8 Things to Do Before You Winterize Your Trailer

Before winter sets in, make sure your trailer is ready for storage. 

Whether you pull an RV, boat trailer, utility trailer or equipment trailer, cold temperatures, moisture and months of inactivity can take a toll on its running gear, tires, battery and overall condition. Use this checklist to help protect your trailer now and make spring prep easier later. For full technical details, refer to Dexter’s Light Duty and Medium Duty Axle Service Manuals. 

1. Wash Away Dirt, Salt and Road Grime

Give your trailer a thorough wash, including the undercarriage, axles, brakes, suspension and wheels. Removing mud, road salt and debris helps prevent corrosion while it is stored.

Boat trailer owners should pay particular attention here. Rinse the trailer well after freshwater or saltwater use, since moisture and salt can collect around hubs, brakes and electrical connections.

2. Inspect the Coupler, Electrical Connection and Safety Equipment

Before storage, inspect the coupler, safety chains or cables, breakaway cable or switch, jack and trailer electrical connector for wear or damage.

Do a quick light check before disconnecting the trailer, including marker, tail, stop and reverse lights. Intermittent lighting can sometimes point to a ground or connector issue that should be addressed before the next season. A small amount of dielectric grease on clean connector pins can help protect them during storage.

If your trailer uses a surge brake actuator, make sure the actuator is fully released after backing into its storage location. This helps ensure the brakes are not left partially applied and helps protect the actuator’s seals during storage.

3. Inspect the Suspension and Hardware

Take a close look at your trailer’s suspension and mounting hardware. Check for cracked leaf springs, worn bushings, loose U-bolts, damaged equalizers or rusted components.

4. Inspect Brakes, Bearings, Hubs and Brake Fluid

Check the braking system and hubs for signs of wear, leakage or damage before storage.

Look for:

• Grease or oil on the inside of a wheel, brake components or around the rear hub seal
• Excessive wheel-bearing play, noise or roughness
• Worn, corroded or damaged brake components
• Damaged brake lines, hoses, wiring or connectors
• Low, dark or contaminated brake fluid in a surge brake actuator or electric-hydraulic actuator, if equipped. If a brake-fluid reservoir is empty, simply refilling it is not enough, the system may have a leak and should be serviced before the trailer is used again.
• For marine trailers, follow the maintenance requirements for your hub system. Do not mix grease types, overfill a hub, or add lubricant unless you know the correct procedure for that hub style. If you find water contamination, significant leakage, or rust particles during inspection, plan for bearing service before spring.

If something does not look right, address it before spring.   A quick inspection now can help prevent a delay when you are ready to use your trailer again.

5. Check Tires and Inflation Pressure

Inspect each tire for low pressure, uneven wear, cracking or other visible damage. Inflate tires to the recommended cold tire pressure listed on the tire sidewall or trailer placard.

Store the trailer on a level, dry surface when possible. Tire covers can also help protect tires from sun exposure during outdoor storage.

6. Charge and Protect the Battery

If your trailer has a DEX360-connected system, breakaway battery or onboard battery, make sure it is fully charged before storage.

Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommendations for winter storage. In many cases, removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry location can help extend its life. Check wiring and connectors for corrosion or damage while you are there.

7. Winterize RV or Boat-Specific Systems

If you have an RV or travel trailer, protect the plumbing system from freezing. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to drain tanks and water lines, bypass the water heater if applicable, and use RV-safe antifreeze or compressed air to clear the lines.

For boats and boat trailers, make sure the boat is properly winterized as well. Remove drain plugs as recommended by the manufacturer, clear standing water and confirm the boat is secure on the trailer.

8. Store Your Trailer Securely

Choose a dry, level location and use wheel chocks to keep the trailer in place. Avoid storing directly on grass or wet ground, which can hold moisture around tires and metal components.
 

If you are storing outdoors, use the storage method recommended for your trailer or boat. Depending on the application and climate, this may include a properly fitted cover or professional shrink-wrap. Before you finish, secure doors, compartments and vents, remove food or liquids from RVs and take steps to keep pests out.

Ready for Spring Starts Now

Winterizing now helps make your first trip next spring a positive one. After months in storage, it is easy to forget the small issues you noticed at the end of the season—and repair facilities may be booked when you are ready to travel. Taking care of maintenance now helps protect your trailer and avoids a last-minute delay to your next trip, launch, or family vacation.