Custom Trailers: Three Practical Tips for Caring for Your New Hauler

The cost of fabricating a custom trailer can be high. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the hauler is maintained correctly. Proper care of the trailer will prolong its service life and ensure the preservation of the appeal. Besides, the regular check-up of the trailer will promote early detection of problems, allowing for immediate resolution. Here are some practical guidelines to help you keep your new custom hauler in excellent condition.

Keep the Surfaces You should be diligent in your cleaning practices if you want to ensure the longevity of your trailer. These metal fabrications are exposed to adverse chemicals and conditions on the road. For example, the hauler might come into contact with de-icing solutions or saline water during certain trips and seasons. If these materials remain on the metal, your trailer will experience accelerated wear. Therefore, it is crucial for you to wash the structure to prevent accumulation of harmful deposits routinely.

Inspect the Trailer You should make time for a detailed check-up of your custom trailer. Often, most trailer problems do not occur overnight. They develop over time and eventually, the hauler fails. The most reliable way to prevent premature failure of the structure is identifying the functional and structural problems in time. Therefore, you should check the joints, fittings and general metal unit for signs of rusting and mechanical damage.  You should also assess the harness connectors, the tyres, brakes and suspension system. Make sure that all these components are working correctly and perform maintenance as necessary. Under ideal circumstances, you should conduct inspections before a long journey. This practice will minimise the risk of accidents due to underlying problems. Additionally, it is advisable to stop in the middle of long tow missions for periodic check-ups. 

Check the Load You should know the load-bearing capacity of your trailer. In general, custom haulers have different maximum weight capacities, depending on their construction. If this predetermined weight is exceeded, the trailer will experience mechanical stress and pressure. Consequently, the structure will experience accelerated degradation and eventual failure. Therefore, you should always confirm that your loads are within acceptable ranges.  You should be particularly cautious when handling ATVs and other heavy recreational vehicles in toy haulers. It is also essential to make sure that the load weight is distributed correctly in the trailer. Improper distribution can exert stress on one side of the structure, increasing the risk of instability. If you are unsatisfied with the performance characteristics of your custom trailer, consult your fabricator for modifications. 


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