What maintenance does a motorbike trailer need: what to check before every trip?

Towing your motorcycle with a trailer has many advantages. It helps you avoid adding kilometers to the odometer, reduces wear on long journeys, and gives you the freedom to move around when attending events, routes, or trips outside your region. But for everything to go smoothly, hooking up the trailer and hitting the road isn’t enough. A mechanical failure, even if it seems completely unnoticeable while driving, can end up ruining the entire trip, putting you at risk or even resulting in a fine.

The trailer, like any other vehicle or transport accessory, requires maintenance. And the best time to do it is before something goes wrong. That’s why in this article we explain what you should check before every trip, even short ones, to ensure your equipment is in top condition and your motorcycle arrives safe and sound at its destination.

Tire inspection

The trailer’s tires are one of the most critical and yet most overlooked components. Unlike car or motorcycle tires, they often lack pressure sensors and aren’t regularly checked in the workshop. As a result, they’re frequently taken on the road in suboptimal condition, with incorrect pressure or invisible cracks to the naked eye.

Before every trip, check:

• Maintaining the manufacturer’s recommended pressure is essential for proper tire function. Underinflated tires wear much faster and lead to instability.


• Tread condition. A dry, hardened, or unevenly worn tire can blow out on the road—especially when the trailer is loaded.


• Tire age. Even if they don’t look worn, if they’re over 5 or 6 years old, it’s wise to consider replacing them. Rubber deteriorates over time.

Lighting and electrical connections

A trailer with burnt-out lights or poor connection to the vehicle is a hazard on the road. We’re not exaggerating. If the driver behind you can’t see your indicators or brake lights, they won’t know when you’re stopping or turning. In low visibility, this is especially dangerous.

Before leaving, make sure:

• All trailer lights are working properly. Start your car and check everything: brake lights, indicators, reverse lights (if present), and running lights.


• The connector (7 or 13 pins) is firmly attached, without rust or bent pins. A poor connection can cause intermittent failures that are hard to spot.


• The cables aren’t damaged or dragging on the ground. Over time, wiring can suffer small abrasions if not properly secured.

Brakes (if your trailer has them)

Many motorcycle trailers don’t have inertia brakes, especially lighter models. But if yours does, inspecting it before you travel is essential. Even if rarely used, it’s exposed to weather, dirt, rust, and aging.

Check that:

• The brake system responds smoothly when pushed and doesn’t offer abnormal resistance.


• The shoes or pads (if accessible) aren’t glazed and show no signs of excessive wear.


• There are no strange metallic noises when moving the trailer, nor any play in the axle or drum.

Coupling and hitch: the most critical connection point

The trailer hitch is the only point that connects it to the towing vehicle. It’s literally the link that holds everything together. That’s why its inspection is essential for every trip.

Make sure that:

• The hitch fits perfectly onto the car’s tow ball and locks firmly.


• The locking mechanism is engaged (via pin, lever, or automatic system) and there’s no looseness when moved by hand.


• There are no signs of wear, rust, or loose parts around the coupling.

Motorcycle securing: straps, anchor points, and balance

While not technically part of the trailer, how you secure the motorcycle directly affects the whole setup’s stability. A poorly tied bike can shift, change the weight distribution, or even cause the trailer to tip over on uneven terrain.

Before heading out, check:

• You’re using approved straps, in good condition, with proper hooks.


• The anchor points on the trailer show no cracks, rust, or weakened areas.


• The motorcycle is properly centered, with balanced weight and no excessive tension on the handlebar or suspension.

Structural inspection: what you can’t see also matters

Finally, don’t forget to give the trailer’s general structure a visual check. Rust or small cracks often appear in places that aren’t regularly inspected.

Take a look at:

• Welds, joints, and structural reinforcements.


• The condition of the chassis, especially the underside.


• Fenders, axles, general hardware, and pins.

If you hear a constant squeak or notice unusual vibrations, take time to inspect more thoroughly. It could be something minor—or a warning sign of a bigger issue ahead.

Taking care of a motorcycle trailer isn’t a complicated task, but it does require consistency and attention to detail. Checking tires, lights, or the hitch might feel routine, but it makes all the difference between a smooth journey and an unexpected incident. It’s not about major maintenance, but rather building a simple checklist before each trip to ensure everything runs safely. A well-maintained trailer doesn’t just take you far—it gives you the peace of mind that everything is under control from the very first kilometer.