Troubleshooting Some Common Problems With a Trailer
Having a trailer you use for hauling some tools and equipment can be a good choice as it means being able to keep your car's or truck's interior from getting damaged, and also means room to spread out those tools as needed. You might also need a trailer for moving horses or even a boat. As handy as they are, trailers can fail at times because parts need repair or replacing. Note a few troubleshooting tips so you can know where to start looking when it comes to the parts on your trailer that may need work.
1. Brakes work on some wheels
If it seems that the trailer swerves when you brake or it doesn't stop as it should on one side, you may have air in the fluid lines on just one side of the trailer. The lines can usually be bled so that fluid flows freely. The brake line might also simply be kinked; this is not unusual for trailers if the brake lines are exposed, as they might get damaged from going over bumpy roads. In addition to being kinked, there could be a leak in that one brake line that doesn't allow fluid to that side of the trailer. Check these lines carefully for needed repairs.
2. Swaying and swerving
In some cases, your trailer might sway and swerve because the tires are out of alignment. The trailer is struggling to stay straight when the tires are misaligned, so it swerves to one side or the other, especially when you turn or brake. Check the tires and note if you see uneven tread and wear on them, as this too is a sign of misalignment. As with your car or truck, you need to have the tires on a trailer aligned when you put on a new tire and regularly as recommended by the manufacturer. If an alignment doesn't fix the problem, it may be that an axle on the trailer is bent or out of shape so the trailer cannot drive straight.
3. Brake light out on one side
If the brake light on one side is out, this usually means a wiring problem and not that the lights themselves need replacing. The wires may very well be corroded or frayed, or not properly grounded. If you're not familiar with electrical wiring, it's good to have a professional check the socket to which wires are attached to note if they're properly connected or to see if one is not delivering power to the lights as it should.