When the weather starts to cool, we all adapt our habits.
We wear more layers, eat different foods, and pull out the umbrellas, windbreakers and heating devices.
So, that’s us protected against the elements.
But, what about your trailer?
In order to survive winter in good condition, your trailer is going to need a bit of TLC too.
Here are the essential trailer maintenance and storage tasks to keep your trailer functional this winter.
Trailer Maintenance: Prepare Your Trailer For Winter
Winter Trailer Maintenance Tasks
While New Zealand winters aren’t as harsh as some other nations, we still experience weather changes that can impact driving and storage conditions. So, you’ll want to undertake some essential trailer maintenance tasks to ensure its safety throughout winter.
Here’s a simple guide for how to keep your trailer protected and remaining functional during the colder months:
- Check The Tyres
The first trailer maintenance job is to check the tyres on your trailer. How much tread do they have, are they showing signs of wear and tear, and are they properly inflated?
During winter, there is a lot more rain, frost, fog and even potentially ice and snow. That means you want your tyres to have the ultimate grip on the road for handling and safety. You may even choose to switch to a tyre that is going to handle the winter conditions better if the weather is particularly bad in your region.
- Protect The Frame
The elements can be harsh in winter. Wind, rain, sleet and hail can all do nasty things to the frame of your trailer. This can leave it more susceptible to rust and corrosion. Before the weather gets bad, take the time to thoroughly wash your trailer to remove any potentially harmful things from the surface.
Also, check out our storage tips further down to keep your frame protected while not in use.
- Check The Electrics
Your trailer’s electrical systems can be impacted by the bad weather, so it is important to check that they are operating well before things get too frosty! Verify that the lights are working as they should – that means the brake lights, indicators and reflectors.
You will also want to check that all your electrical connections are secure and protected from moisture. This will set you up to navigate the winter months with great electrical function.
- Inspect The Brakes Wet road surfaces, ice, and snow can all increase your braking distances, so it’s essential that your brakes are reliable. It’s a good idea to have a mechanic or trailer expert look over your brakes to ensure they are in good working order.
- Protect Exposed Components Lots of your trailer’s important parts are regularly exposed to the elements. Couplers, spare wheels, hitches and wiring can all be impacted. Consider if there is a way that these crucial elements can be covered to add protection. If not, regularly clear away any debris or snow that has built up on them.
- Consider Snow Chains If you expect to encounter particularly bad weather, like heavy snow or icy roads, then you may want to consider installing snow chains on your trailer. They can help to improve your traction and stability, giving you greater safety while towing.
- Get It Serviced Regardless of whether you are going to increase your usage, use your trailer less over winter, or even store it, it’s a good idea to have a service done at this time. That way, you can ensure everything is safe and operating as it should before the weather turns.
Winter Storage Tips
A big part of maintaining your trailer over winter will be storing it correctly. Here are some of our best tips for how to do that:
- Shelter Choosing a sheltered location will help to protect your trailer from the damaging effects of wind, rain, hail, snow, ice and extreme temperatures. A garage or a carport is the best protection, but if that space is not available, try to choose somewhere that offers some form of shelter such as a corner or behind a fence/wall.
- Use A Cover A trailer cover is the perfect protection against winter weather. Covering all the essential parts of your trailer, a cover will protect it from the elements. Choose something that is waterproof to prevent the moisture from getting in, and something breathable so that nothing gets trapped inside the cover.
- Give Support The wind can get pretty strong during the colder months, so utilising wheel chocks will prevent your trailer from moving while not in use. If you are storing your trailer long term, it is a good idea to try and elevate it off the ground with jacks or blocks to preserve its components.
- Preserve The Electrics Electrical components tend not to like extreme weather. So, do what you can to protect them while your trailer is not in use. Cover everything from the weather and remove any batteries to prevent corrosion, freezing or damage.
- Check On It While your trailer is in storage, make sure to check on it periodically to maintain its good condition. Look for signs of moisture, rust, weather impact or damage. Also, take the time to inspect the electrics and couplings so that they do not degrade over winter.
Following these tips for trailer maintenance and storage should help you prepare your trailer for winter. If you have any questions get in touch with our trailer experts. Or if you would like to grab some winter trailer accessories – like a cover or spare wheel – then you can browse our range now.
