As towbar specialists, Kits-n-Bits meet many people with trailers. Many are unaware that there are legal standards for trailers and are surprised to hear that both the police and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are actively stopping trailers to check their roadworthiness and are issuing points as well as fines. Keeping your trailer in good working order will ensure your safety, the safety of others and the safety of your cargo. Trailer servicing will also prolong the life of most mechanical parts and in the long run save you time and money.
At Kits-n-Bits, our engineers are fully National Trailer and Towing Association Ltd., (NTTA), trained and certified and we would like to walk you through a typical trailer service by one of our engineers.
Comprehensive Trailer Servicing Step By Step For Trailers Over 750kg.
When you book your service we will ask you for some details about your trailer including the make and model. We will also ask for the serial number from the chassis/VIN plate. The plate is usually positioned on the A fame. The plate below has the full VIN number, the last 6 or 7 digits are the serial number. We may also ask you for the chassis code which is usually cut into the A frame.
Step By Step Trailer Servicing
- Trailer is put up on a ramp or jacked up
- Wheels are removed.
- Brakes, brake shoes, bearings, cables, tyres are all checked for faults, adjusted and lubricated where necessary.
- Tyres are fully checked for wear and tear, cracks and damage. Pressure is also checked.
- Side panels, sides and seals are thoroughly checked and bodywork is checked for rust and cracks
- Lights, wiring and junction box are checked for damage: breaks in the cables, fraying etc
- Couplings and the damper are fully checked for faults.
- Suspension checked for wear and tear.
NB. During the service the customer will be advised of any parts required and replacements needed before the work is carried out.
When the service is complete the trailer service checklist will be signed by our qualified engineers and a copy will be handed to the customer. If the Trailer is not fit for purpose and the repairs haven’t been approved the engineer will also provide paperwork to that fact. Any old parts will be left with the customer or removed by Kits-n-Bits according to our customer’s wishes.
We hope this blog has given you a good overview of how a trailer service works at Kits-n-Bits. If you have any questions you can always call us in the office on 01446 334005.
NTTA ADVICE
It is very important that trailers are serviced regularly for both your own and other road users safety. The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) recommend you have your trailer serviced every 6000 miles or every 6 months, whichever is shorter. For further information about the NTTA and safe & legal towing practice click HERE.