Keeping your trailer in good nick is a big deal, especially with the roads around Hamilton — where you’ve got a mix of potholes in places like Nawton, stop-start school runs in Rototuna, and all those long trips east to Morrinsville or out towards Cambridge. It doesn’t matter if you’re hauling a couple of kayaks in a Toyota Hilux or moving the family’s gear in a Skoda Octavia wagon — trailers cop a lot of abuse. Here are some tried-and-true trailer maintenance tips that we’ve seen really pay off in the Grimmer Motors workshop.
1. Check Your Trailer Tyres Regularly
Always a biggie. One of our techs just sorted a customer’s Nissan Serena with a deeply cracked tyre — she’d nearly lost it down Te Rapa Straight. Grab a pressure gauge and check both the pressure and tread. Look out for any cracks or weird bulges. If you’re driving between Frankton and Pukete daily, those bumps can really wear down tyres quicker than you’d think.
2. Take a Good Look at the Brakes
Trailer brakes can be a lifesaver on those tight roundabouts in Chartwell. Check your brake pads for wear and top up brake fluid if it’s looking a bit low. If you’re not sure, we can take a look for you and explain common brake problems we see all the time, especially on hybrids like the Honda Shuttle.
3. Make Sure All the Lights Work
You don’t want dodgy trailer lights — especially with fog settling in Hillcrest on a winter morning. Test your brake, indicator and number plate lights. Wiggle the plugs, and check for any corroded pins. If you’re struggling, this trailer lighting guide can help too.
4. Lube Up All the Moving Bits
A bit of grease goes a long way, especially for stuff like hinges, couplers and moving suspension parts. Otherwise they’ll seize up, start squeaking, and can even rust out with the winter damp. High-quality lube once or twice a year is easy as.
5. Look Over Your Suspension and Axles
Seen plenty of overloaded Ford Transits come in with bent axles after a rough stint on the back roads to Tamahere. Check for leaks, dodgy bushings or cracked welds. If your trailer starts sagging or pulling funny under load, chances are something’s up. More on that here.
6. Clean and Seal the Trailer’s Exterior
A bloke from Melville brought in a rusty trailer — only a couple of years old! Road grime and salt from the odd trip to Raglan beach eat away at paint. Best to give it a wash and throw on a sealant now and again. Less rust, better resale. For sealing tips, check this sealing guide.
7. Inspect the Hitch and Coupler
Seen a few old Mazda Demio owners lose their trailer on SH3 after the hitch snapped — not ideal! Make sure there’s no cracks, and everything locks in tight. If your hitch feels loose or rattly, get it checked. Here’s a handy coupler guide.
8. Get Weight Distribution Right
It’s easy to overload the back or have all the weight on one side — especially when packing up after a Sunday market at Claudelands. Make sure your load’s balanced and not over the limit. If you’re unsure, there’s good info here.
9. Safety Chains and Hooks
Quick one — but easily missed. Chains and hooks save you if the hitch fails. Look for rust, stretched links or worn hooks. They should be crossed under the tongue and properly clipped in every time.
10. Wheel Bearings — Don’t Forget These
If you’re doing regular runs from Dinsdale to Raglan, wheel bearings can really take a beating. Dry bearings overheat and seize — leaving you stuck on the side of the road. We see it all the time. Grease them yearly, or pop in and we can show you what to look for.
Why Trust Grimmer Motors?
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Heaps of local trailer experience: We know Hamilton roads and all the weird trailer problems that pop up around here.
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All the little checks: We don’t just kick the tyres — we check every bit so you don’t get caught out.
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Easy spot in Hamilton: Swing by when you’re running errands or need a quick car service Hamilton-wide.
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Reliable crew: Good track record — lots of happy customers. No drama, just honest work.
Look after your trailer and it’ll look after you — whether you’re towing across the Waikato or just doing the school run. Got questions or need a hand? Book in and let us give your trailer a proper once-over.