We answer the question straight: prepare your trailer now with a clear safety checklist so you tow safer and avoid breakdowns. Follow our simple steps and you’ll reduce delays on the road and get better life from your gear.
We are Smooth Moves Trailers in Adelaide. We build custom trailers, do metal fabrication, servicing and repairs, and we keep things plain and practical.
Why it matters: regular checks mean fewer roadside fixes, steadier handling and longer service life. We inspect tyres for wear and correct PSI, test lights and plugs, check couplings and brakes, and service bearings and suspension.
What you get from us: solid materials, correct procedures and straightforward pricing. We work for tradies, small business owners and 4WD towing customers, so we set up your trailer for a confident journey.
Book a service or request a quote — call 0447 100 145 and give us time to prepare your gear before you leave.
Key Takeaways
- Regular pre-departure checks reduce breakdowns and extend life.
- We check tyres, lights, coupling, brakes, bearings and chassis.
- Our Adelaide service suits tradies, businesses and 4WD users.
- Quality parts and proper tools mean steadier handling on the road.
- Carry a spare tyre and basic tools; book ahead in peak season.
- Call 0447 100 145 to book a pre-journey inspection or request a quote.
Why a thorough check matters before a long road trip from Adelaide
A proper pre-departure inspection stops small faults becoming big problems on the road.
Adelaide runs are often hot and remote, and heat plus load makes minor faults worse. We explain the practical benefits of a full inspection so you save time and money and stay legal.
Tyres can harden and show sidewall cracks or flat spots after sitting. Bearings that rumble when spun need replacement before they seize and damage an axle.
Braking systems vary. We adjust electric, hydraulic and mechanical brakes, top hydraulic fluid, and check pads or shoes. Worn or misadjusted brakes reduce control and increase wear on the vehicle.
Wiring and plugs corrode, so lights become unreliable. We test all lamps, tidy connections and secure the hitch and safety chains so nothing lets go on the highway.
We document findings and advise what to fix now and what can wait. Book ahead — parts and labour take time before peak periods. Call 0447 100 145 to book an inspection before your next trip, whether ’re heading north for work or towing a camper west.
Trailer safety checklist long trip
Before you set off, a quick walkround and basic tests stop most faults from growing into a problem.
Tyres and wheels: We inspect for cracks, bulges and uneven wear, then set tyre pressure to the manufacturer PSI with a calibrated gauge. Light‑truck tyres for a 2.0 t box often sit in the mid‑50s psi. We check the spare and confirm valve caps and wheel nuts are torqued.
Wheel hubs and bearings
We jack each wheel, feel for play and spin to listen for rumble. Noisy bearings get new seals, fresh grease and correct preload. For plant trailers we also verify the axle is straight and centred on the spring.
Suspension, chassis and load balance
We look for broken leaves, perished bushes and loose U‑bolts. Rust or cracked welds are repaired and components tightened to spec. Load is set forward of the axle to target 10–15% tongue weight and straps are tightened to stop shifting.
Brakes, controller, lights and hitch
We test controller output, top hydraulic reservoirs and check pads for wear. We clean lenses, test brake lights and indicators, and fix corroded connections. Couplings are greased, latches checked on the tow ball and safety chains crossed and rated.
- We record measurements and fit quality parts where needed.
- Example: a plant trailer with wheel play needed bearings, brake adjust and a load reset — it tracked true after our work.
| Item | What we test | Typical action |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres & wheels | Pressure, wear, spare condition | Inflate, replace or rotate; torque nuts |
| Bearings & hubs | Play, noise, seals | Grease, set preload or replace bearings |
| Brakes & controller | Pad wear, fluid, controller output | Adjust, top fluid, repair controller |
| Lights & wiring | Brake lights, indicators, plugs | Clean lenses, repair earths, replace corroded plugs |
Book a pre‑journey service in Adelaide: call 0447 100 145 and we’ll prepare your gear with the right parts and lubricants.
Tools, spares and safety gear to carry on the journey
A tidy kit of reliable tools and a few critical spares will save hours if things go wrong. We guide tradies and touring crews on what to carry and why, and we stock and fit quality parts to suit your load and route.
Essential toolkit and spare parts
Pack tools you can trust: a rated jack, solid wheel wrench and torque wrench. Add gloves and chocks to make a tyre change safe and quick.
Carry electrical items such as spare fuses and bulbs for lights and indicators. A small test light or multimeter helps diagnose a dead circuit fast.
Take drive‑critical spares: a spare hub or a full bearing kit, seals, split pins and grease. These parts can prevent a tow call when you’re far from town.
On-road items and paperwork
Keep a ready spare tyre matched to your wheels. Check its age and pressure before you leave. Store it accessibly so you save time during a change.
Safety items: a first aid kit, rated fire extinguisher and reflective triangles protect you and your crew when you stop on the shoulder.
Also pack tie‑downs, rated shackles and inspect chains and straps for wear. Keep current rego and insurance documents in the vehicle for quick access.
- We can supply a tailored spares kit for your car and trailer setup.
- Need a pre‑trip spares kit? Call 0447 100 145 and we’ll sort tools and parts that fit your vehicle and route.
| Item | Why carry it | Quick action |
|---|---|---|
| Spare tyre | Makes roadside changes possible | Check pressure & age before departure |
| Bearing kit | Fixes hub failures on remote runs | Replace seals, grease and set preload |
| Fuses & bulbs | Restore lights and indicators fast | Swap and test with a small lamp |
Final checks before hitting the road and when to book servicing
A short drive around the block will reveal handling issues that a static inspection can miss. We ask you to load the vehicle as you plan to tow and perform a simple on-road routine. This shows sway, brake balance and light operation under real load.
Test drive and stability
Do a brief run at moderate speed and practice turns and braking. Feel for sway, vibration or a pull when you slow.
Confirm controller output is smooth and that brake lights and indicators work while the load is attached.
Alignment and inspection
After 10–15 minutes stop safely and feel each hub. Excess heat can mean tight bearings or dragging brakes.
Look along the wheels to check they track true. If tyres scrub or the unit pulls, book an axle and alignment inspection.
Servicing and repairs in Adelaide
If you detect wear, heat or any fault, don’t risk hitting road with a known problem. We offer prompt inspections and same-week servicing in most cases.
We handle adjustments, bearing service, brake set-up, controller faults, wiring and chassis repairs. Book early for parts-heavy work to allow time for ordering.
- Do the loaded test; note any sway or pull.
- Check brake feel, controller output and external lights.
- Touch hubs after a short run; watch wheel tracking and load balance.
| Check | What to feel/look for | Quick action |
|---|---|---|
| Brake feel | Grab, pull or uneven stop | Adjust controller; book brake service |
| Hubs & bearings | Excess heat or noise | Grease, reset preload or replace bearings |
| Alignment | Tyre scrub or tracking off | Wheel alignment, axle check and correction |
| Lights & indicators | Failure under load | Repair wiring, replace bulbs or plugs |
Book your final inspection now so you can tow with confidence. Call 0447 100 145 to schedule servicing in Adelaide and avoid last-minute delays before hitting road.
Conclusion
Leave with confidence by confirming pressure, lights, brakes and load before you go.
We cover the essentials: tyres and correct tyre pressure, working lights and clean connections, a tested controller and firm hubs and bearings. We also confirm suspension, chassis, hitch and coupling are sound and that safety chains are crossed and rated.
Carry spares and paperwork: a matched spare tyre, key parts and documents save a callout. Do a brief loaded test drive and check hub temperature after 10–15 minutes on the road.
Book a service or request a quote: bring the car and trailer together so we can test the full system. Call 0447 100 145 to book with Smooth Moves Trailers and leave ready to tow.
FAQ
What are the most important pre-departure checks for preparing our trailer for a long-distance trip?
We inspect tyre pressure and tread, carry a correctly inflated spare tyre, and check wheel nuts for tightness. We test lights, indicators and brake lights, confirm the hitch, tow ball and coupling are secure and greased, and fit safety chains correctly. We also check wheel bearings, suspension bushes, chassis bolts and leaf springs for wear or damage, and ensure brakes and the controller are functioning.
Why does a thorough inspection matter before a long road trip from Adelaide?
A full inspection reduces breakdown risk and legal liability, keeps fuel use efficient and protects payloads. In remote SA regions help can be far away, so we prevent failures by checking tyres, bearings, brakes, wiring and the tow connection. It also ensures compliance with registration and insurance conditions for a safe adventure.
How often should we check tyre pressure and what pressure should we set?
We check tyre pressure before every journey and during stops on long runs. Follow the trailer manufacturer or tyre placard for PSI; do not rely on car tyre values. Adjust for load—heavier loads need higher pressure. Inspect for sidewall damage and uneven wear while checking tread depth.
What signs indicate wheel hubs or bearings need attention?
We listen for grinding or rumbling noises while spinning the wheel and feel for play or roughness when lifting and rotating the hub. Warm hubs after a run, visible grease leaks or damaged seals all signal service. Grease, repack or replace bearings per the service interval.
How do we check suspension and chassis for faults?
We scan the chassis for cracks, corrosion or bent members and inspect leaf springs, shackles and rubber bushes for wear. Tighten loose bolts and replace worn bushes. Look for sagging, uneven ride height or broken springs and address these before departure.
What should we test on brakes and the controller before a journey?
For electric brakes we test the controller operation and adjust gain; for hydraulic systems we check fluid, hoses and actuator function; for mechanical brakes inspect linkages and shoes. We confirm stopping distances feel normal under load and that the handbrake holds on a slope.
How do we ensure lights, indicators and wiring are reliable?
We clean lenses, test every bulb and indicator, and inspect connectors for corrosion. Secure and protect wiring from chafing and use dielectric grease on terminals. Carry spare bulbs, fuses and basic wiring tools for roadside repairs.
What is the correct way to secure the hitch, tow ball, coupling and safety chains?
We ensure the coupling matches the tow ball size, latch and lock the coupling, and grease contact surfaces. Attach safety chains in a crossed pattern beneath the coupling and fit any anti-rattle devices. Check the towball nut torque and use a locking pin or clip where applicable.
How should we load and balance our gear to stay within capacity and control tongue weight?
We distribute weight evenly side-to-side, keep heavy items low and forward of the axle, and aim for recommended tongue weight (usually 10–15% of gross load). Check the vehicle and trailer GVM/GCM limits and avoid overloading. Re-weigh if unsure.
What essential toolkit and spare parts should we carry?
We pack a tyre jack and wheel wrench suitable for the wheel nuts, a correctly sized spare tyre, wheel bearing grease and a small bearing kit, spare bulbs and fuses, a multimeter or test light, basic hand tools, and hose clamps or cable ties for temporary fixes.
Which on-road safety items and paperwork must we have with us?
We carry a first-aid kit, reflective warning triangles or cones, a fire extinguisher rated for vehicle use, and documentation including registration, insurance and any towing permits. Keep contact numbers for roadside assistance and local mechanics.
What should we do during the test drive to confirm stability and braking under load?
We perform a short loaded drive at moderate speed to assess sway, braking feel and that indicators and brake lights operate correctly. Check for unusual vibrations, pull to one side, or overheating at wheel hubs. If anything feels off, stop and inspect immediately.
How can we tell if alignment or axles need inspection?
Look for uneven tyre wear, steering pull, or noisy bearings. Measure wheel alignment if possible; bent axles or misaligned hubs cause vibration and rapid tyre wear. If wheels are not true or axles crooked, book an inspection before driving far.
When should we book professional servicing and where in Adelaide can we go?
We arrange professional checks if we detect noise from bearings, excessive brake wear, damaged suspension, cracked chassis or persistent electrical faults. In Adelaide, reputable workshops like local caravan and trailer specialists or authorised service centres can handle bearings, brakes and coupling adjustments—book before peak travel season.