Now hiring top technicians! Click here

Book your Service or Repair Now!

Be prepared for the road ahead. Special Offer

The top 10 things that go wrong with trailers

Apr 1, 2020 | RV, Trailer

TOP 10 THINGS THAT GO WRONG WITH TRAILERS

A lot can go wrong with your trailer, and you won’t even know it! Here are the top 10 things that should be checked at least once per year, or following a trip. You don’t want to incur unnecessary expenses on trailer repairs or parts replacement and you never want to get stranded. Improper use, installation, or lack of maintenance can result in failure, and the impacts could be much larger than you could imagine. Here are the most commonly overlooked issues with trailers:

body work

Leaking roofs can cause big damage
    1. Roof Leaks – Seams Leak, and sooner than you expect. This can cause serious rot in the substructure of the roof.
    2. Tires blow out. This is quite common and causes extensive damage as the tire acts like shrapnel and destroys everything around it. We see this weekly on travel trailers.
    3. Improper hitch setup. Too much weight forward or after. The proper weight distribution will only wear the suspension down slowly.
    4. Wheel bearings not maintained regularly. When you see a trailer on the side of the freeway, it typically is because the wheel bearings froze and caused serious overheating. Re-pack your wheel bearings every two years or 5,000 miles.
    5. LP (Propane) system issues due to lack of maintenance. Regulators fail over time. This causes a decrease in pressure for your appliances and they will not work properly. LP systems should be checked and certified annually for leaks.
    6. Freezing causes damage to water pipes and water heaters. Lots of water where you don’t want it and a mess to clean up. Make sure you have adequate heat in the winter so your pipes don’t freeze.
    7. Dead batteries will leave you stranded. Know your charging system and keep the batteries on a trickle charger when not using your rig. 
    8. Electrical system failure. Control boards, fuses, fused links, electrical connections. These can loosen up significantly from road vibration and hunting down the culprit can be a time-consuming task. 
    9. Improper holding tank maintenance. The valves need to be lubed properly and kept in good working order. Replacing a stuck valve on a black tank is the messiest job you will ever have. 
    10. Furnace failure. Regulators, control boards, and thermostats all fail. If you have had 15 years of good use from your furnace, don’t spend a lot repairing. Replace the furnace.

Get in touch, and let us know how we can help. (360) 993-4295

Why RV Roof Maintenance Can Save You Thousands In Repair Costs

Motorhome, trailer, and camper roofs are commonly neglected. Without regular maintenance, you’re likely to have a shorter life for your RV roof. Roofs take a beating from the weather, and depending on the climate you live in and how your RV vehicle is stored, sealants...

Mobile Medical Bus – Hood River, Oregon

We receive a lot of requests to update older buses, RVs, and trailers. Restoration for older motor coaches and busses often entails upgrades or replacements related to the 5 RV Systems - Electrical, HVAC, Propane, Refrigeration, and Plumbing. Another common issue is...

Will insurance cover RV roof replacement costs?

When does your insurance cover damage to the roof of your RV? It all depends on the type of damage, how long it was there, and how well your RV was maintained. If there’s neglect to your vehicle, and damage wasn’t addressed early, the situation will worsen which may...

How do you know when your trailer needs new brakes?

What are the telltale signs the brakes on your trailer are worn and it’s time for an inspection? After a trip, or, once per year is wise. Even if the brakes have had little use, load and weight may cause uneven wear on your braking system. Some obvious signs that your...

Leaky roofs wreak havoc

One of the most common issues with RV’s is a leaky roof. While you may think you can leave your recreation vehicle out in the elements like you would a small vehicle, this is a huge mistake. RV’s and trailers have large seams that weaken over time, due to the elements...

Airstream Buff & Shine

Buff and Shine: Restoring a Tired Airstream to Its Former Glory Transforming a neglected Airstream requires dedication and meticulous care. This particular 30-foot trailer sat idle for over 30 years, accumulating layers of grime and oxidation. Restoring its iconic...

Vehicle & Trailer Restoration

Many people today are interested in purchasing older RVs and trailers that have unique and nostalgic qualities. We understand the attraction, and enjoy working on all makes and the earliest models. For some people, their purchase is an obsession and they will stop at...

THE RIGHT ADVICE FROM OUR FRIENDLY TEAM

Protecting your investment and keeping you safe wherever you travel is our top priority. Our expert staff will advise you on the best options before any work is done.
Preventative maintenance and care will put more money in your pocket and keep all systems running smoothly: electrical, plumbing & refrigeration, HVAC, hydraulic, and more. Experience body damage or need new paint? With our Pro Body Shop with Paint & Fabrication Services, you won't notice it ever happened.

Get a FREE insurance estimate from our experts and Book an appointment today!

The RV experts

Click here to view our full range of services to keep the wheels rolling

trailer specialists

Be prepared for a smooth drive with professsional trailer services

trailerable boats and watercraft

Winterization, maintenance & repair, custom fabrication & consoles, gel coating and more

Protection from the top down

Get Roof Preventative Maintenance for tip-top assurance. You'll avoid expensive and unexpected repairs or even replacement.

Includes: Inspect the roof seals. Seal the front and rear caps and roof fixture seams. If we discover extensive water leaks are present and require work beyond our standard preventative maintenance, you will receive a new estimate. Side molding seams are not included.

RV REFRIGERATORS – WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN IT STOPS WORKING

The refrigerator in your RV is an essential appliance, and it can be a major disruption to your travel plans when it stops working properly. If yours has stopped working the way it should - read on. How is an RV refrigerator built? First, it’s important to understand...

Crater Lake or Crystal Crane Hot Springs

Spring Break is coming up, and if you don’t have anyone to travel with, NO PROBLEM! Single and solo female travel is where it’s at! Have your own adventure!From Pro RV Repair’s very own travel writer, Beth Bauer. The first time I traveled solo, I went BIG! I bought a...

Why RV Roof Maintenance Can Save You Thousands In Repair Costs

Motorhome, trailer, and camper roofs are commonly neglected. Without regular maintenance, you’re likely to have a shorter life for your RV roof. Roofs take a beating from the weather, and depending on the climate you live in and how your RV vehicle is stored, sealants...

Mobile Medical Bus – Hood River, Oregon

We receive a lot of requests to update older buses, RVs, and trailers. Restoration for older motor coaches and busses often entails upgrades or replacements related to the 5 RV Systems - Electrical, HVAC, Propane, Refrigeration, and Plumbing. Another common issue is...

Will insurance cover RV roof replacement costs?

When does your insurance cover damage to the roof of your RV? It all depends on the type of damage, how long it was there, and how well your RV was maintained. If there’s neglect to your vehicle, and damage wasn’t addressed early, the situation will worsen which may...

The Joy of RV Camping on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula

Anytime is a good time to RV camp on the Long Beach Peninsula of Washington State. The weather is milder than it is in other parts of the state, and even in the winter, storms can provide for dramatic wave viewing at Cape Disappointment State Park or wash up old...

Bend RV repair acquisition

For Immediate Release Vancouver, WA -- February 4, 2021 On January 1, 2021, Pro World Industries Owner and CEO, Mike Montgomery, acquired his second RV repair and fabrication facility, Bend RV Repair, located at 62980 Boyd Acres Road, Bend, OR 97701. Combined, the two...

How do you know when your trailer needs new brakes?

What are the telltale signs the brakes on your trailer are worn and it’s time for an inspection? After a trip, or, once per year is wise. Even if the brakes have had little use, load and weight may cause uneven wear on your braking system. Some obvious signs that your...

Leaky roofs wreak havoc

One of the most common issues with RV’s is a leaky roof. While you may think you can leave your recreation vehicle out in the elements like you would a small vehicle, this is a huge mistake. RV’s and trailers have large seams that weaken over time, due to the elements...

Airstream Buff & Shine

Buff and Shine: Restoring a Tired Airstream to Its Former Glory Transforming a neglected Airstream requires dedication and meticulous care. This particular 30-foot trailer sat idle for over 30 years, accumulating layers of grime and oxidation. Restoring its iconic...

As always, RV Pro came through again. They chased down an electrical issue I had with my class "C" and they finished a day early! The staff is very friendly and the Tech explained what he found and left the defective parts for me to see.

Bob T - Google Review

Need something else? Contact us at our shop 

1677 NW Gardner Road Prineville, OR 97754

Mon-Fri 8 am–5 pm
Sat-Sun Closed

Telephone

(541) 416-0169

 

Palazzo paint

20 things you MUST check before heading out on the road

Get the exclusive info you need sent directly to your inbox

Email sent, check your inbox!

Pro World Newsletter

Join the Pro World News Newsletter

Get RV news you can use, and be the first to receive special offers.  

Email sent, check your inbox!