How to maintain the axles on your trailer

When maintaining a trailer, one element that is often forgotten is the axle. This is a serious mistake because the function of this part is to bear the entire weight of the load. Additionally, it is responsible for transmitting the rotational function, which is crucial for the handling and steering of a trailer or vehicle.

As you can see, axles are an essential element for driving comfortably and safely. Therefore, the axles of trailers should be periodically inspected to detect any potential issues in advance.

What types of trailer axles exist?

There are two important types of axles for trailers to know about in case you need to replace one of its parts or the entire structure. The main types of trailer axles are:

Non-braked trailer axles

These are used in trailers designed to carry lighter loads such as motorcycles or quads, and they can be easily towed by cars or camping caravans. They are the most common, especially for the average private user.

Braked trailer axles

The main characteristic of these trailers is that they do not exert as much pressure on the car when braking, which is why they are used for both light and heavier loads. They can also be installed on vehicles weighing less than 750 kg.

The axle change between one model and another should always be performed by a professional, as it is necessary to make some preliminary adjustments to the trailers.

How to know the condition of the trailer axle

Checking the condition of the trailer axle should be one of your priorities whenever you perform maintenance on your trailer. The main aspects you should pay attention to when checking the condition of the axle are:

Wheels

The wheels of the axles are one of the most indicative elements to identify any problems. To check their condition, lift each axle with a jack and spin the wheels; if they move quietly or do not shift along the axle, there will be no problem. Conversely, if you see any defects, we recommend visiting a professional to prevent the problem from worsening.

In addition to the above, also check that the tire pressure is correct and that the bolts are properly tightened.

Support

After prolonged use, the supports of the trailer axle may lose strength and loosen. Check that the welding is in perfect condition to avoid potential breakage.

Suspension

Problems in the suspension tend to arise over time. The aspect to pay attention to is the elongation of the holes. If this has increased, the trailer's suspension will be affected, and therefore, your driving as well.

Inertia brake

Brakes tend to wear out after continuous use, so you should always ensure that the condition of the brake shoes and the brake cable is properly tensioned.

In addition to the above, if you detect breakage, rust, or significant deterioration, we recommend replacing the axle with a new one to avoid more severe problems in the future.

We hope these tips have been useful in helping you detect potential problems with your trailer's axle more easily, and remember that in case of doubt, you should always consult a professional.