Trailer care tips for autumn and winter.

Hello Mr. Rode, you have been the Quality Manager at STEMA for nine years, and have surely gained a wealth of experience.

What do you think, does a car trailer really need care?

Mr. Rode: “Yes, of course all car trailers need care. They are street-legal vehicles, not “beasts of burden.” Without regular care and maintenance, terrible accidents can happen. Besides, you won’t be able to enjoy your trailer’s full functionality as long. Who wants that? After all, a good trailer is an investment.”

 

What do you recommend to your trailer customers?

Mr. Rode: "Our recommendations are quite similar to those from ADAC regarding car care. That means that you should dedicate yourself a bit more intensely to your “companion” twice a year, at best the spring and autumn. In the winter, road salt and tough dirt accumulations should be thoroughly removed with a steam jet. ADAC-tests have shown that these particles can act like sandpaper. Fertilisers, ammoniac, or chalky materials act extremely aggressively on metal and wooden surfaces. For this sort of cargo, one should use containers, films (for example the STEMA Volumax) or another appropriate means.

 

What should I pay special attention to?

Mr. Rode: “If you do your cleaning with a pressure washer, direct contact between the cleaning jet and the parts of the ball head coupling, brake rod, wheel hub, wheel bearings and lighting system should be avoided."

 

What should I use to clean and care for the trailer?

Mr. Rode: “Clean your trailer with clear water, if necessary with the addition of a neutral cleaning solution. After doing so, you can use a standard neutral preservative or protective wax. However, it is important to let the trailer air dry before doing so."

 

Speaking of "dry" - do I really have to put my trailer in a garage/ carport or cover it during winter?

Mr. Rode: Storing the trailer in a barn or garage is, of course, always advantageous. The most important thing, however - no matter where you store your trailer - is to never allow moisture to collect. Inadequate ventilation or high humidity can lead to a so-called white rust formation on galvanised surfaces. Thus, tarpaulins serve only limited protection."

 

What happens, if, because I just learned of your tips today, some small rust spots have already formed due to my previous treatment of the trailer?

Mr. Rode: “Small, superficial rust adhesions are generally not a problem. These can be removed, and the surface can be re-sealed, for example with a protective zinc paint."

 

For its trailer floors, STEMA uses wooden floors that have been glued multiple times and coated with phenolic resin. Can I take care of the wooden floor in any other way?

Mr. Rode: “STEMA floors are tested for durability and stability. The best care, as previously mentioned, is the avoidance of moisture accumulation. All water accumulation should be able to run off. For this, STEMA has designed its own drain holes the floors. Remove any mess, such as leaves (tanning agent), base metal objects (rust) or any other substances, because these could act upon the surface of the floor and leave stains. In the case of scratches or abrasions, as in normal signs of wear and tear, you can spot-treat these with wood varnish. Deep damages should be repaired first with wood cement. Reworking with coloured paint is less advisable. These seal the floor surface too much."

 

What else should I pay attention to?

Mr. Rode: "Regular maintenance according to the trailer’s user manual is essential for the value retention and your own safety. Degreasing the lubrication points of the ball coupling, regular inspection of tire air pressure and profile. With longer downtimes (longer than 6 weeks), new tires are exposed to elevated strain. A tire check is important in this case. If the trailer is stored on its own axle for a longer time period, it is advisable to use a chassis stand to relieve the pressure on the wheels. In doings so, you avoid a flat tire and can get started on your next drive right away."

 

Thank you, Mr. Rode. And to all the STEMA-trailer friends: have a safe journey through autumn and winter!

Perfect trailers for the season: