Car Trailers Need Love Too

       When doing maintenance for the coming season do not neglect the trailer. As with the car, the trailer should be checked from nose to tail with the same care and attention that one gives the car.

Tires:

The trailer tires should be checked on a frequent basis for dry rot, proper air pressure and proper tread depth.   It is important to remember that where one parks their trailer also has an impact on the tires.  The sun takes a toll on exposed tires and any exposed tie down straps. It is probably the biggest reason for wear and tear. The tires that face the afternoon and setting sun will dry rot much quicker than the tires on the opposite side. By covering those tires to protect them from the sun you will extend the life of those tires.  Tire maintenance should include repacking the wheel bearings once a year. The braking system should also be checked for wear and functionality.

Wiring:

All the wiring should be checked for fraying that could cause an electrical fire or malfunction. It is also important to check that the brake lights, turn indicators and running lights are working properly. Ideally each bulb should be removed to check the condition of the socket. A socket with clean contacts will help ensure the light bulb works when it is needed.

Tie-down Straps:

The sun’s rays also have a damaging effect on the webbing on the tie down straps in an open trailer.  Tie downs should be checked before every use for tears or fraying. Any belt that shows fraying is in danger of malfunctioning or even worse snapping.

During use, the tie downs should be applied in an ‘x’ pattern when securing the car and the trailer chains also should be attached to the tow vehicle in an ‘x’ pattern and not be twisted. A twisted chain can snap when the trailer jerks while in transit.

Another item that should be checked on the trailer is the body itself. The trailer should be periodically checked for broken welds and bubbling paint that indicate the presence of underlying rust.

Another area of safety sometimes overlooked by racers is distributing the weight on the trailer so that only 10% of the trailer’s total gross be placed on the tow hitch ball area. Any more than this overstrains the tow vehicle. Trailers are made so that the bulk of the weight is supported by the tires and the trailer’s suspension. When putting the tool boxes at the front of the trailer, the racecar should be moved towards the rear of the trailer by about a foot, this reduces the load on the tongue and redistributes the weight better on the trailer for a safer tow.

A well-maintained trailer will insure that the car and the team will arrive safely at the show thus giving the team one less thing to worry about on show weekend.