How Often Do You Service Trailer Brakes?

If you love exploring the great outdoors, then you’ll love roaming across the country in a recreational trailer! But just like any other vehicle, your trailer requires regular maintenance, with one of the most important maintenance needs being break maintenance. So, how often do you service trailer breaks? Let’s talk about it.

First, what is the importance of regular brake maintenance?

This should be pretty self-explanatory, but your trailer’s braking system is pretty important! It’s the only thing that can slow and stop your trailer as needed. Properly functioning brakes are essential to the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Neglecting regular brake maintenance can lead to a host of problems, including reduced stopping power, decreased brake responsiveness, and even complete brake failure. It’s crucial to prioritize your trailer’s brake maintenance to ensure that your vehicle is safe and reliable on the road.

So, how often do you service trailer brakes?

The frequency of brake servicing will depend on several factors, including the type of braking system your trailer uses, the driving conditions you typically encounter, and the trailer’s overall condition. Here are some general guidelines to follow for brake servicing: 

1). Check the brakes before every trip. Before embarking on any journey with your recreational trailer, it’s essential to inspect the brakes for signs of wear and tear. Look for any signs of damage to the brake pads, rotors, or calipers, and ensure that the brake fluid reservoir is adequately filled. Additionally, ensure that the brake lights and other brake system indicators are functioning correctly.

2). Annual maintenance. At a minimum, you should have your trailer’s braking system serviced annually. This should include a thorough inspection of all brake components, replacement of worn or damaged parts, and a brake fluid flush. During the inspection, your mechanic will check for any signs of corrosion or other damage to the brake system and recommend repairs as needed. 

3). Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule for your trailer’s braking system. This information should be included in your owner’s manual, and it will typically provide guidance on the recommended service intervals and the type of maintenance required.

4). Consider your driving conditions. If you frequently tow your recreational trailer in challenging conditions, such as steep hills or rough terrain, you may need to service your brakes more frequently than once per year. Harsh driving conditions can place additional strain on the braking system, leading to increased wear and tear. So, if your trailer is a high-use trailer, then you should consider having the brakes looked at before your next cross-country trip!

Get your trailer inspected by a professional right away!

Are your brakes overdo for a checkup? Contact us! We’re a team of RV and trailer specialists based in Colorado. We’d be happy to inspect your rig and make sure that your brakes are in tip-top shape. Contact us today, and speak with our trailer specialists about your rig!