Seasonal Tips: Preparing Your Trailer for Winter Storage

Fundamentally, with winter in mind, preparing a trailer for storage is the key to making it last longer and serving when needed. Be it a dump trailer, a car hauler trailer, or any other form of trailer rental service, proper steps taken pre-winter could avoid expensive repairs and keep your investment alive for a long time. Here’s how to winterize a trailer in some easy steps:

1. Cleaning and Thorough Inspection

Before storing your trailer, give it a thorough deep cleaning to remove any dirt, debris, and moisture that may set in and invite rust or deterioration. Pay close attention to the undercarriage, as it is where road salt and grime are more corrosive. Look out for any form of damage and wear, then pursue repair by trailer repair services when necessary.

2. Check and Maintain Tires

Cold weather tends to flatten tires or even causes the emergence of cracks on them. Fill your tires with air to the recommended PSI, then inspect them for any wear and tear. If you will not be using your trailer for quite some time, you can have it jacked off the ground to protect your tires.

3. Protect the Battery and System

If your trailer has an electric system, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place to avoid being totally sucked out from the cold temperature. Check wiring and lights for frayed or otherwise exposed connections that could deteriorate over time.

4. Grease Moving Parts

Smear the hinges, jacks, and all the moving parts with grease to avoid rust and stiffness, especially for a dump trailer gooseneck and other high-duty models fitted with hydraulic apparatus.

5. Lock and Cover Your Trailer

Invest in a good cover to protect your trailer from snow, ice, and moisture. If possible, store under cover or in an enclosed garage. Add to the security of your vehicle by making use of wheel locks and tongue locks for theft deterrence when leaving your trailer unattended for months.

6. Drain Water and Fluids

If it has water tanks or hydraulic fluid reservoirs, then drain them to prevent freezing and damage. Freezing temperatures may cause expansion that results in cracks and costly repairs.

7. Check Brakes and Suspension

Look at the brake system-brake pads and fluid levels. Freezing temperatures can create condensation buildup, so ensuring all is dry and in good condition will go a long way toward preventing performance issues next spring.

8. Consider Professional Maintenance

Before storing away your trailer for the season, consider making plans to have an inspection done of your trailer to identify potential problems that could escalate over the course of the winter. Many retailers and repairers of trailers provide winterization service to help a trailer remain at its best condition.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll ensure your trailer is ready for use when warmer weather returns. Whether you’re storing a personal trailer or managing a fleet from a trailer sales business, proper winterization is essential to maintain its value and performance. Need help preparing your trailer for winter? Contact our team at Adado Sales for expert advice and professional maintenance services!