Don't neglect your trailer. Follow our recommended maintenance schedule, below, to help ensure that your trailer is safe and ready to go when you are.
| Item | Inspection Required | Each Trip | 3 Mo. or 3,000 Mi. | 6 Mo. or 6,000 Mi. | 12 Mo. or 12,000 Mi. | Replacement Parts | Helpful Videos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tires | Check tire pressure and tread wear |  | Tires | ||||
| Lights | Check for proper light functions | | Trailer Lights | Trailer light kit install and test | |||
| Breakaway switch | Pull pin and test for proper function | | Breakaway kits | Breakaway install kit and test | |||
| Breakaway battery | Check battery charge level | | Breakaway batteries | ||||
| Trailer brakes | Test braking function and performance | | Trailer brakes | ||||
| Lug nuts (wheel bolts) | Tighten to specified torque value | | Lug nuts and wheel bolts | How to torque trailer lug nuts | |||
| Brake adjustment | Test for proper drag (light drag) and adjust as needed | | Brake parts | ||||
| Wheels | Check for cracks or dents | | Wheels | How to inspect a trailer wheel | |||
| Hub and drum assemblies | Check for scoring or wear | | Hubs and drums | Hub and drum inspection | |||
| Wheel bearings | Repack bearings and check for damage or wear | | Bearings and races | How to repack bearings | |||
| Seals | Check for damage or leaks | | Seals | ||||
| Brake assemblies | Check internal parts for wear, leaks, or damage | | Brake assemblies | ||||
| Brake magnets | Check for wear and replace if surface is grooved or copper windings are exposed | | Brake magnets | Replacing a brake magnet | |||
| Hydraulic brakes | Bleed brakes and change brake fluid | | Brake bleeders | Brake bleeding | |||
| Springs | Check for broken or flattened springs | | Leaf springs | Slipper spring and double-eye spring replacement | |||
| Suspension | Check for worn or loose fasteners and shackle link wear | | Suspension parts |
Great list! Is there a printable version?
We do not have this available in a printable form but you should be able to take a screenshot (or Print Screen) of the list so you can print it off for personal use.
@JonG decent idea thanks
I check the tire temp and hub temp on my trailers whenever I am on a trip and make a pit stop. Usually about outside temp.
That's a great way to be pro-active. Heat buildup is a pretty clear sign that something is going on.
Good reminder. I just bought a 4year old GulfBreeze.
Congrats on the new trailer!
Great yearly check list! Check tongue for wear and cracks!!
Absolutely.
I was following your maintenance schedule. And I found several things on my 2016 landmark fifthwheel. I found broken bolts on my springs and worn tires. Now I'm looking to replace my suspension.
Are you looking to replace everything - including the actual leaf springs? If you can let me know their eye-to-eye length and axle capacity I will be happy to make some specific recommendations. I've also linked our suspension parts below.
Helpful Links
Let the good times roll...good maintenance is assurance for a great vacation and carefree trip. My tip is when checking your axle bearings lift the RV trailer with a hydraulic jack. With the tire lugs still on elevate it just above the ground grab the tire with both hands on each side of the tire and shake it this will identify if the axle nut may require tightened and give you reason to examine the bearings more thoroughly.
Thanks for the tip!
What was the blue tool used while packing the bearing?
I believe they're using the Powerbuilt Bearing Packer # ALL647646 .
Thank you for this check list. I really needed this. Happy Camping.
No problem!
Very Needed
I'm glad we could help!
Have been really happy with your service. You've come Through on parts and how to videos when needed. In some parts, I got excellent service, when other vendors failed to come through.Thanks
Thanks so much for the extremely kind words.
When I got my little pull behind camper they said grease the bearings every 10,000 miles not 12,000 but I guess erring on the side of caution (early maintenance) can't be bad!
I definitely agree with that. We think 12,000 miles (or a year) is a pretty safe bet but it absolutely doesn't hurt to check sooner than that.
Don't overlook the trailer jack and tow chains. The jack may need lubricating and the safety chains need at "look at" as well. Great checklist. Thanks.
Great points. Any moving parts like that should definitely checked periodically.
Thank you for the checklist. I caught a problem with a loose lug nut that I would have missed. Thank you
That's really great to hear. Good job being thorough!
You left out one.... Every two years, on all wood deck trailers. "apply another seal coat, making sure it gets into every little crack seen, as little grows into "need a new deck "
Ahh good point. I will see if we can have wood deck maintenance added to the list.
Nice reminder list. Posted to my Silver Shadow Teardrop Trailers Group on Facebook. Thank you.
Perfect! Thanks so much for the kind words.
Great checklist. We've got Nev-R-Lube axles and hubs. What's recommended for them?
The Nev-R-Lube bearings are completely sealed and actually don't require any lubrication or maintenance. They don't have a specific lifespan, but typically they outlast the life of the trailer.
Seeing that list is always a great reminder to do what I always try to accomplish. Thanks for the list.
In the category of “Tires,” you might consider adding a comment or “checkbox” related to checking date codes and routine replacement. Air pressure and tread depth are only two of the major considerations with tire safety. Age and the associated effects of weathering from exposure can result in dangerous situations.
That's a really good point. I will see if we can add something like this.
This check list is great! Thanks for posting this, as I see many trailers on the road that shouldn't be.
I'm glad we could help!
Awesome preventative Maintenance checklist .... Thank you eTrailer!
I'm really glad you found it helpful. Just let us know if any questions come up!
@ChrisR Agree with Dave. This is fantastic.
@Christopher Right on!
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