Getting ready for your next trip means making sure your trailer is in top shape. Proper trailer maintenance before you leave can prevent breakdowns, keep your cargo safe, and make your journey smoother. Checking your tires, lights, brakes, and hitch hardware should always be part of your prep routine.
If you use a premium sway control hitch like the ProPride 3P®, inspect the entire system, including the hitch head, spring bars, and frame brackets. This isn’t just about being cautious—it’s about maximizing towing stability and keeping your family safe.
ProPride offers technology like Pivot Point Projection™ to eliminate trailer sway, but it works best when everything is maintained. Taking a few minutes to look over your trailer can save you hours of trouble on the road.
Reliable towing starts with a careful inspection. Addressing key maintenance tasks before your trip improves safety, performance, and peace of mind.
Begin with a thorough walk-around. Check for cracks, rust, and dents on the frame. Inspect welds and bolts. Look for loose or missing hardware.
Check the tires for proper inflation and tread wear. Uneven or bald spots signal an alignment or suspension issue. Examine lug nuts for tightness and scan the wheels for damage.
Inspect lights and reflectors. Ensure brake lights, turn signals, and marker lights work and are clean. Check wires for frays or loose connections.
Look at the hitch area, including your spring bars and frame bracket. An anti-sway hitch, such as the ProPride 3P®, should show no signs of abnormal movement, missing pins, or wear near the pivot point and yoke. Keep the coupler lubricated and free of debris.
Create a detailed checklist to prevent mistakes and missed steps. List tasks by system: tires, brakes, lights, hitch, safety chains, and emergency equipment.
Try this format:
|
System |
What to Inspect |
Completed (✔) |
|
Tires |
PSI, tread, damage, lug nuts |
|
|
Brakes |
Test function, wires, breakaway switch |
|
|
Lights |
All on/working, lens condition |
|
|
Hitch |
Secure, pins in place, lube, yoke |
|
|
Chains & Cables |
Condition, attachment |
Cross off each item as you complete it. Review the checklist at least twice: once during inspection and again before departure. If you’re using specialized equipment like a Jim Hensley hitch, confirm every part is secured, and all adjustments match your load and trailer type.
Always perform maintenance on flat, stable ground. Set the parking brake and use wheel chocks before crawling under the trailer.
Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp metal, debris, and moving parts. Keep tools within easy reach and store them away from your working area to prevent tripping.
Disconnect the trailer’s electrical plug if you work on the wiring or hitch. Before working around the ProPride system or any hitch, double-check that the trailer cannot roll or move unexpectedly. Always confirm all safety clips and pins are locked into place before travel. Proper safety steps make the difference between a smooth trip and a roadside emergency.
Before you set out, keeping your trailer tires in proper condition has a direct impact on safety, performance, and reliability. Correct tire care helps prevent blowouts, uneven wear, and costly roadside repairs.
Look for even tread across all tires. Uneven wear patterns often mean alignment issues or improper weight distribution. Use a tread depth gauge, or insert a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down—if you see the top of his head, your tread is too low and you need new tires.
Check for cracks, splits, or dry rot along the sidewalls. These signs mean the rubber’s aging and could fail, especially on long trips or hot highways. Remove small stones or debris stuck in tread grooves to prevent slow leaks.
Replace tires every 5-7 years, even if the tread looks fine. Old rubber loses strength, increasing blowout risk. Record purchase dates to track when each tire is due for replacement.
Always check tire pressures when your tires are cool, before driving. Hot tires give a false high reading. Refer to your trailer’s manual or the tire sidewall for correct PSI, then use a reliable digital or dial gauge—not gas station air hoses.
Under-inflated tires cause excessive heat, weak sidewalls, and increased trailer sway. Over-inflated tires stiffen and reduce their contact patch, leading to rough rides and uneven wear.
Check your spare tire, too. A flat spare won’t help you on the road. Keep a portable air compressor in your tow vehicle in case you need to top off tires at your campsite.
Loose or missing lug nuts can cause dangerous wheel wobble, leading to costly damage or even total wheel loss. After using a shop or installing new tires, always re-torque all wheel nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended setting with a quality torque wrench.
Quick checklist:
If you use performance towing equipment such as a ProPride anti-sway hitch, good wheel and lug nut maintenance becomes even more important. A secure wheel connection helps you get the most stability possible from advanced sway control systems.
Make sure your trailer's brakes work properly to help prevent dangerous towing situations. Addressing worn or faulty braking components before you leave will help support stopping power and towing control.
Remove your trailer wheels to inspect the brake pads and drums. Look for surfaces that are thin, cracked, glazed, or uneven. Change pads less than 1/8 inch thick immediately to avoid metal-to-metal contact.
For drum brakes, check for grooves, rough spots, or signs of overheating like blue discoloration. Poor drum surfaces reduce friction and can make braking unpredictable, especially when towing heavy loads.
If you see excess brake dust or rust, clean the area with brake cleaner. Spin the drum by hand; if you hear grinding or feel severe resistance, make repairs before your trip.
Check every brake wire, plug, and connection for damage, loose fittings, or corrosion. Use a simple wiring diagram if you need a reference.
Plug your trailer into the tow vehicle and have someone press the brake pedal while you observe the brake activation. Each wheel should respond quickly and consistently. If any fail, use a multimeter to identify where voltage is lost.
Test the breakaway switch by pulling the pin briefly to see if the brakes lock up; reinstall when done.
Adjust your brake controller until all wheels give strong, equal response. Regular checks offer peace of mind for any towing setup.
A safe trip starts with working lights and properly connected electrical systems. Failing to check electrical parts before your journey can make your trailer unsafe and even illegal to tow.
Walk around your trailer and have a helper sit in the tow vehicle. Flip on each turn signal, brake, and running light. Confirm each one lights up brightly and evenly. Dim bulbs or flickering lights can signal wiring problems or blown bulbs.
Use a simple checklist:
|
Function |
OK? |
Needs Fixing? |
|
Left Signal |
||
|
Right Signal |
||
|
Brake Lights |
||
|
Taillights |
If you use a ProPride anti sway hitch or have invested in trailer sway control technology, make sure the added wiring for extra features is secure. Replace any non-working bulbs before you travel to ensure visibility and towing safety.
Examine all visible trailer wiring for fraying, cuts, or pinching, especially at connection points and where wires go through frame brackets. Use electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing to protect any exposed sections.
The connector plug—where your trailer wiring meets the tow vehicle—should be clean and free of corrosion. Look for bent pins or any sign of burning. Use a small wire brush to clean connectors if needed. Check for a tight fit when plugging into your tow vehicle’s socket.
Tug gently on each wire near the hitch head, hitch box, and frame bracket areas. Wires should not be loose or dangle where they could snag on the road or moving parts. Secure any loose wires with zip ties, keeping them clear of sharp edges and moving components.
If your trailer has a battery for lights or powered features, find its location and open the cover. Make sure terminals are clean and tightly connected. Look for corrosion—a white or green powder—on the battery posts. Remove corrosion using a baking soda and water mixture with a stiff brush.
Check the battery’s charge using a simple voltmeter. A well-charged battery should read above 12.4 volts. If it’s weak, charge it before your trip. When using equipment powered by your battery—like certain sway control systems or emergency breakaway brakes—ensure all cables are free from damage and tight.
Replace batteries older than five years or ones that will not hold a charge. This helps prevent electrical failures when towing. A healthy battery is key for all electronic safety equipment on your trailer.
Making sure your trailer is hitched correctly is essential for safe towing. Serious issues like trailer sway and accidental disconnects often start with ignored hitch problems or worn-out safety chains.
Check that the hitch ball matches your coupler size and type. Even a small mismatch creates unstable towing or prevents the connection from locking. Use a ruler or calipers to confirm the diameter matches (usually 2", 2-5/16", or 1-7/8" for most travel trailers and campers).
Inspect the hitch ball and coupler for signs of stress or damage, such as deep scratches, flat spots, or corrosion. Worn-out couplers can pop free under load. Confirm the latch closes fully and use a pin or lock to secure it. Grease the hitch ball to reduce wear. If you use advanced sway control, like the ProPride 3P® Hitch, verify the one-piece yoke and frame bracket are tight. Check the bolts on the adjustable offset hitch bar for security.
Other critical points to review:
Address any defect or looseness before leaving.
Safety chains act as your last line of defense if the trailer disconnects. Inspect both chains closely for rust, bent links, or missing hooks. Chains should be thick enough to handle your trailer’s loaded weight—check your owner’s manual for the proper size and rating.
Lay the chains out in an X pattern under the coupler. This “cradle” minimizes trailer tongue drop if the coupler fails. Attach the chain hooks to solid points on your tow vehicle, not the hitch ball or bumper. Never twist or knot the chains, as this weakens them and limits movement.
Check that hooks have safety latches in good working condition. Avoid dragging chains on the ground, which wears them out faster. If you’ve upgraded to a ProPride anti sway hitch, make sure the frame bracket and yoke don’t interfere with proper chain crossing or length. Replace chains or hooks that have even slight damage.
Keeping your cargo safe on the road means more than just keeping the doors shut. The way you secure and balance your load directly impacts towing stability, especially on long trips.
Loose cargo in your trailer can shift, tip, or cause damage while you drive. Secure every item with straps, bungee cords, or netting attached to solid anchor points. This keeps everything in place, even on rough roads.
Tie down bulky items first, then fill gaps with smaller, softer objects. Avoid stacking heavy items too high or placing loose items where they can roll. Double-check each tie-down for tightness. Use this checklist:
Keep emergency items like a first-aid kit or tool bag accessible, not buried. Recheck your load after driving a few miles, since things can settle or loosen.
Load balance depends on where you place each item, not just the total weight. Place most of your trailer's weight over the axle and slightly forward, with about 10-15% pressing down on the hitch. Uneven weight can cause trailer sway, unpredictable steering, or poor braking.
For heavy loads, use a weight distribution hitch system. The ProPride 3P® hitch uses Pivot Point Projection™ to create a virtual pivot point near your rear axle, giving you true anti-sway control. Unlike friction hitches, this system keeps your trailer steady around big trucks or in crosswinds.
Check weight ratings and never exceed the trailer’s maximum gross weight or tongue weight. Balance left-to-right by spreading heavy items evenly to prevent side-to-side swaying. Use a bathroom scale for tongue weight or visit a truck stop scale for a complete measurement.
If your trailer feels unsteady, review your load balance and adjust as needed.
Keep your trailer’s suspension and underbody parts in good working order. Problems here can lead to rough rides, tire wear, or breakdowns while traveling.
Visually inspect your leaf springs, axles, and hangers. Look for cracks, bends, or gaps between the spring leaves. Gaps or sagging mean your springs are worn.
Check for missing or damaged U-bolts. These hold the axle to the leaf springs. Loose or rusting U-bolts let the axle shift during travel, which increases sway and affects stability.
Examine axle alignment. Use a tape measure to check the distance from the axle ends to a fixed point on the trailer frame. Differences in measurements signal bent axles or misalignment, which wears tires unevenly.
Check bushings. Worn bushings in the shackles or equalizers cause excess movement and noise in the suspension. Replace bushings that look oval-shaped, cracked, or missing.
Surface rust is common on trailer underbodies, but deep rust or holes weaken crucial components. Look for pitting, flakes, or cracks on axles, frame rails, or bracket attachment points.
Use a flashlight to check hard-to-see spots, especially near spring mounts, axle ends, and welds. If you see rust flakes coming off or holes, act right away—structural damage may need professional repair.
For trailers with advanced sway control systems like the ProPride 3P® Hitch, make sure the one-piece yoke and frame brackets have solid, rust-free mounting points. Clean and repaint any corrosion you find or replace hardware if needed.
Rinse off salt and road grime regularly to keep the underbody clean. This helps you spot early signs of metal fatigue or rust before they become safety issues. Inspect these parts at least yearly to maintain reliable sway control and towing performance.
Lubricate and check fluid levels regularly. Ignoring these can delay your trip with unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs.
Wheel bearings support your trailer’s weight and let the wheels spin smoothly. Without proper grease, heat and friction can cause them to wear out or fail on the road.
Lift each wheel safely with a jack rated for your trailer’s weight. Remove the wheel and dust cap, then check the grease. Clean out old or dirty grease completely. Use a high-quality bearing grease and pack it into each bearing.
Rotate the wheel to work the grease in evenly. Reassemble all parts, but don’t over-tighten the bearings. Check for smooth wheel rotation and no wobbles. Do this before every long trip, especially if your trailer carries heavy loads or you use a high-performance hitch like the ProPride 3P®.
Some trailers have hydraulic systems for brakes or leveling jacks. If yours does, inspect the master cylinder or reservoir. Low or dirty hydraulic fluid causes weak braking or slow jack movement, putting safety at risk.
To check fluid, park your trailer on level ground and secure it. Find the hydraulic reservoir. Remove the cap and make sure nothing falls inside. The fluid should reach the “full” line and look clear, not dark or cloudy.
If needed, add the proper type of hydraulic fluid. Never mix brands or types. Wipe any spills, replace the cap, and test the system. Fix leaks right away to prevent further trouble.
If something goes wrong on the road, you need the right emergency gear ready and in good shape. Your spare tire, tools, and safety equipment keep your trip from being ruined by a breakdown.
Check your spare tire before every trip. Look for cracks, bulges, or worn tread. Replace any spare over 6 years old, even if it appears unused.
Use a tire gauge to check pressure. Air escapes over time, and a flat spare is useless if you blow a tire on the highway. Compare the psi to the number on the tire sidewall. Test your tire inflator at home to make sure it works for your trailer tire.
Make sure the spare fits your trailer and isn’t blocked by cargo or other gear. Keep the mounting points rust-free and lubricated so you don’t struggle to remove it in an emergency.
Bring tools needed for common roadside repairs. At a minimum, keep a lug wrench for your trailer’s wheel bolts, a jack rated for the full weight, and socket extenders if your wheels have deep recesses.
Pack these in an organized container with gloves, a headlamp, and reflective safety triangles or road flares. Include a tire pressure gauge, duct tape, and heavy-duty zip ties. Use this checklist:
|
Item |
Purpose |
|
Lug Wrench / Breaker Bar |
Remove wheel bolts |
|
Hydraulic or Scissor Jack |
Lift trailer safely |
|
Headlamp / Work Light |
Visibility at night |
|
Reflective Triangles / Flares |
Alert oncoming vehicles |
|
Gloves |
Protect hands |
|
Tire Gauge & Inflator |
Ensure correct tire pressure |
|
First Aid Kit |
Treat minor injuries |
If you use a ProPride 3P® hitch, bring the exact tools needed for the frame bracket and hitch bar. This helps you quickly address sway control issues if they arise.
Before you get on the road, take a slow final walk around your trailer. Look for problems like loose doors, unsecured items, or hanging wires. Lock every compartment and disconnect all hookups.
Check this list before leaving:
Inspect the hitch head, hitch box, and all frame brackets for tightness. Your one-piece yoke and control links should have no extra movement. Tighten anything that feels loose.
Check your load. Items inside must be tied down or stowed so nothing shifts during travel. Place heavy objects low and close to the trailer’s center.
Look underneath for leaks, worn wiring, or dragging parts. Each spring bar should be seated and your jacks fully up. Fix any issues with towing stability—like uneven angles or listing—before you leave.
With a premium anti-sway hitch like those from ProPride, you get advanced trailer sway control. These steps help make sure your trip starts safe and smooth.
A safe trailer trip starts with careful maintenance. Inspect brakes, tires, bearings, and electrical systems before every journey.
Check tire pressure and tread depth. Tighten all lug nuts and examine the brakes for wear. Look over the hitch setup, including safety chains and breakaway cables. Test the lights and signals, and verify that all fluids (like brake fluid) are at the right levels.
Inspect the trailer’s lights, wiring, and connections. Test brake function and confirm that the hitch coupler is secure to your tow vehicle. Look for loose or damaged parts, and make sure the load is balanced and well-secured.
Check tires, brakes, wheel bearings, and suspension components. Inspect the hitch system, including the frame bracket, hitch head, hitch box, and spring bars. If you use a ProPride 3P® Hitch, make sure the one-piece yoke and control links are properly adjusted for towing stability.
Grease and inspect wheel bearings at least once every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you hear unusual noise or feel resistance, check the bearings sooner.
Include tire inspection, brake check, light test, hitch and sway control system evaluation, battery status, and safety chains. Verify that the virtual pivot point and adjustable hitch bar on your ProPride hitch work as designed.
Look for visible tire damage, brakes that squeal or don’t engage smoothly, flickering lights, loose wiring, or excess movement at the hitch. If the trailer sways while towing, especially without an anti-sway hitch, fix the issue before traveling.