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Safety & Maintenance
Service and maintenance of your trailer
Whether you own a Zion Trailer, another imported brand, or an Australian-made product, it appears that many users are neglecting basic best practices when it comes to service and maintenance.
Trailers are road vehicles and, as such, require regular servicing and maintenance. See Servicing
To help guide you, we’ve put together a basic service and maintenance schedule that we strongly recommend following as a minimum. If you own a Zion Trailer and need to check anything, we’re always available to be contacted.
Checklist before driving
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Check your trailer plug is connected to the vehicle
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Check the safety chain is connected and crossed over
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Check the tow coupling is secure
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Check the handbrake is released
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Check tyre condition, tread, sidewall cracks, cuts, etc.
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Check wheel nuts
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Ensure the jockey wheel is in the travel position
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Ensure the number plate is clearly visible
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Check the operation of all lights
After 3 Months or 500 miles
After the initial break-in period (approximately 500 miles or three months), the leaf spring U-bolts should be checked and tightened if necessary. Your local service mechanic can perform this task. If needed, ask your local service mechanic to contact our service department.
Service and maintenance of your trailer
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Lights – Replace any broken or worn lights.
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External hardware – Spray with WD40 (or equivalent) and wipe down with a soft cloth.
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Front tow hitch and jockey wheel – Regularly check and use the safety pin.
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Door locks – Spray with WD40.
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Tyres – Check tyre pressures and ensure even wear.
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Latches – Check for broken latches or sharp objects.
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Centre caps – After driving, periodically check for excess heat at the centre cap of the mag wheel. It shouldn’t be hot to touch; if it is, have the bearings checked immediately.
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Wheels – Ensure all wheel nuts are tightly secured.
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Brakes – Check and adjust as needed via the brake control unit.
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Suspension – Lubricate and grease as required.
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Ball and coupling – Lubricate or lightly grease.
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Breakaway unit – Check the battery light.
Annually – Get your trailer serviced by a QUALIFIED mechanic
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Brakes and handbrake – Check and adjust as required.
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Bearings – Inspect and either repack or replace them depending on the degree of wear.
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Tow hitch and jockey wheel – Inspect and lubricate.
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Suspension and hinges – Lubricate.
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Chassis – Check welds and structural integrity.
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Floor – Whether it is a hardwood floor, composite or aluminium panels, check inside the trailer for any visible signs of depression, as well as from the underside.
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Seals around rubber matting on the floor – Check and re-apply Sikaflex if required.
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Complete a full safety checklist.
Water tank operation
The water tank pump is 12-volt and operates when connected via the auxiliary wire on the trailer plug that is connected to your car. Sometimes, when trailer plugs are fitted to the motor car, the auxiliary wire is NOT connected, so the pump will not work. An auto electrician can resolve this issue.
Horse fences
To ensure safe travel with the horse fences attached to the side of the trailer, make sure the two supplied latches are fitted, the safety pin is installed in the lock, and the webbing strap is attached.
12-volt battery pack
If your trailer is fitted with a 12-volt battery system, ensure the isolator switch is turned to the off position when not in use. If the battery becomes too drained and the voltage drops below 11 volts, the battery charger will not operate. In this case, please call or email us for assistance.
