The winter months may be great for cheer and ambience during the holidays, but cold temperatures, ice, snow and freezing winds aren’t good for your outdoor furniture and equipment. The trailer that works hard for you from spring through fall deserves to be stored properly to make sure it gets through the winter without any damage. If you continue to use your trailer through the winter, you need to take special measures to make it safe on the road. Here are some tips for storing and using custom trailers during the cold weather months.

Storing Your Trailer Through the Winter

Before you put your trailer away, you should get it ready for spring. It saves you time when you make repairs over the off-season because you won’t have to wait to use your equipment when the weather warms up. Here are some steps to take before storing your trailer.

1. Do an inspection to check for any maintenance problems, such as rust, broken lights or bad electrical connections. Fix problems now to prevent more damage through the winter.
2. Clean your trailer from top to bottom to keep dirt or grime from causing corrosion.
3. Remove batteries. Disconnect electrical wiring. Remove water if you have that type of system.
4. Apply lubricants to the suspension, springs and wheel bearings. Your trailer will be better protected throughout the cold weather.
5. Take out your personal items and store the trailer empty. This is more about convenience so you don’t have to look for equipment left on your trailer during the cold months.
6. Park your trailer in a safe place away from the elements. Try to park on concrete, gravel or asphalt, which will protect the tires better than grass or dirt. If you only have a dirt or grass surface, place wooden boards under the wheels. Sun, leaves, wind and snow can damage the trailer. Use a custom cover if your trailer is exposed to the elements.

Even if you winterize your trailer, plan to spend a day in the spring getting it ready for the new season. You’ll want to inspect the trailer again to determine if any damage was sustained over the winter. You need to check all the parts, especially the tires and electrical elements, to ensure they’re in good working condition. You could have had a family of mice move in over the holidays. Winterizing your trailer prevents many problems, but it’s not a cure-all.

Using Custom Trailers During the Winter

Some industries keep working through the winter. If you’re using your trailer throughout the cold months, it’s important to make sure that it is in good condition. Do a maintenance check of the lights, hitch and tires. Make sure that your towing vehicle is also in good shape. Carry a winter emergency kit in case something happens while you are towing your trailer.

Before you set out with the trailer, check driving conditions. You may need to plan a different route or wait until conditions improve. Driving with a trailer is more hazardous than many people realize. Leave early to allow more time. When you’re on slippery roads, you’ll need to drive slower with a trailer than if the roads were dry. You’ll want to leave more space between you and other drivers too. It takes more time for your vehicle to come to a stop when you’re hauling a trailer. Always wear your seatbelt and follow the rules of the road for safe driving. Caution is the word of the hour when you’re towing a trailer.

Check out our Millroad Manufacturing website for custom trailers that fit your needs. You can upgrade to a new trailer with quality features when your present one wears out. Find the right trailers to do the work you want to accomplish.