How to Troubleshoot Common Trailer Issues
Something feels off with your trailer, but you’re not sure what. Maybe the lights are flickering, the brakes feel weak or the ride has gotten rougher than usual. Before you haul anything else, it’s worth taking a few minutes to figure out what’s going on. Troubleshooting and fixing equipment trailer issues early can save you from a breakdown later.
Fortunately, you can fix a trailer fast by following the simple steps below.
Flickering Trailer Lights
Flickering lights, whether your running lights, turn signals or brake lights, are among the most common trailer problems. The first thing you want to do is examine the connection point between your tow vehicle and your trailer.
Look at the plug and socket for signs of corrosion or dirt buildup. If they appear dirty or corroded, clean them with a wire brush or contact cleaner.
If neither appears dirty or corroded, take a closer look at the wiring along the trailer frame, searching for broken insulation or loose wires. Sometimes, a weak ground connection — the area where the ground wire connects to the trailer frame — is to blame if your lights are flickering or functioning intermittently.
Soft Brake or Inactive Braking
A malfunctioning braking system is always a serious concern, particularly when carrying large loads. If you have an electric braking system, check that the brake controller is sending a signal and that all connections to each brake assembly are intact. A number of things could be causing your braking system to stop working, including a blown fuse or a corroded connector.
Inspect the brake pads and brake drums to determine if the problem lies there. Worn brake pads or brake drum buildup could be reducing your stopping power. If you have a hydraulic braking system, look for any signs of brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder or brake lines.
Rough Ride or Trailer Swaying
A trailer that’s bouncing excessively or is unstable could be due to several factors. For FlatTrak trailers, which eliminate traditional leaf spring suspension, the torsion bar suspension is a key area to inspect. While inspecting your FlatTrak trailer, check to see if the torsion bar suspension has any damaged parts. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, the suspension or the alignment of your trailer could be why.
In addition to checking the suspension, ensure your load is well-balanced and evenly distributed. If too much weight is concentrated at the back of the trailer, you’ll likely experience swaying, and if your load is unbalanced, you’ll put uneven stress on your trailer’s axles.
Know When It’s Time to Seek Professional Assistance
While you can probably perform some basic trailer repairs by yourself, such as lubricating the hitch ball or replacing light bulbs, you should seek assistance from a professional if you notice problems with your trailer’s brakes, structural damage or intermittent electrical failures.
Whether you need help determining when a particular problem is beyond a simple fix, or guidance in finding the right equipment trailer for your operation, get in touch — we’re happy to help.