Trailer maintenance questions

What do you need to do to your trailer to keep it in good shape. I've got a tandem extreme trailer towing my 05 BU 23 LSV. Replaced one wheel that got dented on a narrow ramp, filled the brake reservoir when it was low. Checked the fluid level in the wheel bearings with a flashlight last week. Anything else I should do? We usually take a few long trips a year and lots of hour trips to local lake, probably 2500 miles a year.

Maybe this just happened to me, but when I checked my trailer last year, the bolts that attach the bunks to the trailer were almost all loose and some were missing. Something to check at least.

Les, I would check you brake pads and make sure they are in good condition. I had my Powell trip start off sour due to a pad that broke in two inside the drum. Funny thing is it was a new trailer. Bearings as well, I'd check them.

Check your tires and tire stems for dry rot.

check the lug nuts

I had to replace the skids on my Extreme trailer last year along with the alignment poles- all rotted out. Not a hard DIY job though... Took me a day to make the skids and then about an hour to mount the following day.

Make sure you have a plan for changing a flat tire while on the road. Many people expect that their tow vehicle's jack will work. With a tandem axle you could probably get by with a simple 6x6 ramp. Also, make sure you have a tire iron to fit the trailer's lug nuts.

check all the lights /replace as needed. Especially your running, brake and turn lights. A tail light out can get you pulled over by the popo.

Bleed the brakes.

A low brake reservoir may be indications of a leak in the system. You may want to investigate and monitor the situation going forward.