Maintenance of Weekend Warrior Travel Trailers and Tow Vehicles

Taking care of weekend warrior travel trailers can be a full-time job. Proper maintenance takes work, time, and money. There are simple ways to maintain trailers, however, and regular check-ups and small maintenance jobs can reduce some of the messier operations and save long-term headaches. When it comes to maintaining tow vehicles, extra wear-and-tear makes maintenance an even more important prospect.

Tires

One of the first things to be concerned with is the tires. Weekend warrior travel trailers need tires to be at best possible operating condition. Tires should not be underinflated or overinflated. Underinflated tires will reduce load-carrying capability of a vehicle and can cause control problems when it comes to driving. Overinflated tires cause premature tire wear and also affects handling.

The Hitch

Hitching up weekend warrior travel trailers requires precision and care. Bolts, nuts, and other fasteners should be checked frequently. The hitch must remain secured to the towing vehicle, of course, and the coupler should be secured to the trailer. Lubrication should be applied regularly as well, ensuring free movement of the coupler to the hitch ball.

Brakes

Brakes are very important, especially when hauling larger weekend warrior travel trailers. Maintaining brakes should be done on a regular basis. Brake function should be tested before each use. They should also be professionally adjusted for proper clearance every three months and linings should be checked for contamination and wear every year. Brake magnets should be checked for wear and draw every six months or so. Brake wiring should also be investigated frequently.

Wiring

Wiring is also vital. Connector prongs and receptacles should be clean and protected from wetness. Light bulb sockets, ground connections, and wire splices should be checked regularly and protected from wear. All electrical connections should be coated with a light waterproof grease to ensure proper operation and safety. Prongs can be cleaned with very fine sandpaper to avoid damaging the contact area. Surface deposits in connector holes can be cleaned as well, but make sure to turn lights off first.

Suspension

Suspension parts should be regularly checked for wear, bending, or loose fasteners. This can be checked every six months or so. It is a good idea to check springs on a regular basis, ensuring that the trailer is properly fixed. Wheel nuts and bolts should be checked before each trip, too.