Trailer Road Trip Preparation: Must-Dos Before the Long Haul

Are you hitting the road with an ALCOM trailer this summer for a road trip? There's no shortage of adventures available when you hitch an all-aluminum trailer on to your SUV or pickup. For camping, ATV or side-by-side adventures, rafting or fishing trips, motorcycle treks, and more: if you need a trailer, ALCOM builds it. 

Before hitting the road, don't forget a crucial step for road trip readiness: trailer inspection and maintenance. In addition to your regularly scheduled trailer check-up, it's a good idea to give it a thorough once-over before you embark on a big trip -- or even a quick one. 

Pre-Trip Prep List For Aluminum Trailers 

• Check your trailer's tires for uneven wear, low tread, punctures, or any other damage. If you need new tires, don't wait until after the trip. If you haven't registered your tire identification numbers (TINs) with ALCOM yet, take a few minutes to do that first, too. 
• Check your trailer's tire pressure and add inflate them if they're low. It's a good idea to add a tire pressure gauge to your tow vehicle's glove box if you don't have one already.
• Pack a spare tire, and the tools you'll need to change it if something happens. An elevated spare tire mount on your enclosed aluminum trailer makes it easy to stay prepared! 
• Check your trailer's wheel bearings and grease them if needed. 
• Check your trailer's brakes. If they're not working right -- you're not going anywhere until they're fixed. 
• Check your trailer's brake lights, turn signals, marker lights, and any other lights or connections.  
• Check all latches, locks, tie-downs and hitches to make sure they're working correctly. 
• Gather your trailer and tow vehicle registration and insurance documents and make sure they're all safely stashed in the glove box for travel. 

Load Up & Roll Out

Once your trailer is fully inspected and you've gassed up the tow vehicle, it's time to hitch on, pack up, and hit the road. Where are you headed? We always love hearing about your ALCOM aluminum trailer adventures, and if you send us your summer story and photos, your ALCOM trailer could be featured on the blog! 

We've reviewed loads of summer road trip ideas -- check them out here:

• Fun lake destinations for PWC enthusiasts and Triton aluminum watercraft trailers; 
• Off-roading in California with open or enclosed aluminum ATV/UTV trailers; 
• Horse camping for the family in Kentucky with Frontier aluminum horse trailers; 
• What to know about planning an off-roading adventure during your National Parks vacation; 
• Dirtbike and ATV excursions in the Sunshine State, Florida; 
• Raft, paddle and ride in beautiful green Vermont; 
• Customize an ATV trailer for hauling and camping.

We'd love to hear all about your favorite places to haul your ALCOM aluminum trailer. There's nothing better than seeing the trailers we build out in the wild, whether they're on the road, at the trailhead, at the campground ... or wherever you roam!    

Still Need A Trailer? 

If you're ready to plan a summer road trip, but you still need a trailer, don't worry. ALCOM has the open and enclosed all-aluminum trailers you need for work and play. Check out our brand websites or browse our buying guides to figure out which trailer you'll choose. Learn more about the best cargo trailers on the road; ATV and side-by-side trailers for four-wheeling fun; car haulers for an extra set of wheels on your RV trip; or utility trailers built for the ultimate versatility. Found your favorite? Next, use our dealer locator to find your nearest ALCOM trailer dealer. When your brand-new aluminum trailer arrives, you'll be ready to load up and hit the road for endless summer fun!