When it comes to towing a trailer – whether for farming, construction, or commercial use – regular maintenance is key. A well-maintained trailer is not just more efficient; it is safer, more reliable, and less likely to break down when you need it most. At Rollins Farm Trailers, we have over 25 years of hands-on farming and trailer experience in Cambridgeshire, servicing everything from Ifor Williams and livestock trailers to tippers and horseboxes. These trailer maintenance tips draw on that practical background to help you get the best from your trailer and avoid faults before they become costly problems.

Why Trailer Maintenance Matters

1. Safety on the Road: Faulty brakes, worn tyres, or electrical faults can quickly become serious risks. In one NTTA roadside operation, only 12 of 34 stopped trailers and caravans were free of faults – with issues ranging from overweight vehicles to missing breakaway cables.
2. Legal Compliance: GOV.UK confirms that towing an unroadworthy trailer can result in a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points, and a driving ban. Staying on top of maintenance keeps you on the right side of the law.
3. Cost-Efficiency: Catching a worn brake cable or corroded coupling early is far cheaper than an emergency repair or a prohibition notice. Proactive checks protect both your trailer and your working day.
4. Performance: A properly maintained trailer tows more smoothly and places less strain on your towing vehicle, extending the life of both.

Essential Trailer Maintenance Tips

• Inspect Tyres Every Journey: GOV.UK requires at least 1.6 mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre, with no cuts or bulges. Check pressure each time you hitch up, and replace tyres showing cracking or ageing even if tread remains – the NTTA recommends retiring trailer tyres at five years as a general guide.
• Test Lights and Wiring: Walk around the trailer with a helper before every trip and confirm that brake lights, indicators, and reflectors are working. Electrical faults are among the most common issues found at roadside checks, and a broken light can mean an immediate prohibition.
• Check the Brakes and Breakaway Cable: The DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness states that “every part of every braking system fitted to a vehicle shall be maintained in good and efficient working order and be properly adjusted.” Confirm the breakaway cable is correctly fitted and undamaged – it was the most commonly reported defect in the NTTA roadside operation mentioned above.
• Grease Moving Parts: Regularly lubricate couplings, hinges, the jockey wheel, and corner steadies to keep them operating smoothly and to slow corrosion. This is a quick job that pays back in reduced wear over time.
• Examine the Chassis and Body: After heavy use or rough terrain, check the frame for rust, cracks, or weakened joints. On farm trailers especially, floor boards and side panels take a beating and are worth inspecting at the start and end of each season.

Get Your Trailer Professionally Serviced

Owner checks are essential, but they are not a substitute for a proper workshop inspection. How often you need one depends on use: the NTTA recommends a first service after 600 miles on a new trailer, then roughly every 6,000 miles or six months for average use, and every 3,000 miles or three months for intensive work. For most farm trailers, an annual professional service is a sensible baseline – but if you are running a trailer hard through harvest, construction work, or difficult off-road conditions, more frequent checks are worth considering.

Rollins Farm Trailers is a family-run, Ifor Williams-approved dealer with over 25 years of experience servicing trailers across Cambridgeshire and beyond. Our workshop covers mechanical and electrical work, parts replacement, and full safety inspections on livestock, horsebox, tipper, flatbed, and general-purpose trailers. Get in touch today for straightforward advice and reliable trailer maintenance support you can count on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is professional trailer maintenance required?

An annual service is a sensible baseline for most owners to keep everything running smoothly. However, the correct interval depends on your manufacturer’s schedule, mileage, and frequency of use. Heavily used farm or commercial trailers often need a service every three to six months. You can book professional checks through our servicing and repairs workshop.

What tyre pressure should a trailer have?

There is no universal tyre pressure for trailers. You must use the pressure specified on the trailer chassis plate, tyre sidewall, or manufacturer manual. Never simply copy your towing vehicle’s pressure, as incorrect inflation harms stability and causes uneven wear. Always check the pressure cold with a reliable gauge before you set off.

What should I check before towing a trailer?

Before every trip, check that the coupling is engaged properly and the breakaway cable is undamaged. Ensure your load is secure and well within the safe weight limits. You must also test all lights, verify tyre condition, and perform basic pre-journey checks on your wheel nuts. The NTTA provides a useful guide for safe preparation.

How do I know if my trailer brakes need attention?

Warning signs include pulling to one side, increased stopping distances, or a parking brake that struggles to hold the trailer on a gradient. You might also notice excessive actuator travel or seized brake cables. Do not rely on a short driveway test to clear a fault. Have any suspected braking issues assessed during a professional inspection to ensure safe performance.

What are the UK legal requirements for trailer maintenance?

The operator is legally responsible for ensuring the trailer is roadworthy before every single use. Mandatory safety checks cover tyres, lights, brakes, coupling equipment, and load security. Heavy commercial trailers might also require statutory annual testing. Keeping up with regular trailer maintenance is the best way to ensure you remain fully compliant with DVSA safety standards.