Winter Trailer Storage and Protection Tips

Leaving a trailer parked outside through the winter in Albuquerque can take a real toll if it’s not prepared for the season. Cold temps, snow, ice, and even brief sun breaks can all impact different parts of your trailer during the colder months. If you’re planning to store it until spring, a little prep work now can help you avoid bigger problems later.

Winter weather in Albuquerque isn’t just about freezing nights. Between the snow that can build up for days at a time and road salt that sticks around, trailers parked outdoors face damage that adds up fast. Rust, tire issues, frozen parts, and weakened seals are just a few things to watch out for. Knowing how to prep your trailer for storage not only keeps it in decent shape but can also save time and costs when it’s time to use it again.

Clean And Inspect Your Trailer

Before you even think about covering or parking your trailer for the season, it needs a deep clean. Dirt, grime, and road salt can eat away at metal surfaces all winter long if left on too long. Plus, this is a good time to see if anything needs to be fixed before it sits unused.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Wash the outside using mild soap and water

2. Scrub the wheel wells and undercarriage where road salt gathers

3. Rinse everything really well, especially metal edges and joints

4. Dry off areas around hinges and latch points to avoid water pooling

5. Clean out the inside too, especially if you’ve hauled anything that left debris or stains

Once it’s clean, take a slow walk around the trailer and check for signs of damage. Look for early rust spots, flaking paint, or parts that are loose. Make sure seals on doors are still tight and the lock hardware works properly. For trailers stored outdoors in Albuquerque, it’s smart to pay extra attention to the underside, since that’s where snowmelt and salt tend to gather and cause problems. If you find any cracks or soft spots in the wood flooring, deal with those now before they get worse from moisture buildup.

Prepare The Tires

Tires can lose pressure quickly in cold weather, and sitting in one spot for weeks or months makes things worse. Flat spots can develop from weight sitting on the same surface, especially if air pressure drops too low. That’s why checking tire health is a big part of storage.

Here are a few things to do:

– Inflate the tires to the level listed on the sidewall

– Inspect the treads and sidewalls for signs of cracking or thinning

– If the trailer will sit in one place all winter, consider placing wood blocks under the tires to add a layer between the rubber and the cold ground

– For long-term storage, using jack stands to lift the trailer may help take pressure off the tires completely

This kind of prep helps your tires hold their shape and be ready when spring rolls around. One trailer owner in Albuquerque noticed tire bulging on one wheel after the first freeze because he hadn’t topped off air pressure before storage. Replacing tires isn’t cheap, so making this a regular part of winter prep is a smart move.

Protect Moving Parts And Systems

Cold air can stiffen just about everything, including the parts that keep your trailer working. Hinges, couplers, ramps, and latches often get overlooked, but these are the first places that freeze up or get stuck. If they’re neglected, it may be a struggle to unlock or unfold anything once spring hits.

A good way to avoid that is by applying lubricant to:

– Door hinges

– Ramp hinges

– Trailer jack pivots

– Locking pins

– Chains and couplers

Stick with a product that holds up in cold temps. The goal is to keep moisture out while adding a light coating that won’t gum up in freezing weather. Also, check any exposed metal joints for signs of rust or grinding before storing the trailer for long periods.

Next, take a moment to look at the wiring and connections. Frozen wires or moisture inside plugs can fry your trailer’s lighting or brake system. Walk around and visually inspect the seven-way (or four-way) plug, tail light seals, and brake connections. Anything loose or exposed should be sealed up or checked by a pro.

Checking brakes is another must-do. If your trailer has electric brakes, salt and ice can dry them out or corrode the wiring. While you don’t have to tear the system apart, it’s worth testing the function and checking for odd wear, rust, or build-up.

Taking care of these parts before parking your trailer helps avoid headaches down the road. Waiting until it warms up can make frozen or dry parts much harder and pricier to fix.

Cover And Shelter Your Trailer

Covering your trailer does more than keep snow off. A proper cover can help block out UV rays, trap less moisture, and extend the life of your paint and seals. But not all covers work the same, and how you use one matters just as much as what it’s made from.

Here are some points to think about when choosing and using a cover:

– Go with a breathable material, so condensation doesn’t build up underneath

– Make sure the cover reaches fully over the roof, sides, and tongue

– Use straps or bungee cords to keep it snug through high winds

– Avoid tarps, especially those that trap moisture or flap around in strong gusts

For extra protection, parking the trailer under a carport or inside a garage is the best option. If that’s not something you can do, placing the trailer on higher, drier ground can help reduce snow buildup under and around it.

If you get surprise storms or wild wind shifts like we see in Albuquerque, keep an eye on how your cover is holding up. After each snow, brush off the tops and corners before accumulating weight causes damage. Small tasks like that go a long way in protecting your trailer from costly repair work in spring.

Maintaining Your Trailer During Winter

Storing a trailer doesn’t mean ignoring it for months. Albuquerque winters don’t stay the same for long. One week can bring snow, followed by a thaw and a sudden refreeze. Checking in once or twice a month can help you avoid problems stacking up.

Make time to:

– Clear snow and ice from the roof, ramps, and joints after storms

– Peek under the cover to check for moisture, mold, or shifting parts

– Look at the tires again for pressure loss or bulging

– Test that locks still work and haven’t seized up

If you’re close by, let the trailer air out for a few hours on warmer days. Open the doors and let moisture that slipped in evaporate a bit. This keeps interior rust and mold away, especially if the inside was even a little damp before storage.

Some owners in Albuquerque leave a checklist on the dashboard or interior wall for winter inspections. Something simple like that can make it easier to stay on top of small maintenance steps that really add up. Staying proactive with your winter checks helps your trailer stay reliable, even when it’s not in use.

Keep Your Trailer Ready For Spring

Winter doesn’t need to be hard on your trailer. With a little prep and some regular check-ins, you can tuck your trailer away safely and know that it’s ready when the roads clear up. Think of it as peace of mind with less rust, fewer repairs, and tires that aren’t flattened by months of sitting.

Albuquerque weather can be unpredictable, but trailers that are cleaned, covered, and protected from the elements are more likely to stay in better shape. Whether it’s for business or weekend hauling, a trailer that’s taken care of during winter will save you extra work down the road. Keep it clean, keep it dry, and check on it from time to time to make sure it’s holding up through the season.

Ensure your trailer is winter-ready with expert advice from New Mexico Trailer Depot. For comprehensive protection, consider investing in quality enclosed cargo trailers in Albuquerque to shield against the harsh elements. Our team is ready to assist you in choosing the best solutions to keep your trailer safe and sound during the colder months. Let us help you maintain your trailer’s longevity and reliability for years to come.