Get Ready for Spring: How to Prepare Your Trailer for the Season

As with most things in life, safety is the top priority here too. Regularly check all key functions of your trailer, especially when bringing it back into service after winter. This helps you avoid unwanted incidents or nasty surprises, such as faulty lights, tyres and more. With the following tips, nothing will stand in the way of officially starting your spring season.

Start by checking the condition of the tyres on both your towing vehicle and your trailer. Is the tyre pressure correct and is the tread depth within the legal limit? Are there any cracks or other signs of wear? If so, this clearly means it’s time for new tyres!

Also test the lights on your trailer before setting off. Light testing can be quite time-consuming without help, but there are now several testing devices available that allow you to check the trailer’s lighting system on your own and without the towing vehicle. Essential electrical systems include tail and brake lights, indicators, number plate light, rear fog light and, if applicable, reversing lights.

For those who want an alternative to manual adjustment, AL-KO VT offers automatic readjustment. With its patented solution, the AAA (AL-KO Automatic Adjustment) Premium Brake, braking technology has been significantly improved. Whenever there is too much play in the brake shoes, the brake automatically carries out the necessary correction. This protects the brake linings, guarantees optimum braking performance throughout the entire service life of the wheel brake, and reduces stopping distance by up to five metres at a speed of 80 km/h. Thanks to this innovative technology, your brakes are always optimally adjusted, keeping you safe on the road.

Please note: Although the system automatically sets the optimum running clearance, the regular mandatory service and maintenance should still be carried out as prescribed.

Caring for the towbar is quick and easy. First, use a cloth to clean any dirt and grime off the towball. The same applies to the coupling head on the overrun device. If the coupling head is rusty, carefully clean it with fine sandpaper.

Important: If the towbar is damaged or badly rusted, it is likely to be unfit for road use.

Next, check the jockey wheel and support legs for correct function and stability. Jockey wheels are strong and reliable manoeuvring aids. To keep them that way, they should be regularly checked and all moving parts lubricated. When choosing jockey wheels, rely on the quality and safety of AL-KO VT. They are available in a range of variants and, depending on the model, offer load capacities from 150 kg up to 1,500 kg. Whether fully or semi-automatic – the extensive AL-KO VT product portfolio has the right jockey wheel for every need.

Even if your trailer looks fine from the outside, a look at the underside can tell a different story. Pay special attention to the corners – check for moisture and repair any damage immediately. If necessary, you can impregnate the underside with a suitable protective coating.

If rust has already developed, simply treating the area is no longer enough. Because of the increased safety risk, you should visit a specialist workshop and seek professional advice without delay.

Just like your car, your trailer must be inspected for its MOT every two years. Don’t forget to bring your vehicle documents along for the inspection, and make sure the trailer’s nameplate is clean and legible.

Punctuality pays, quite literally in this case: if the deadline for the main inspection is missed by more than eight months, you face a fine of 60 euros as well as one point on your licence.

With these tips, your trailer will be ready to use again in no time. AL-KO VT wishes you a safe and enjoyable journey!