Any piece of equipment that is used as often as an industrial or agricultural trailer needs to be able to last for a long time in heavy-duty conditions. No business has the time to waste on a tool that is not hard-wearing enough for their needs.
This is the reason why we offer Ifor Williams trailers and have a comprehensive trailer servicing process to ensure that your trailer is ideally suited for your needs, safe to use on the road and ready for your next job.
It is vital that you keep your trailer well-maintained in part because it is legally required, but also because a trailer kept in a dangerous condition is increasing the risk of a sudden, dangerous situation that could take control of a vehicle away from you.
Proactivity is always better than reactivity and will save you money in the long run.
With that in mind, here are some of the most common signs of a serious issue, what it tends to mean, and what you can do about it whilst waiting for your service.
Warning Lights Or Malfunctions
Trailers and caravans need to have a complete set of lights, brakes and turn signals that are connected to your towing vehicle, but if there is an issue with the connection between the car and the trailer, it can cause these lights to not work properly.
Make sure to test your lights and indicators before you start travelling, as it is one of the expected safety checks and could constitute using a vehicle in a dangerous condition in some situations, particularly when driving at night with lights that are not working.
Beyond this, if the lights are not working, it could be a sign that the electrical systems on your trailer are also not functioning, which could affect other electrical systems, such as brakes.
Strange Noises
Whilst heavy-duty trailers are not always going to be quiet on bumpy roads, there is a clear difference between noises that demonstrate that the trailer’s suspension, bearings and brakes are working fine, and noises that clearly indicate a problem.
If your brakes squeak or grind when you apply them, that is typically a sign that there is an issue with the system or the pads that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Similarly, scraping, clunking, and banging can also be signs that there are unaddressed issues that should be looked into by a professional.
Braking Problems
Braking should be as controlled, even and quick in response as they are with your towing vehicle, and if there are any issues with how the trailer reacts under braking, it could be a sign of a potentially serious issue with your braking system.
This could be caused by brake pads that are worn, warped or not functioning correctly, it could be caused by leaks in your brake fluid, or it could be the result of electrical issues if your trailer has electrically assisted braking systems.
Braking is even more important with a trailer than it is already when driving a vehicle without one, as problems with your braking system can potentially lead to a loss of control or a road traffic accident.
A trailer should not feel difficult to stop, and if it does, or if it feels significantly different, it may be time for a service.
Steering Issues
Similarly, trailers should not be that much more difficult to control than your towing vehicle, and a trailer certainly should not cause unexpected or unwanted steering responses.
If the trailer feels somewhat unpredictable when driving, if it favours or actively tries to steer in one direction, if it has a tendency to snake or is otherwise difficult to maintain control of, it is typically indicative of a serious and potentially dangerous issue with your trailer.
It is most commonly an issue with either wheel alignment, the suspension system or the axle, but it can be an issue with uneven tyre pressure or warped brakes, depending on the particular loss of control.
In any case, if you do not feel comfortable controlling the trailer, you should contact an expert as soon as possible to diagnose and solve any problems.
Uneven Tyre Wear
Tyres are often an underestimated part of your trailer, and they can both contribute to and be an early symptom of a problem with it.
If the tyres of your trailer wear at different rates, if there are flat spots on them, a sudden loss of pressure or noticeable damage to the tread, get them checked to avoid a potentially dangerous blowout.