Author: Laura Poore
As the air cools, leaves begin to turn, and harvest season winds down, now’s the perfect time to give your trailer a little TLC before winter sets in. Whether you haul livestock, pumpkins, equipment, or weekend toys, your trailer’s been working hard all year — and a fall maintenance check can make the difference between smooth hauling and being stranded on the side of the road.
At I-80 Trailers, we want to help you haul with confidence. Here’s a Fall Trailer Maintenance Checklist that will keep you safe, extend your trailer’s lifespan, and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
✅ Your Fall Trailer Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect the Tires
Check for uneven wear, low tread, and proper air pressure. Cold weather can cause tires to lose pressure, which can lead to blowouts and poor handling. Don’t forget the spare! - Check Lights and Wiring
Make sure brake lights, turn signals, and running lights are all working. Frayed wires, loose connections, or corroded plugs are common after months of road dust and rain. - Test the Brakes
If your trailer has electric brakes, test them for smooth, even response. Listen for grinding noises or jerking. If braking feels uneven, it’s time for an adjustment or replacement. - Grease Bearings and Moving Parts
Greasing your wheel bearings and hinges prevents moisture buildup that causes rust and friction damage. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep your trailer rolling smoothly. - Inspect the Hitch and Coupler
Look for cracks, rust, or worn components. A loose hitch pin or rusty coupler latch could spell disaster when towing. - Check the Frame and Suspension
Rust, cracks, or bent areas in the frame or leaf springs can go unnoticed until they cause a major issue. Give the underside a good look before the snow flies. - Clean and Protect
Give your trailer a thorough wash — including the undercarriage — and consider applying a rust inhibitor or protective wax. Clean trailers not only look great but last longer.
Download the Fall Trailer Maintenance Checklist (PDF).
A Story Worth Learning From
A customer once came in after their axle seized halfway through a haul. It had been a couple of years since they had their trailer professionally inspected and maintenance, assuming everything was fine because the trailer “looked good.” Unfortunately, the bearings had dried out, causing friction, heat buildup, and eventually a locked-up wheel. It ended with a roadside tow, damaged hub, and several hundred dollars in repairs — all of which could’ve been prevented with a quick 15-minute inspection.
It’s a reminder that even small oversights can lead to big headaches — especially when hauling heavy loads or expensive equipment.
Let Us Help You Stay Road-Ready
If you purchased your trailer from I-80 Trailers, don’t forget — we offer a FREE annual inspection as our way of saying thank you for trusting us with your trailer needs. Our service team will walk through this checklist (and more) to make sure everything is road-ready before winter storage or continued fall hauling.
Not sure where to start?
Give us a call at (515) 834-2040, or stop by the dealership — we’ll help you schedule your free inspection or set up a full fall maintenance service.
Wrap-Up
Your trailer works hard for you — make sure it gets the attention it deserves before cold weather sets in. Following this checklist now can prevent costly surprises later and keep you hauling confidently all season long.
Schedule your free inspection or maintenance service today at I-80 Trailers in De Soto, Iowa.