We explain how to spot faults fast and what to do before you tow. Our guide tells you the clear actions to keep your trailer and vehicle safe on the road.
We are Smooth Moves Trailers in Adelaide and we build custom trailers, fabricate metal and carry out honest trailer repair and regular maintenance. We work with tradies, small businesses and 4WD owners across SA, focusing on safety, reliability and straightforward work.
Monthly checks prevent hazards and save downtime. Check tyres for uneven wear, test brakes, inspect for rust on load-bearing sections and confirm lights and wiring work. Keep bearings and hinges lubricated, maintain tyre pressure and run a pre-trip inspection of hitch, chains and brake controller.
If you spot the signs trailer needs repairs, call us early. We use quality parts, clear reports and practical fixes so you can get back on the road with confidence. Call 0447 100 145 to request a quote or book a service.
Key Takeaways
- Do monthly trailer maintenance: tyres, brakes, lights and connections.
- Catching wear early keeps you safe and avoids costly downtime.
- We fix bearings, electrical faults and corrosion with honest reports.
- Run a pre‑trip check on hitch, safety chains and brake controller.
- Based in Adelaide, we build and service trailers for tradies and 4WD users.
- Call 0447 100 145 to request a quote or book a service before your next trip.
Why catching issues early keeps you safe and on the road
Catching small faults early keeps you towing safely and cuts downtime.
Safer towing, less downtime and longer life — routine maintenance stops small wear becoming costly repairs. Monthly checks and quick fixes reduce roadside delays and protect your crew. We prioritise stopping problems before they escalate so fleets keep earning.
How we help Adelaide operators
- We run a structured safety check on tyres, rims, bearings, lights and wiring, coupling and safety chains.
- We use quality parts and correct setup so components last and reduce wear tear over time.
- Lubrication, torque checks and correct brake controller setup cut fastener loosening and improve stopping performance.
- We tailor service intervals to how you work — daily tradie use or occasional trips — and treat coastal corrosion risks with cleaning and protective coatings.
| Service focus | Benefit | Typical check |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical & lights | Clear signalling, legal compliance | Wiring, connectors, lamp function |
| Wheel & bearings | Lower breakdown risk | Play check, lubrication, torque |
| Coupling & load | Stable towing, less sway | Ball weight, chains, breakaway test |
Book an inspection — call 0447 100 145 or request a quote so we can put a practical service plan in place.
Clear signs trailer needs repairs you shouldn’t ignore
A quick walk‑round will reveal common faults that put towing safety at risk.
Tyre wear and damage
Uneven tread, bulges or dry rot are warning flags. Old tyres and under‑inflation commonly cause blowouts we fix in the shop.
A hot hub or rubber smell often means bearing stress. Replace cracked sidewalls and worn tyres to reduce roadside danger.
Brake problems
Longer stopping, the trailer pulling to one side, or grinding noises are urgent. Use the brake controller’s manual lever—each wheel should resist turning.
Leaking wheel cylinders or worn magnets need prompt attention to restore safe stopping performance.
Rust, electrics, suspension and structure
Frame or drawbar corrosion, soft floor sections or holes compromise load integrity. Coastal launches speed up rust and need closer checks.
Dim or flickering lights, corroded earths or brittle insulation cause repeated faults. Bent axles, hot bearings or wobble at speed point to suspension or bearing failure.
Cracks around the coupling, distorted cross‑members or loose damaged hinges reduce safety and load capacity.
- What we do: measure tyre wear, test brakes, load‑test wiring, inspect frame thickness and set bearing preload.
- Example: we rebuilt a tradesman trailer from a split drawbar and corroded wiring with new drawbar, loom, LED lights and bearings in two days.
Act now: call 0447 100 145 to request a quote or book a trailer repair so we can inspect and fix the faults before your next trip.
How to check your trailer before your next trip
A short walk‑around and a few hands‑on tests will make your tow safer and smoother.
Pre‑trip routine
Start at the coupling: confirm the hitch is locked, the pin is in and the plug is fully seated. Cross rated safety chains and check the breakaway battery is charged and secured.
Check lights — running lights, brake lights, indicators and number plate lamp. Replace any bulb or connector that flickers or shows dim output.
Balance the load front‑to‑back and side‑to‑side. Use rated straps and keep axle weights within the vehicle and trailer limits to reduce sway and uneven wear.
Hands‑on tests
Set tyre pressures cold and check valve caps. Spin each wheel to detect roughness and rock the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock to check play in the bearings.
Use the brake controller manual lever to confirm firm resistance at each wheel. If braking is weak or uneven, don’t tow — arrange a repair or service.
Underbody and floor
Inspect beneath for rust, holes, bent hangers or loose fasteners. Pull any mats and look for water staining or soft floor sections. Address fresh scrapes and corrosion early to protect load‑carrying components.
| Check | What to look for | Immediate action |
|---|---|---|
| Coupling & chains | Locked hitch, pin, crossed rated chains | Secure, replace worn parts |
| Tyres & wheels | Correct cold pressure, cuts, sidewall cracking | Inflate or replace; torque nuts |
| Lights & wiring | Full lamp output, clean earths, routed loom | Clean connections; replace brittle cabling |
| Bearings & underbody | Play at wheel, grease points, rust | Grease, tighten or book service |
If any part fails your check trailer routine, call 0447 100 145 or book a service and we’ll return it to good condition quickly.
When to book a repair, schedule servicing, or consider replacement
A quick cost‑versus‑safety check helps you choose between a repair, scheduled service or full replacement.
Book a repair when faults are localised and low cost. Examples include worn pads or magnets, a single leaking hub seal, a cracked guard, or corroded connectors. These are fast, cost‑effective fixes that keep trailers working.
Schedule regular maintenance around your use. We recommend bearing clean‑and‑pack, brake adjustment, wiring and light checks, suspension inspection and torque checks. Planned trailer maintenance reduces wear tear and avoids repeat work.
Consider replacement if structure is compromised. Deep frame or drawbar rust, distorted cross‑members, floors with holes or repeated electrical failures point to a larger problem. Tyres with dry rot or bent axles after a kerb strike usually need replacement or axle work.
- If brake performance can’t be restored after adjustment, stop towing and book service immediately.
- If repair costs approach half the trailer’s value, replacement may save money and downtime.
- We fabricate and build custom trailers with heavier protection against rust corrosion for SA conditions.
We follow manufacturer guidance, fit quality parts and give honest advice. Call 0447 100 145 to request a quote, book a trailer repair or arrange an honest assessment.
Conclusion
Good upkeep and timely action stop small faults turning into big downtime.
Monthly maintenance and a quick pre‑trip check keep your trailer in good condition and reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
If you spot any issues or problems, act early. We use quality parts, follow manufacturer guidance and give straight advice so your vehicle and tow gear perform reliably.
Based in Adelaide, we offer thorough inspections, honest quotes and fast service at our shop. Ready when you are — call 0447 100 145 to request a quote or book a service with Smooth Moves Trailers.
FAQ
What are the first warning signals we should look for before a long trip?
Check tyres for uneven tread, bulges or dry rot and ensure pressures match the plate. Test trailer lights and indicators, listen for unusual noises from bearings or suspension, and inspect the coupling, safety chains and floor for corrosion or loose fasteners.
How does catching faults early keep us safe and save money?
Early intervention prevents accidents, reduces downtime and stops minor wear turning into expensive structural damage. Replacing a worn bearing or fixing corroded wiring now avoids roadside breakdowns and major repairs later.
What specific problems does early servicing prevent?
Timely work prevents brake failure, tyre blowouts, axle or bearing seizure, electrical fires from corroded wiring, and frame cracks that could lead to load loss or accidents.
How do we help operators in Adelaide with fleet upkeep?
We provide honest inspections, use quality OE and aftermarket parts, and perform full servicing to Australian compliance standards. Our technicians document findings and recommend practical options for repair or replacement.
What tyre issues should prompt immediate attention?
Uneven wear, sidewall bulges, visible cords, deep cuts and dry rot all require immediate action. Tyres in poor condition raise blowout risk and can damage axles or suspension components.
What are the common brake faults and how do we spot them?
Look for longer stopping distances, pulling to one side, spongy pedal feel, leaking fluid or electric brake controller faults. Listen for grinding or squealing and have the system inspected if any symptom appears.
How serious is rust and corrosion on the frame or coupling?
Corrosion undermines structural integrity and can ruin the coupling or floor. Surface rust is manageable; deep pitting or holes need urgent attention and may require part replacement to stay safe on the road.
What electrical issues are most common and how do we test them?
Dim or flickering lights, failed indicators and corroded connectors are frequent. Use a multimeter to check voltage, inspect wiring for chafing and clean or replace corroded terminals.
Which suspension and axle symptoms indicate a problem?
Unusual noises, excessive heat at hubs, wheel wobble or a bent axle always warrant inspection. Bearing play, broken springs or damaged dampers reduce control and increase wear on other components.
When does body or frame damage become a safety issue?
Cracks, distortion or loose structural components that affect load-bearing points are safety-critical. Any sign of impact damage to mounting plates, crossmembers or the drawbar should be assessed by a workshop immediately.
What should our pre-trip routine include?
Check the hitch and safety chains, confirm correct load distribution, test all lights and indicators, verify tyre pressures and secure documentation. A quick walk-around often reveals obvious faults before departure.
What hands-on tests can we perform ourselves?
Measure tyre pressures, check wheel bearing play by jacking each corner, operate the brake controller and apply the handbrake. Listen for unusual noises during a short test drive at low speed.
What underbody checks are essential before a trip?
Inspect for rust, holes in the floor, loose fasteners and signs of past impacts. Ensure mudguards, wiring loom clips and brake lines are secure and free from abrasion.
How do we decide between repair and replacement?
Minor wear such as worn bushes or surface corrosion is usually repairable. Structural corrosion, significant frame distortion or repeated axle failure often makes replacement the safer, more cost-effective option long term.
When should we book a professional service rather than attempt fixes ourselves?
Book a workshop for brake overhauls, axle or bearing replacement, major electrical faults, welding to the frame or any repair affecting load-bearing parts. Qualified technicians ensure work meets safety and registration standards.