We all know how important it is to make sure that we keep our car in good condition. Making sure that it is roadworthy helps to keep us and other road users safe and is the reason why it is the law to ensure that you go for an MOT test annually when your car is over three years old. However, when you own a caravan or a trailer of any sort, you also need to give this as much attention and maintenance as you would your car, as this also needs to be safe and legal for use on the road.
It is illegal to use a trailer that is not roadworthy, and you can be stopped by the police and given a hefty fine for it. Making sure that you check your trailer regularly is essential, as this means that you can look for any changes or things that don’t look right. Some things you can repair yourself, and you can get parts online from places like this trailer parts supplier, Auto and Trailer.
Things that you should check when you are inspecting your trailer or caravan include the wheels and tyres – look out for cracks, bulges or holes, as well as any misalignment of the wheels as this could be a serious issue with the axle.
You also should check the connections and make sure that everything is working correctly, as well as the lights and the brakes. Make sure that the coupling head is in a good state of repair too, as you want to ensure that the vehicle and trailer are safely connected.
Highway Code rules that apply when towing
Keeping a trailer roadworthy goes hand in hand with knowing the rules that apply once it is hitched up. When loading a trailer or caravan, spread the weight as evenly as possible and keep the bulk of it centred over the axle. A badly balanced load affects how the whole outfit handles.
Lighting matters too. The law requires sidelights and number plate lights to be lit between sunset and sunrise, so check that the trailer’s lights and number plate lamp work before every journey.
A few other rules catch towing drivers out. A camper being used as accommodation is treated differently under the smoking ban, but once it is moving it is illegal to smoke inside with a passenger under 18. Seatbelts must be worn while travelling. Drink drive limits also differ across the border: 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in England against 50mg in Scotland. Finally, the horn must not be used when stationary on a road unless there is immediate danger.
Checks to make on a second hand trailer
Buying a used trailer can save a good deal of money, but it is only a bargain if it is safe to tow. A few basic checks before you hand over any money will help you avoid unexpected repair bills and a trailer that is not fit for the road.
Start with the floor. Wooden boards should be checked for rot and other damage, while aluminium floors should be inspected for rust. Look underneath as well, because the structure below the floor tells you whether the trailer is sound.
Next, test the wiring. Connect the trailer to a car and confirm that the brake lights and indicators all work as they should. Finally, look closely at the wheels and tyres. The tyres need to be suitable for road use, and damage to a wheel can point to something more serious, such as a bent axle, which makes a trailer dangerous to tow. If you plan to repair a cheaper trailer yourself, these checks still tell you how much work you are taking on.
