grease every 20k kilometres or annually, whichever comes first. This prevents overheating and ensures smooth towing.
3. Maintain the Brake System: For enclosed trailers with an integrated braking system, inspect the system regularly. Replace worn brake pads or shoes and ensure your brake fluid is topped up. Try to schedule this service as often as you would for your vehicle.
4. Check the Electrical System: Your trailer’s electrical system is essential for safe operation, so inspect the wiring harness for damage or corrosion biannually. Check for and secure any loose wires, and ensure your connector plugs are clean and functional.
5. Monitor Seals and Stripping: If your enclosed trailer is often exposed to the elements, it’s vital to maintain your seals and weatherstripping. Check the roof and door seals regularly for cracks or leaks. If you find any, reseal with appropriate caulking to prevent water from seeping into the trailer and damaging the structural integrity- or your goods.

Your Trailer Needs: Protection From the Elements

If you’re using your new enclosed trailer daily, it’s vital to follow the cleaning and maintenance tasks we’ve suggested. However, if your trailer doesn’t get that much use, storing it properly and committing relevant spot checks when you take it out of storage is even more important. Seasonal care ensures your enclosed trailer is ready for any weather. Our top tips for year-round trailer security are:

1. Spring
   • Clean off road salt, check your tires, and inspect for any rust or damage.
   • Test the trailer’s lights and brakes after any harsh weather conditions.
2. Summer
   • Ensure your trailer tires are properly inflated to handle hot pavement.
   • Park in shaded areas or use a UV-protective cover to prevent sun damage.
3. Fall
   • Clear out debris that can trap moisture, and do an annual full servicing.
   • Inspect seals and weatherstripping to prepare for winter conditions.
4. Winter
   • Store your trailer or use a weatherproof cover, and protect electrical connections.
   • Avoid letting snow and ice accumulate on the roof, as it can strain the structure.

From Sales to Servicing, Factory Outlet Trailers Has Everything You Need for Enclosed Trailers

Taking care of your enclosed trailer with routine cleaning and maintenance is an investment in its performance and longevity. By following our best practices for inspection, maintenance, and seasonal care, you can enjoy your trailer and ensure it serves you well for years to come.

At Factory Outlet Trailers, we’re committed to providing everything you need to buy and use an enclosed trailer with confidence- from sales and servicing to customization and expert advice, we’re happy to do it all! Visit our website or contact us now to learn more about our full-service dealerships full of the best-priced enclosed trailers you could hope to find in Western Canada.