Trailer Servicing Frequency Guide | How Often to Service UK

Knowing the correct trailer servicing frequency is one of the most important parts of safe towing. Whether a trailer is used daily on site, occasionally for leisure, or seasonally for boats or caravans, regular servicing prevents breakdowns, uneven braking, seized components and costly repairs.

There’s no single service interval that fits every trailer. The correct schedule depends on how often the trailer is used, how hard it’s worked, and the environment it operates in. However, there are clear industry guidelines that every trailer operator should follow.

This guide explains how often a trailer should be serviced, what checks are required, and why skipping intervals is a false economy.

Why Trailer Servicing Frequency Matters

Trailers operate under high loads, are exposed to road dirt, water and corrosion, and often sit unused for long periods. Unlike vehicles, many trailer components only move when towing, meaning problems can develop unnoticed.

Regular servicing:

• Reduces the risk of brake seizure

• Prevents bearing failure

• Improves braking efficiency

• Extends component lifespan

• Keeps trailers legal and safe to tow

Servicing is not just about mileage — time and usage type matter just as much.

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Daily or Before Every Journey: Essential Safety Checks

Certain trailer checks are the responsibility of the operator and should be carried out daily or before every tow, regardless of mileage.

These checks include:

• Coupling securely attached and locked

• Breakaway cable correctly fitted

• Lights, indicators and brake lights working

• Tyre condition and pressures correct

• Wheel nuts secure

• Handbrake operation

• No visible damage to drawbar or chassis

These inspections take minutes and can prevent serious incidents on the road.

After the First 600 Miles (1,000 km): New Trailer Service

A service after the first 600 miles (1,000 km) is essential when:

• A new trailer is commissioned

• New brake linings are fitted

• New Bowden brake cables are installed

During early use, components bed in and cables stretch slightly. This initial service ensures:

• Brake adjustments are correct

• Cables are re-set

• Bearings are checked

• Fixings are re-torqued

Skipping this service can lead to uneven braking and premature wear.

Every 3,000 Miles (5,000 km): Heavy or Intensive Use

Trailers in commercial or industrial use require far more frequent servicing.

A 3,000-mile (5,000 km) interval is recommended for:

• Construction and plant trailers

• Hire fleet trailers

• Agricultural trailers

• Boat trailers regularly immersed in water

This typically equates to every three months for intensive use.

Servicing at this interval should include:

• Full brake inspection and adjustment

• Hub and bearing checks

• Coupling and overrun damper inspection

• Cable operation checks

• Structural inspection

Boat trailers are especially vulnerable due to water immersion and should never follow leisure trailer intervals.

Every 6,000 Miles (10,000 km): Average Use Trailers

For trailers under average usage, servicing is typically required at 6,000 miles (10,000 km).

This applies to:

• Commercial or industrial trailers in moderate use

• Fleet trailers not operating daily

In practice, this usually means:

• Every six months for commercial trailers

• Annually if mileage remains low

This service should include brakes, hubs, coupling, cables, dampers and general condition checks.

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Annual Servicing: Caravans & Leisure Trailers

Caravans and leisure trailers often cover fewer miles but still require regular attention.

Even with low mileage:

• Brakes can corrode

• Bearings can dry out

• Cables can seize

• Damp causes internal damage

For these trailers:

• Annual servicing is the minimum recommendation

• Time-based servicing is just as important as mileage

A trailer that sits unused for months can be just as vulnerable as one that’s heavily used.

Servicing Is About Time, Not Just Miles

One of the most common mistakes trailer owners make is waiting for mileage alone. Trailers that:

• Sit unused

• Are stored outside

• Are parked in damp conditions

• Are immersed in water

Often need more frequent servicing, not less.

If a trailer hasn’t moved for months, it should still be inspected before returning to service.

Manufacturer Guidance Still Comes First

These intervals are general industry guidelines. Always refer to:

• Trailer manufacturer instructions

• Axle and brake manufacturer service schedules

If there is a difference, the manufacturer’s guidance must take priority.

Brent’s Bottom Line

Correct trailer servicing frequency keeps you safe, legal and avoids expensive failures. Whether you tow every day or a few times a year, servicing should be planned — not reactive.

If you’re unsure when your trailer was last checked, that’s usually a sign it’s time.

A well-serviced trailer:

• Tows better

• Brakes smoother

• Lasts longer

• Keeps your journey stress-free

Service it before it tells you the hard way.

-Brent