Annual Trailer Maintenance Checklist for Work and Specialty Trailers

Week 5 · Trailer PM · Safety

Trailers don’t have engines, but they can cause just as much trouble when they’re neglected. We see it all the time in Central Indiana: boat trailers, equipment trailers, and specialty rigs that only get attention when something fails on the road.

A simple annual maintenance checklist can prevent most of the ugly roadside moments — and it doesn’t require dealership trips if you have an on-site provider.

1. Frame, structure, and deck

• Inspect frame rails, crossmembers, and tongue for cracks, rust, and damage.
• Check welds and attachment points.
• Look for soft spots, rot, or loose boards on wood decks.
• Verify ramps and hinge pins move freely and lock correctly.

Structural issues don’t always show up right away — but they get worse with every load. Catching them early is cheaper and safer.

2. Coupler, hitch, and safety chains

• Verify coupler latch operates smoothly and fully engages the ball.
• Inspect safety chains for wear, kinks, or missing hooks.
• Check breakaway cable operation where applicable.
• Confirm correct ball size is being used for the coupler.

A failed latch or chain can turn into a serious incident. These checks take minutes and should be part of every annual service.

3. Brakes and wheel-ends

• Pull hubs where applicable and inspect bearings and races.
• Clean and repack bearings; replace seals as needed.
• Inspect brake shoes/pads, magnets, drums/rotors, and hardware.
• Adjust brakes and verify even braking side-to-side.

Many trailers run for years without anyone looking at the bearings until one fails. Annual service is much cheaper than a roadside bearing or spindle replacement.

4. Tires and suspension

• Check tread depth and look for uneven wear.
• Inspect sidewalls for cracking, cuts, or bulges.
• Verify correct tire pressure based on load rating.
• Inspect springs, hangers, equalizers, and bushings for wear.

If multiple tires are wearing unevenly, there may be a loading, alignment, or suspension issue that needs more attention.

5. Lights, wiring, and reflectors

• Test all marker, brake, turn, and reverse lamps.
• Inspect the wiring harness for rub-through, corrosion, or poor repairs.
• Verify reflectors and conspicuity tape are in place where required.
• Clean ground connections and secure loose wires.

Lighting issues are one of the most common reasons trailers get stopped — and one of the easiest things to fix during an annual.

6. Documentation and inspection records

• Record all findings and repairs on a clear inspection sheet.
• Note any items that will need attention at the next PM.
• Keep records accessible for insurance and regulatory needs.

Whether you’re under FMCSA rules or not, having proof of regular trailer maintenance is valuable when something goes wrong.

Want this checklist in a printable format?

We’ve built a printable annual trailer maintenance checklist and a Google Sheets version you can adapt to your own fleet. It’s the same structure we use when we come on-site to service multiple trailers in one push.