Spring Trailer Maintenance Checklist & Replacement Parts Guide
After a long Canadian winter, it’s essential to inspect and service your trailer before the new season begins. Snow, salt, and freezing temperatures can cause significant wear and tear on key components. Whether you’re using a utility trailer, dump trailer, car hauler, or enclosed trailer, regular spring maintenance is key to safety, performance, and trailer longevity.
This guide provides a complete checklist of what to inspect, how to do it, and which trailer parts may need replacement—all of which are available at PJ Trailers Canada.
1. Inspect and Service Trailer Tires
Tires should be the first stop in any spring trailer check-up.
✅ Check for tread depth, sidewall cracking, and signs of dry rot
✅ Adjust air pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI
✅ Don’t forget to inspect the spare tire
🛠️ Available Parts: Trailer tires, galvanized and painted wheels
2. Repack and Inspect Wheel Bearings
Cold weather and moisture can degrade wheel bearing grease and components.
✅ Remove, clean, and repack bearings with high-temperature grease
✅ Inspect for scoring, pitting, or corrosion
✅ Replace grease seals if damaged
🛠️ Available Parts: Bearing kits, dust caps, seals, grease, and bearing protectors
3. Test Trailer Lights and Wiring
Electrical systems are especially vulnerable to moisture and corrosion over winter.
✅ Test tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and running lights
✅ Inspect the wiring harness and ground connections
✅ Replace damaged bulbs, lenses, or connectors
🛠️ Available Parts: LED light kits, wiring harnesses, connectors, reflectors, rubber grommets
4. Inspect Trailer Brakes (Electric or Hydraulic)
Trailer brakes should be tested and inspected before towing.
✅ Examine brake pads, drums, and magnets
✅ Check hydraulic lines for leaks or damage
✅ Test electric brake controller inside the tow vehicle
🛠️ Available Parts: Electric brake assemblies, hydraulic brake kits, brake controllers, wiring
5. Service the Trailer Jack
Freezing temperatures can cause jacks to seize or wear out.
✅ Check operation for smooth lifting and lowering
✅ Lubricate moving parts
✅ Replace if rusted, bent, or damaged
🛠️ Available Parts: A-frame jacks, side-wind jacks, drop-leg jacks, hydraulic trailer jacks
6. Examine Hitch, Coupler & Safety Chains
All towing components must be fully operational for safe hauling.
✅ Ensure the coupler locks securely and shows no signs of rust
✅ Check chains for proper rating and any broken links
✅ Inspect hitch pins and clips
🛠️ Available Parts: Couplers, hitch balls, pins, clips, safety chains, latch kits
7. Inspect Trailer Frame and Deck
Frame and flooring take a lot of abuse during winter driving.
✅ Check for rust, corrosion, or cracked welds
✅ Inspect deck boards for softness or shifting
✅ Tighten bolts and clean out salt and debris
🛠️ Available Products: Deck hardware, trailer paint, anti-rust spray, replacement wood
8. Check Dump Trailer Hydraulics
Dump trailers need special attention to the hydraulic system.
✅ Check hydraulic fluid levels
✅ Inspect cylinders, hoses, and the pump for leaks
✅ Test battery charge and clean terminals
🛠️ Available Parts: Hydraulic pumps, fluid tanks, batteries, remotes, and cylinders
9. Clean and Protect the Trailer
A thorough clean not only looks good—it prevents long-term damage.
✅ Wash off salt and road grime from all surfaces
✅ Wax powder-coated or painted areas to prevent fading
✅ Touch up rust spots with trailer-safe paint
Get Trailer Parts in Canada at PJ Trailers Canada
PJ Trailers Canada offers a complete range of replacement trailer parts and accessories to support your spring maintenance. From tires and bearings to lights and jacks, everything is available online or at six locations across Canada.
Visit parts.pjcanada.com for our whole catalogue of trailer parts!
Start the Season Right
Spring maintenance is one of the most important steps in keeping your trailer safe, reliable, and ready for work or recreation. Use this checklist as a guide and source all your replacement parts from PJ Trailers Canada to ensure quality and performance.
