Trailer Brake Maintenance

Your trailer isn’t just a lump on the back of your truck. It has its own functions and mechanisms, and one of the most important is its brakes. We here at Utility Trailer of Washington want to remind you that most maintenance tasks in this department are best left to professionals, but we’ve put together a few things you can do to keep up with trailer brake maintenance. If you need maintenance help, or you just want to see the trailers we have for sale, contact one of our stores in Auburn, Mt. Vernon, or Richland, Washington, today!

Inspection Checklist

One of the most important things you can do to keep your brakes in good shape is a regular, thorough inspection. You’ll want to look over all the key components of the brake system to find any issues early, which can prevent a safety hazard, potential damage, and a significant bill.

Your checklist should include, but not be limited to:

• Checking the drums, shoes, and shoe return springs and hardware for signs of rust or corrosion, which you should address immediately
• Looking for shoes or drums that are too thin, which you should replace
• Watching for signs of parts grinding together, which is a serious red flag and should lead to you replacing the parts and bringing the trailer in for service
• Comparing both sides of the braking system to ensure both sides are wearing down evenly—if they’re not, it could be because of improper weight distribution with your cargo, but it could also mean an issue with your hitch or your wheel alignment
• Try ensuring your trailer is loaded evenly, and if that doesn’t solve the problem, bring it into a service center

Different types of breaks will also require some extra steps, such as:

• Electrical trailer brakes: check the wiring and connections for fraying or broken wires
• Surge brakes: push the trailer to make sure the brake system activates. If it doesn’t, your master cylinder and wheel cylinders may have a problem, or your braking fluids need checking.

Maintenance Timeline

We mentioned that these maintenance tasks need to be checked regularly, which means there’s a schedule. Our recommendation is to perform this checklist once every year or after 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, more frequent checks are never a bad thing, and your owner’s manual may have a different timeline for them. Abide by it—our tips are general, but your manual was written for your trailer alone.

Preventative Measures

Finally, one of the best ways to fix these issues is to not have them. A common cause of braking problems is long periods of disuse. To avoid these, take the trailer for a drive every three months or so.

We hope these tips keep your trailer brakes in good shape! For more information, or to see the trailers we have available, contact us at Utility Trailer of Washington. We proudly serve the people of Washington State—let us serve you today!