Top 5 Utility and Landscape Trailer Storage Tips
A utility or landscape trailer is as good as it is maintained. The more care and effort you put into storing them, the more functional and robust they will be to use the next season. An ill-kept trailer may invite a host of problems, including risk of wear and tear due to the weather, damage to its suspension system, and drying and cracking of the tires.
It takes time to care for landscape trailers. So, we have prepared a list of five trailer sale Maryland upkeep tips that you can follow to increase the lifespan of your trailers and get maximum usage from them without incurring expensive repair or replacement costs.
Trailer Care Tip #1: Take Care of Your Suspension
Keeping your trailer idle is not ideal, but you cannot help it, especially for landscape trailers in Maryland during winter. Before you decide to store it away for an extended period, it is always better to think about its suspension.
The first thing you need to do is unload your trailer so that you can save it from any undue pressure build-up during the period it sits idle. Next, protect your suspension by jacking up your trailer. You can either use a wood jack stand or a concrete one, it does not matter as long as you are doing it right. If you are not sure how to jack your trailer or have never done it before, then the best thing to do is to follow the manuals and manufacturer guidelines.
Jacking up your trailer will prevent the tires from damaging the running gear and thus will add longevity to your trailer and its suspension.
Trailer Care Tip #2: Store Away The Brake Batteries
Leaving your brake batteries plugged in while the utility and landscape trailers sit unused may corrode them and drain their battery life. If this happens, then you may perhaps be looking at a high replacement cost sooner than planned.
To avoid this, it is best to remove the brake batteries and bring them inside for the period when your trailer sits unused in storage. It is ideal to keep the batteries at room temperature, and you will need to charge them every 2-3 months to keep them functional. Doing so will help maximize the life of the batteries.
Trailer Care Tip #3: Save Your Tires
Tires are the most important component of your trailer and often involve a significant amount of funds if you have to replace them. Thus, it is important to protect your trailer tires when the trailer is not in use.
Extreme weather conditions and temperature are not good for the tires as they can cause cracks and dryness in them. So, we advise trailer owners to remove the tires and store them inside when the trailer sits in storage. If removing them all together seems like a hassle then you can opt to rotate your trailer tires.
When the trailer is in use, the axle bearings rotate and self-lubricate itself. But when it is not in use, it is best to rotate them every 2-3 weeks to keep them in good condition. It is also a good idea to check your spare tires, as they may be prone to air leaks and other water and tear.
Trailer Care Tip #4: Grease Your Trailer Parts
Idle trailers sitting away in storage may get rust and invite other inevitable damages. Greasing the moving parts of your trailer will help avoid these issues. From hitch and axle bearings to hinges and suspension, you should get everything good and greasy.
Grease also helps in reduce friction and allows trailer parts to smoothly slide over each other. This in return, helps prevent any wear and tear. Greasing also helps in protecting the trailer parts from rust and corrosion by creating a preventive seal over them.
For landscape trailers in Gaithersburg area, you should look for water-resistant grease and ensure that it delivers the best results in extreme temperatures.
Trailer Care Tip #5: Protect Your Trailer While it Is Outside
While it is a good idea to store your utility and landscaping trailer indoors for better protection, we understand that not many have access to an indoor storage option and thus they have to park their trailer outside.
Storing it outside makes your trailer prone to harsh weather conditions and temperatures. However, there are still ways in which you can protect it. First, look for a suitable outdoor spot where your trailer will be protected from wild animals and trees. Second, you can use a tarp or any other effective cover to properly cover up your trailer.
This will act as a protective layer and will help save your trailer from dust and corrosion. Third, you can do a timely check on your trailer to make sure that everything is alright when it is being stored away.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Following these utility and landscape trailers storage tips will give keep your trailer healthy and happy for a long time until you are ready to use them again.