Pitch Engine
The Times Real Estate

.

Essential Car Trailer Safety Checks Before Every Trip


Whether you're heading to a race meet, moving a project car, or transporting vehicles for work, your trailer plays a critical role in getting your cargo from A to B safely. But just like your vehicle, your trailer needs regular checks to ensure it's roadworthy and ready for the journey ahead. Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to run through these essential car trailer safety checks. They could save you from costly repairs, dangerous situations—or worse. 

Inspect Tyres and Tyre Pressure 

One of the most common causes of trailer accidents is tyre failure. Check all tyres for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or worn tread. Don’t forget to check the spare as well. Use a pressure gauge to ensure the tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Under- or over-inflated tyres can affect handling and increase the risk of blowouts. 

Check the Wheel Bearings 

Wheel bearings allow the wheels to spin freely and are essential for safe towing. Listen for unusual noises when you spin each wheel, and check for any signs of excess play or resistance. If your trailer hasn’t been used in a while, it’s a good idea to repack the bearings with grease or replace them if necessary. 

Test the Brakes and Brake Controller 

If your trailer is fitted with electric brakes, ensure the brake controller in your vehicle is properly connected and functioning. Test the trailer brakes before setting off to confirm they respond when the controller is activated. If your trailer uses mechanical override brakes, inspect the coupling and cables for wear or damage. 

Examine Lights and Wiring 

All indicators, brake lights, tail lights, and reflectors must be clean, visible, and in working order. Plug the trailer into your tow vehicle and check each light function—left and right indicators, brake lights, and running lights. Inspect the wiring harness and connections for corrosion or fraying, as faulty wiring is a common cause of lighting failures. 

Secure the Load Properly 

A well-secured vehicle or cargo is critical for safe transport. Double-check that your car is correctly positioned and tied down with rated straps or chains. Ensure there’s no risk of movement while driving, and that ramps, winches, or other accessories are properly stowed. 

Inspect the Coupling and Safety Chains 

The trailer coupling must be correctly hitched to your tow vehicle and locked in place. Safety chains should be crossed under the coupling and securely fastened. These chains act as a backup if the coupling fails and help maintain control in an emergency. 

Review Registration and Load Limits 

Before every trip, confirm that your trailer’s registration is up to date and visible. Also, know your trailer’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) and make sure you’re not exceeding it. Overloading a trailer compromises braking performance, handling, and tyre integrity. 

Regular safety checks aren't just a legal requirement—they’re a smart way to protect your investment and everyone on the road. If you’re looking for a new or upgraded trailer, check out Ramco Trailers’ selection of car trailer options built for durability and peace of mind. Make safety a habit, not an afterthought—your next trip depends on it.

More Articles ...

  1. Lesson Learned: 7 Tax Traps That Catch New Freelancers
  2. Best 9 Content Writing and Guest Post Services in Pennsylvania for Digital Growth
  3. How AI is Redefining SEO Practices in 2025
  4. Financial Clarity: 5 Techniques to Streamline Your Tax Preparation
  5. A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding TPD Claims (Claim for Mental Illness)
  6. Understanding Common Law Claims and Catastrophic Injury Claims
  7. Virtual Financial Tools for Your Business Growth
  8. The Postmortem: 7 Steps to Analysing a Failed Business Venture
  9. A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business in Australia
  10. PTOUNX Exchange: Scaling New Heights in Global Cryptocurrency Trading
  11. How to Safely Load and Distribute Weight in a Trailer
  12. Backloading Removals: Interstate and Long Distance Moves
  13. Operational Overhaul: 6 Tips for Streamlining Your Business Operations
  14. Shareholder Strategies: 5 Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Shareholders
  15. Performance Perspectives: 5 Tips for Tracking Employee Performance Without Micromanaging
  16. Why Should You Consider Mini Skip Hire in Melbourne
  17. How to Safely Transport Fragile Items with Removalists
  18. Keto on a Budget: How to Follow a Low-Carb Diet Without Breaking the Bank
  19. The Role of Solar Street Lights in Transforming Australian Cities
  20. The Types and Choices of Office Storage for Your Office Space
  21. Achieve IT Performance Excellence: Cisco 500-420 Certification Exam Explained
  22. Ride-On Sweeper Safety Training: Ensuring Operator Competence
  23. Bridging the Gap: Comparison Between Dentures and Dental Implants
  24. Breaking Advances in Cancer Treatments: A Hopeful Outlook
  25. Supportive Care in Cancer Treatment: Enhancing Quality of Life
  26. From Lab to Clinic: The Journey of Cell Therapy in Cancer Treatment
  27. Revitalizing Lives: Exploring the Benefits of Oxygen Therapy
  28. Defiway’s platforms on the financial landscape
  29. Delivering on Customer Expectations: How to Exceed Their Needs
  30. Do You Need Cool Room Refrigeration For Your Business?
  31. What are the Basics of Carpet Commercial Cleaning
  32. How to get a great HR Internship
  33. How to know if the world of SEO is really worth exploring when starting out with a blog
  34. How much does a locksmith cost in Brisbane?
  35. Creating a unique tagline for your business
  36. How Businesses Can Avoid Unwanted Rodent Problems
  37. How to become an intermediate trader?
  38. The Importance of Website Branding in 2018
  39. The Business of the App: Is It Time to Develop Your Own Mobile App?
  40. Biggest eCommerce Websites in Australia
  41. Why traffic increase measurement is now more useful than keyword ranking measurement
  42. Tiger Beer Unites Innovator And Artists To Beautify City Streets With Ink Made From Air Pollution
  43. 5 best real money Apps
  44. 10 Rules for Great Ecommerce Content Marketing
  45. Australia is one of the largest gaming markets
  46. RV Holidays - Australia’s Growing Tourism Sector
  47. The Growth of the Australian Mobile Gaming Market
  48. How To Save Money When Renting A Campervan
  49. What businesses are making money online
  50. Tips for Buying Shoes Online
  51. How To Buy HP Ink Cartridges In Australia
  52. JONAS BÄCKSTRÖM APPOINTED MD OF HASAN & PARTNERS STOCKHOLM
  53. How Safe Is Your Workplace?
  54. Greatest Option of investing In Bangalore
  55. Chen Man Is Hublot’s New Brand Ambassador
  56. How to finance the purchase of a motor cycle in Australia
  57. Telecommunications Giant Oi Signs on with WSL
  58. Jeep Brand and World Surf League (WSL) Make Big Splash with Global Partnership
  59. Puma Energy expands NSW fuel network with new travel centre
  60. Tag Heuer Joins World Surf League
  61. April 30 is International Jazz Day
  62. New approach to vaccine development is 97 per cent efficacious and could eliminate shingles
  63. New sponsor revealed for James Moffat in Perth
  64. Joel Parkinson and Laura Enever to Mentor Australia's Top Junior Surfers at Subway® Surf Camps
  65. Boutique agency's clever April Fool's Day campaign Selfie Shoes
  66. The AI Technology Behind Our Favorite Games
  67. Harvey Stockbridge new Managing Director of Hannover Fairs Australia
  68. MakerBot Partners with Alloys in Australia to Expand Distribution of MakerBot 3D Printers and Scanners
  69. Workplaces lag behind employee expectations on diversity
  70. Why Australian Businesses are mad about design
  71. ABC ANNOUNCES NEW LOOK KIDS BRAND
  72. New research reveals the best takeaway food in each state
  73. Meat Free Week Returns as Australians Embrace a More Flexible Diet
  74. Australian Residential Market February 2015
  75. Milwaukee Tools and Surfing Australia Extend Partnership
  76. Surfing Stars of the Future Set to Line-up in South Australian Leg of Wahu Surfer Groms Comps
  77. Don Ed Hardy at The Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo
  78. Shopkins Small Mart Wins 2015 Girl Toy of the Year Award