How Often Should I Get My Trailer Serviced?

Maintaining, servicing and replacing parts is a key part of upkeep on most trailers.

At Trailparts, we often get asked about the ideal service intervals for trailers. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it’s a bit like asking, “How long is a piece of string?”

The frequency of servicing your trailer depends on how it’s used. 

Trailers and trailerised equipment vary vastly in their usage, and this affects how often you should have your trailer serviced:

    • Some trailers are towed for 1000kms a week.
    • Some trailers are towed for 1000kms a year.
    • Some are towed only on smooth motorways.
    • Some are taken on worksites, off-road and on unsealed roads.
    • Some are often towed empty or well below their rated GTM.
    • Some trailers are always towed near the rated GTM.
    • Some trailers get dunked in salt water and some trailers hardly get wet at all.

    You get the idea.
    The point is, it is difficult for trailers manufactures and component suppliers to specify the ideal service period.

    The average trailer travels 10,000kms per year, on highways.

    For this ‘average trailer’, we would recommend a trailer is serviced at least every 12 months, or every 10,000kms, whichever comes first.

    If the trailer is ‘not the average trailer’, we would recommend some additional consideration and the service period adjusted accordingly.

    For example:

    Boat trailers

    • Wash them down with fresh water as soon as possible after use.
    • If it’s a recreational boat that gets a lot of use in summer and not so much in winter, consider doing a thorough check at the end of summer and book a service for around September-October so it’s good to go for summer.

     Equipment trailers

  • If they are often carrying heavy gear – diggers, scissor lifts etc, and often going onto work sites, consider servicing them every 6 months.

    • Things that will influence service periods include the following:
    • Kilometers Travelled: More km’s typically mean more wear and tear.
    • Terrain: Rough, unsealed, or off-road conditions can speed up wear and tear.
    • Saltwater Exposure: Trailers exposed to saltwater need more frequent maintenance to prevent corrosion.
    • Load: Trailers consistently used at or near their maximum capacity will likely need more frequent servicing.
    • Periods of Inactivity: Trailers that sit unused for extended periods can also require specific maintenance to ensure they’re roadworthy when needed.

    The short answer is, there is no time period or km’s period that fits all applications. The best approach is to assess how your trailer is used and adjust the service intervals accordingly.

    If in doubt, err on the side of caution—regular maintenance is always cheaper and less stressful than dealing with unexpected breakdowns.

    For more advice and info, talk to the Trailparts team. We’re here to help keep your trailers performing at their best, no matter how you use them.