trailer maintenance Archives - McFarlane Trailer Sales

Dont Get Stuck With a Broken Down Trailer! Rely on McFarlane’s for Maintenance and Repair

March 28, 2023 by Kyle McFarlane

As with any mechanical device with moving parts, your trailer is susceptible to wear and tear. Over time, these can take a toll. Regular maintenance helps keep your trailer working as efficiently as possible. If you choose not to do the maintenance yourself, you can take it to McFarlane's for trailer service and repair.

Importance of Regular Trailer Service and Maintenance

There are several reasons why you should have regular trailer maintenance. The most important is safety. A trailer that is worn out or poorly maintained could break down and cause an accident in which you or other people could get hurt. Regular maintenance helps you ensure that your trailer is roadworthy. It doesn't necessarily mean that you won't have an accident, but it decreases the likelihood that your trailer is the cause of it.Regular maintenance allows you to identify and fix problems with your trailer before they have the opportunity to become bigger ones. This helps to prevent major malfunctions that are expensive to repair in the future. Avoiding wear and tear on your trailer and fixing small problems before they have the opportunity to become bigger helps to increase the longevity of your trailer, thus protecting your investment.

Examples of Trailer Maintenance You Should Have Done Regularly

Trailer maintenance can be a big job. It helps if you make lists and what needs to be done and schedule when it needs to be done. Here are some examples of the types of trailer maintenance you should do regularly.

Check the Suspension

The suspension protects the cargo from bumps and jolts while on the road. You should inspect the suspension frequently to make sure that the pressure is equal throughout and that nothing interferes with its movement. Check the suspension after loading the cargo to make sure its clearance is still adequate. If not, the trailer may be overloaded.

Inspect the Body and Frame

A trailer on the road experiences constant vibrations as well as occasional sudden jolts. Over time, this can cause locking mechanisms, such as bolts and fasteners, to become loose. These could come apart completely while on the road if not tested and retightened regularly.

Check the Braking System

Not all trailers have braking systems. For a smaller trailer, the towing vehicle's braking is usually sufficient to stop it. However, larger trailers often have their own braking systems so that their inertia does not take them in unexpected directions. If your trailer has brakes, you should check them regularly to make sure you can rely on them in a situation in which you have to stop suddenly.

Inspect the Tires

Worn or damaged tires can cause a blowout while on the road. At best, this is an inconvenience; at worst, it is a potentially life-threatening situation. Check tires frequently for wear and have them rotated so their wear is even. Assess tread depth frequently and have the tires replaced when it gets less than one-sixteenth of an inch. Tires exposed to weather extremes may crack, while tires that have been in storage for a while may deflate. Maintain adequate tire pressure before using the trailer.

Trailer Service and Repair From McFarlane's

We provide comprehensive repair and maintenance services for most types of trailers, including livestock, gooseneck, and open utility trailers. If you discover irregularities with your trailer while performing your own maintenance, you can bring it to us for repairs. We will perform a diagnostic to pinpoint the problem and then repair it in a thorough and timely manner.Another option is to bring your equipment trailer to us for its regular maintenance. We perform a meticulous inspection, and if we find any problems or concerns, we discuss your options with you and get your approval before we go to work fixing it. Learn more about our approach to trailer service and repair.

How Often Should You Have Your Trailer Serviced?

February 27, 2023 by Kyle McFarlane

People often underestimate the need for trailer service and repair. While repairs can be mitigated with proper maintenance, many trailer owners do not adhere to an adequate maintenance schedule.A trailer needs attention to function as you expect. You need to keep an eye on tire wear and bearing grease. You need to wash the bed and undercarriage to prevent rust.McFarlane sells quality trailers, but you risk losing money on your investment if you do not keep up with maintenance. Taking care of your trailer means understanding maintenance schedules and adhering to checklists. It also means taking your trailer in to be serviced when necessary.

Understanding Trailer Maintenance Schedules

Just like an automobile, your trailer requires routine maintenance. A maintenance schedule helps you keep track of everything your trailer needs when it needs it.When you purchased your trailer, it should have come with a service manual. If you lost your manual, you can try contacting the manufacturer for a copy or looking for one online. Most manuals recommend having your trailer serviced every six months.Depending on your trailer, it may have specific parts or components that require more frequent maintenance. For example, many manufacturers recommend checking tire pressure, wheel torque, and breakaway functionality more often to ensure the usability of the trailer.

Acknowledging the Importance of Trailer Maintenance Checklists

Many trailer owners want to service their trailers on their own, but DIY options are often a mistake, especially if you are unfamiliar with the service steps and requirements. For example, if you are unaware of the signs of a faulty component or cannot adjust brakes, it is best to take your trailer to a service technician.If you feel confident in your abilities, you will want to look for the service checklist provided by your trailer's manufacturer. If you cannot find the checklist from your trailer's manufacturer, you can substitute one from another company.Checklists are crucial to proper servicing because they inform you how and when to care for each part. Only knowledgeable owners should try DIY servicing; it is usually best to take your trailer to a shop.

Importance of Checking Wheel Bearings and Tires

Wheel bearings ensure your trailer moves and operates smoothly. The bearings require routine greasing to ensure they function correctly. Most trailers will only need to be greased every 10,000 or 12,000 miles or every six months, whichever occurs first. Smaller travel trailers will require more frequent greasing, with many manufacturers suggesting every 2,000 miles.You should grease any other components at the same time as your wheel bearings. Grease does not last forever. If you use the trailer often, you may need to grease it more frequently. A professional technician can help you figure out how often is appropriate for your trailer and use case.Besides greasing the bearings and components, checking your trailer's tires is a vital safety measure. The tires take more abuse than any other part of your trailer. When assessing your tires, you want to ensure there is enough tread — a minimum depth of 2/32". You'll also want to check the tire pressure. Check the owner's manual for proper pressure requirements. Finally, check the tires for any signs of cracking or rotting. If you notice any significant wear, you should replace the tires.

Calling McFarlane Trailer Sales for Your Trailer Needs

Routine trailer service is crucial to ensure the longevity of your trailer. However, adhering to the strictest maintenance schedule will not prevent normal wear and tear. When it is time to replace your trailer, head over to one of Ontario's most trusted dealers, McFarlane Trailer Sales. Contact a representative to learn about the current inventory and services.

Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Trailer

July 21, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

As spring comes to an end, it's time to make sure that the wear and tear from winter's cold and spring's rain will not affect your summer hauls. Pay special attention to your brakes, tires, grease, and suspension, as these will be the most likely to break down if not treated with care. You can avoid a large headache and expensive problem by prioritizing trailer service and repair before the summer gets into full swing.

Brakes

Think back to the last time your brakes were replaced. Has it been more than 12 months? If so, you should definitely consider replacing them, for safety reasons. Also, think about how much wear and tear has gone into your brakes during the last year. Have you been in a lot of traffic, therefore braking more frequently? Have you been descending steep grades? Measure the thickness of your brake pads and determine your next steps. Usually, you can hear the squeal or grind when you apply your brakes, but sometimes the road noise prevents you from getting this warning. As always, don't wait until you know there is a problem. Proactively prevent problems before they become major issues.

Tires

Tires are expensive, but a necessary expense to keep your fleet operating efficiently. Walk around your trailer and check the depth of each tire tread to ensure the tires are not going bald. Also, check the pressure. A visual inspection of rocks, thorns, nails, screws, and other punctures may prove wise here as well. Having a blowout on a highway in the heat of summer is no one's idea of a successful haul.Keep in mind that some small punctures can be patched, while others may require the tire to be replaced. If you need to replace a tire, consider also replacing the other tire on the same axle, to ensure that the two tires wear evenly. If the expenses catch you off-guard or worry you, just imagine how much more worried and stressed you will be if your entire rig breaks down due to something that you could have prevented. Remember the old adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Grease

Gears and hydraulics simply have to operate smoothly if you are to stay in business. If the gears grind together, you will be facing a major mechanical malfunction. Remember which type of grease you originally used, and apply the same. New applications of the same grease type will wash out the old, dirty residue and keep your trailer operating efficiently and safely.

Suspension

In order to keep your ride moving along smoothly, and to ensure the stability of your load, all high-impact elements of your suspension system should be inspected. Visually assess any fasteners, welds, and overall levelness of the trailer. Ensure that all bolts are secured where they should be and that there is no component interference with the pivot connection. Air springs, axle connections, and shock absorbers should all be without bend or rust. If any fasteners are loose, tighten them to the correct torque specifications.

Visit MacFarlane for Expert Trailer Service and Repair

Many aspects of trailer maintenance can be attempted on your own, but if you find yourself out of your element, give us a call or schedule an appointment on our website. We will be happy to diagnose any problems we see, offer you a good deal on the parts we have in stock and provide potential solutions if a new trailer is what you need. We have at least 10 different types of high-quality trailers, including flatbeds, single-axle, tandem-axle, and tilt-beds.

Equipment Trailer Service and Repair Checklist for Summer

June 10, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

Perhaps you just bought a new equipment trailer and you're looking forward to getting on the road during the summer season with your new model — or maybe you're noticing some odd noises, worn tires, or cracked spots in the vehicle you've had for a few years. Summer is the ideal time to address many trailer maintenance issues regardless of whether you're experiencing problems or not. Learn more about summer trailer service and repair and decide which maintenance jobs to book now.

Why Summer Is a Great Trailer Maintenance Season

Summer is a season of extremes: Days can be blisteringly hot while nights are often much cooler. This added pressure of changing temperatures means that your trailer's parts are expanding and contracting. You may also have to deal with rain that can cause water damage and direct sunshine that can heat your unit to a dangerous temperature.It's a good idea to perform maintenance and any necessary repairs before summer starts, but scheduling these appointments during the hottest months of the year is fine, too. Make the most out of summer by ensuring the safety of your cargo trailer before more difficult and dangerous winter weather sets in.

5 Common Summer Trailer Repairs

Don't get caught with a costly repair on your hands because you forgot to complete your summer maintenance checklist! Go over the following list and feel free to add more of your own items as they pertain to your trailer.

1. Tires

Like many people, you likely drive a lot during the summer. This means that you should check your tires to make sure they're fully inflated and have no leaks. Check them with an air pressure gauge before you head out on the road and replace old models if necessary.

2. Doors and Windows

Regardless of the type of cargo your trailer is transporting, it's important to keep it dry. Make sure all doors, windows, and openings are properly sealed. If your trailer is especially old, you may need to replace hinges, gaskets, or handles to ensure that you can fully open and close the doors.

3. Brakes

It's a good idea to check the brakes on any vehicle before you use it. Trailer brakes, like any other vehicle's brakes, aren't immune to wear and tear, and they need to be replaced at least once a year for safety reasons. Signs of brake problems may include unusual noises coming from your trailer in addition to strange sensations as you're stopping.

4. Floors

Wood is porous and rainwater can easily soak through it. If your trailer has a plywood floor, a dry day in the summer is a great time to re-coat the underside of it. The undercoating, or the application of waterproof sealant that's applied to the underside of the floor, is what protects your floor from water damage, rot, and mould issues.

5. Roof

Your roof bears the brunt of the season's weather. Hot days and rainstorms can wreak havoc on a roof that has not been properly sealed. Invest in a high-quality roof sealant to keep your cargo safe in whatever kind of weather you encounter this summer.

Contact Us To Schedule Your Trailer Service and Repair Appointment

It's important to address small maintenance problems before they become bigger ones. Create a checklist for each season to stay on top of your vehicle's needs.At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we offer a wide variety of custom-built, new, and used trailers as well as replacement parts and high-quality, reliable service appointments. Get in touch with us to learn more and schedule your trailer's summer service today!

The Importance of Servicing Your Enclosed Utility Trailer

May 31, 2022 by Kyle McFarlane

The trailer is one of the most important parts of any towing setup. Nevertheless, you may take it for granted, not giving much thought to its maintenance because it doesn't use oil as your towing vehicle does. Still, enclosed utility trailers do have moving parts, which means that they need regular maintenance if they are going to stay in good shape. Here are some answers to questions you may have about maintaining your trailer.

How Important Is It To Maintain Your Trailer?

Regular maintenance on your trailer helps it meet or exceed its expected useful lifespan. This means that your money goes further following your purchase. Maintaining your trailer regularly also helps you to avoid unpleasant surprises that result from your trailer breaking down on the road in the middle of towing something large and cumbersome.

How Often Should You Service Your Enclosed Utility Trailer?

Generally speaking, it should be sufficient to have your trailer serviced at least every six months. There are some specific features that you should check more often according to manufacturers' recommendations. These include the breakaway functionality, tire pressure, and wheel torque. If you have access to the service manual for your trailer, this should include a maintenance schedule for you to follow.

What Are Some Specific Maintenance Tasks That Enclosed Utility Trailers Require?

The manufacturer of your trailer may also publish trailer maintenance checklists that you can use as a guide. While it is best to use a maintenance checklist written specifically for your trailer, this is not always necessary. If you can find a list for a trailer that has all the same components as yours, you can still use it.Examples of maintenance tasks that typically need to be performed on an enclosed utility trailer include the following:

Tires: Check your tires for cracks that indicate dry rotting. If you find any, your tires need to be replaced. Your tires also need replacement if the tread has reached the wear bar or is less than 2/32 of an inch deep. You also need to check the air pressure in the tire often, which can fluctuate with changes in the weather.
Hitch: An improperly aligned hitch can make steering difficult or cause the trailer to sway from side to side. You should check the hitch frequently for damage, and if you are experiencing problems that may relate to improper alignment, you should have it adjusted.
Brakes: Problems with the brakes or the trailer brake controller could cause the trailer to jackknife or skid when stopping. When you grab each brake shoe and try to rock it back and forth, the resistance from the brake drum should be equal and the movement should be smooth without any stuttering or play.
Body: Keep the body of the trailer free from corrosion by keeping it clean and using sprays, coatings, sealants, or waxes. Keeping the trailer clean also helps you to identify minor problems early on.

Do You Need To Grease the Wheel Bearings?

Whether you need to grease the wheel bearings depends on what kind of trailer you have. Newer trailers are more likely to have wheel bearings that are lubed for life. However, if your trailer is older, you may still have to grease the wheel bearings. How often you do this depends on the size of your trailer and how often you use it. Grease the bearings every six months when the trailer is not in use or every 2,000 to 12,000 miles when it is.

Do You Need To Perform Trailer Maintenance Yourself?

You do not need to perform the required maintenance on your trailer yourself. If you are unfamiliar with the processes or have an issue that you cannot identify and resolve yourself, you can take it to the service department at McFarlane. Find out more about the trailer maintenance and repair services we offer.