Preparing Your Trailer For Winter

Trailers are workhorses that keep productivity moving and customers happy. They tirelessly move everything from construction materials and lawn equipment to vehicles and even tiny homes. This year-round versatility makes them an indispensable asset for countless industries, from agriculture near Providence, RI, to logistics operations in Raleigh, NC. Preparing your trailer for winter is essential for minimizing breakdowns and prolonging its service life.

Your Winter Trailer Checklist

Winter weather, which includes road salt, freezing temperatures, and moisture, creates unforgiving conditions for anything that moves, including heavy-duty equipment trailers. To keep your bumper-pull trailer in tow, here is a detailed checklist for getting your workhorse ready for the challenging winter months:

Tires & Wheels

• Check Tire Pressure: Cold weather causes air pressure to drop. Ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (stamped on the tire sidewall or the trailer placard). Maintaining properly inflated tires is critical for both safety and preventing uneven wear.
• Inspect Tread Depth: Tire tread is vital for traction on wet or snowy roads. If the tread depth is near or below the legal limit, now is the time to replace them.
• Examine Wheels and Lug Nuts: Inspect the wheels for signs of rust or damage, and ensure all lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque specification.

Frame & Finish

• Trailer Wash: Wash the trailer, especially the underside and frame, where dirt and salt tend to accumulate. Washing removes existing contaminants and will help inhibit rust and prevent scratches.
• Apply Waterproof Sealant: Consider applying a wax or a specially formulated trailer sealant to the painted surfaces. For the frame and metal components, a rust-inhibitor spray can protect against corrosive road treatments. If you own a Bigfoot trailer, its exclusive Evercoat® Paint System provides a rust and water-resistant coating.

Axels & Brakes

• Check Brakes: Test all brake components, including the wiring and breakaway system. Ensure that the self-adjusting drums or hydraulic lines are in perfect working order.
• Grease Bearings: If your trailer utilizes greaseable hubs, now is the time to ensure they are adequately packed with fresh, high-quality bearing grease. Water infiltration followed by freezing temperatures can quickly damage dry bearings.

Electrical and Lights

• Inspect Wiring Harnesses: Cold and moisture can cause cracks in insulation, leading to potential failure.
• Clean Connections: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to all electrical connectors, especially the main plug that connects to the tow vehicle. This water-resistant, non-conductive lubricant helps repel moisture and prevent corrosion.
• Test All Lights: Check that running lights, turn signals, and brake lights are clean and functioning correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs. The watertight wiring harnesses used in premium trailers help prevent moisture intrusion, but a visual check is still necessary.

Deck and Storage

• Treat Wood Decks: If your trailer features a pressure-treated wood deck (such as premium Yellawood), inspect for any splinters or cracks. A fresh application of a wood sealant can help repel moisture and extend the deck’s life, preventing warping and decay often caused by the freeze-thaw cycle.
• Secure Accessories: Remove or securely stow any optional accessories, such as ramps, straps, chains, or toolboxes, that could be damaged by freezing weather or road spray.

Need a New Workhorse? Go Bigfoot!

If your current trailer is not carrying its weight and you’re looking for a rugged, reliable replacement, consider a Bigfoot trailer. Bigfoot utility trailers, car haulers, and custom options are built with premium components, including heavy-duty steel frames, American-made axles, and its exclusive EVERCOAT paint system that withstands the environment for all-season hauling.

Buy or Rent To Own a Trailer Near Me

Experience the convenience of owning a Bigfoot trailer. We handcraft and deliver premium trailers in the USA, offering factory-direct service throughout the entire Eastern United States, as well as additional locations in Philadelphia, PA; Portland, ME; Jacksonville, FL; Providence, RI; and by appointment with retailers in Fort Myers and Marianna, FL. Contact us at https://www.bigfoottrailers.net/ for a free quote, and our team will guide you through the process, including our financing and rent-to-own options. Ask about our custom trailers!