Utility Trailer Tips

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Utility trailers come on a variety of sizes and have many different uses. Whether it is yard work or moving furniture, it is important to keep your trailer in tip-top shape. These 10 tips will help:

  1. Inspect tires for damage, cracks or low tread. Tires over 5 years old are approaching the end of their intended life. It is time to consider replacement. Need help determining the age of your tires?
  2. Evaluate wheel condition. Steel wheels consistently exposed to the elements can corrode. Welds are the typical failure points, so start there. Galvanized steel wheels and the Recstuff.com line of aluminum will reduce likelihood of corrosion.
  3. Tighten loose lug nuts (Be sure they are torqued to their proper specification). 
  4. Inflate tires to max psi, check with a tire gauge.
  5. Check your fenders for cracks, bends, or sharp edges.
  6. Test all lights. Left turn, right turn, brake, rear and license plate are all required by law.
  7. Bearings need to be greased at least every 10,000 miles or once a season for larger wheels. Smaller wheels (eg 8” and 10”) should be greased 3,000 miles.
  8. Ensure coupler has a fit tight with the towing vehicle’s ball hitch.
  9. Ensure the ball hitch is latched properly (safety chains under the tongue, latched to towing vehicle’s frame).
  10. Secure your safety chains and/or ratchet straps. Never leave chains hanging loose.

Bonus Tip

  1. If the trailer has brakes, ensure lines are tight, there are no leaks and brake pads have a smooth face.

Recstuff.com offers the largest in stock, ready to ship selection of trailer tires, wheels and fenders.   Backed by a price match guarantee, all in-stock items typically ship in one business day or less.