Regardless of what kind of trailer you will be towing behind your vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is in a roadworthy condition.
While trailers don’t have to undergo the same kind of annual MOT like other vehicles do, they are required to have an annual test if they have an unladen weight of over 1,020kg with powered braking systems.
Similarly, any horsebox with a gross weight of 3,500kg or more will need to be inspected each year.
Even if your trailer doesn’t require an official annual test, it is still best practice to ensure it is roadworthy and to regularly carry out checks on its condition. This is both for your safety and that of other road users.
In addition, if you are pulled over because your trailer is not in a roadworthy condition, you could receive a substantial fine and even points on your driving licence.
This is why it’s advisable to pay for trailer servicing at regular intervals, as this can help you keep on top of your trailer maintenance, catch potential issues early and ensure you do not fall foul of the law.
With that in mind, what should you be looking out for when you assess the condition of your trailer?
What to look for when checking your trailer’s condition
There are several key elements to look at when inspecting your trailer to ensure it is roadworthy and safe to use.
Trailer connection
First and foremost, you should look at the connection between the trailer and the vehicle to ensure there are no signs of damage and that the trailer can be hitched according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Breakaway cable
The breakaway cable also needs to be checked to ensure it is in good working order, as this is what will apply the brakes on your trailer should it become disconnected from your vehicle while you are on the road.
It is also essential that this cable has the correct amount of slack, so that it can’t accidentally apply the brakes while you’re towing the trailer.
Tyres and wheels
As with any vehicle, you need to ensure that your tyres have the correct tread depth and that there are no signs of damage to the walls of the tyre or any indications of a puncture.
Also make sure that the tyres are inflated to meet the specification based on the load you’ll be carrying in your trailer. Before you carry out any journey, it’s important to ensure your tyre pressure is correct for both safety reasons and to keep your trailer and tyres in peak condition.
This is also when you should check that the wheel nuts are tightened to the correct level of torque.
Indicators and lights
Finally, make sure your lights and indicators are working as they should. This is crucial because other road users will be unable to see the lights on your vehicle clearly when you are towing a trailer.
This means turning or overtaking could be dangerous if your signals aren’t clear to others. Checking these before you set off is essential, because you have no way of noticing if one of your indicators isn’t working while you’re on the road – unless another driver tells you.
What you need to know about brake testing for trailers
When you take your trailer or horsebox for its annual test, it’s essential that it is laden to an appropriate level.
This has been a requirement of the DVLA since 2023, because it is difficult for inspectors to check that a trailer’s brakes are working as intended when they are not carrying enough weight.
You don’t have to bring your trailer laden with what you usually carry. Instead it needs to be ballast that hits the right weight for your trailer to be loaded to 65 per cent of its capacity.
Since a focus on brake testing for both trailers and heavy goods vehicles was introduced in 2014, the DVLA noted that the number of vehicles failing their annual test due to brake issues has fallen to less than two per cent.
How to prepare for an annual test
The best way to prepare for an annual test for your trailer is to take it to a dedicated service technician for Iford Williams trailers. These experienced mechanics know exactly what to look for to ensure the safety of any trailer they service.
They can highlight potential issues ahead of your test and ensure that these are rectified before you spend the money and take the time to go for the annual test.
By planning ahead, you give yourself peace of mind that your trailer is in a safe, roadworthy condition and you save yourself the unnecessary expenses associated with a failed annual road safety test.