How to Prepare Your Trailer for Long-Term Storage

When a trailer is left sitting for extended periods, neglecting proper storage procedures can lead to deterioration, safety hazards, and costly repairs down the road.

Exterior Preparation: Clean and Inspect

Before you even think about tarps or tire covers, give the trailer a thorough wash. Dirt, road salts, bird droppings, and grease can degrade paint, seals, and metal surfaces over time.

Clean All Surfaces

Use a pressure washer or heavy-duty cleaning agents to remove buildup from the body, undercarriage, wheels, and suspension components. Pay close attention to:

• Wheel wells
• Landing gear assemblies
• Underride guards

Once the trailer is clean, allow it to dry completely before moving on.

Conduct a Full Exterior Inspection

After cleaning, inspect the trailer for damage:

• Look for rust or corrosion on the frame and metal joints.
• Check for cracks or delamination on fiberglass or composite panels.
• Examine the roof for punctures, failing seams, or UV degradation.
• Assess door seals and gaskets for dry rot or compression loss.

Touch up paint where needed and treat surface rust with a rust-inhibiting primer.

Tire Maintenance: Prevent Flat Spots and Sidewall Cracking

Tires are particularly vulnerable during long-term storage. When trailers sit idle, the weight can cause flat spots, sidewall cracks, and bead separation.

Inflate to Proper PSI

Inflate all tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Avoid exceeding this pressure, as overinflation can cause rubber fatigue, especially in hot environments like Fontana, CA.

Consider Jack Stands or Tire Cradles

To relieve pressure on the tires:

• Place the trailer on jack stands to suspend the axles.
• Alternatively, use curved tire cradles to distribute load evenly across the tread.

Either method helps prevent deformation and dry rot.

Brake System

When storing a trailer, especially in humid or coastal environments, brake components can seize due to corrosion.

Release Parking Brakes

Engaged brakes can cause brake shoes or pads to fuse with drums or rotors. Always release the parking brake once the trailer is securely chocked.

Drain Air Tanks

If the trailer uses an air brake system, bleed the air tanks to prevent moisture buildup. Any residual water in the system can lead to internal rust and freezing in colder conditions.

Electrical and Lighting: Disconnect and Seal

Disconnect Power Sources

Unplug any battery systems or auxiliary power feeds. Leaving these connected can result in slow drain or corrosion at terminal points.

Protect Connectors

• Apply dielectric grease to the 7-way plug and any other electrical connectors.
• Use protective caps or weatherproof covers to prevent corrosion and dust ingress.

Check for Rodent Intrusion Points

Rodents often target wiring. Use wire mesh or expanding foam to block access points around conduit openings.

Lubrication and Fluids: Grease and Seal

Neglected grease points can attract moisture and lead to internal pitting.

Grease All Zerk Fittings

Using a high-quality chassis grease, lubricate:

• Kingpins
• Suspension bushings
• Fifth-wheel plate
• Landing gear

Check the hub oil or grease levels and top them off if needed. If any seals show signs of weeping, replace them before storage.

Interior and Cargo Area

If the trailer has an enclosed cargo area, treat it like a storage unit.

• Remove Debris and Sweep: Sweep and vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and potential rodent attractants.
• Ventilate: Leave ceiling or side vents slightly open to allow air circulation and prevent mildew buildup.
• Secure Loose Equipment: Remove or tie down load bars, straps, and dunnage to prevent internal movement during windstorms or minor trailer shifts.

Moisture and Pest Control

• Use Moisture Absorbers: Desiccant packs or hanging moisture absorbers can be deployed throughout the trailer to combat humidity, especially during the hot and dry summers that can trap moisture during cool nights.
• Rodent Deterrents: Place bait stations or natural deterrents (like peppermint oil sachets) in common rodent entry areas such as wheel wells, corners, and utility compartments.

Cover and Shade: Protect From the Elements

While you may not need a full trailer cover, targeted protection helps.

• Use UV Protectant: Apply a UV protectant spray to rubber gaskets, tires, and plastic components. This reduces the chance of cracking and brittleness.
• Shade If Possible: Park the trailer on a concrete pad or gravel, and ideally in a shaded area. Avoid storing directly on grass or soft dirt, as moisture and plant acids can deteriorate landing gear and lower body panels.

Periodic Checks

Even during storage, the trailer should be monitored.

• Inspect monthly for signs of leaks, pests, or tire deflation.
• Spin the wheels every few months to keep grease distributed.
• Operate the electrical system and lights at least once per quarter.

Secure Long-Term Trailer Health

For trailer operators in Fontana, CA, where heat and dust are constant threats, these steps are doubly important. Protect your assets—because downtime shouldn't mean decay. Call JB Trailer Service today to schedule your pre-storage inspection and make sure your trailer is ready to hibernate the right way.