Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We want to be your partner in maintaining the health and safety of your trailer. The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to help you better understand our inspection and repair process while educating you about general trailer maintenance.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for below, please contact us directly.
ALL TRAILERS
Q: What do I need to know before my getting my Maryland State trailer inspection at Legendary Trailer Repairs?
- Are the VIN (Vehicle Identification Numbers) numbers legible? Can they be easily read and understood? The numbers are most likely on a sticker or plate placed on the trailer by the manufacturer and normally in the front of the trailer frame. We must be able to read the VIN numbers in order to conduct the inspection. If the VIN number is not legible, you will need to take your trailer title to the MVA to request a new number.
- Does the trailer’s lights work? This includes all of the lights. LTR will look at running lights, turn signals, brake lights, tag lights and for trailers over a certain width, ID lights (the three lights in the center of the trailer).
- Are the trailer’s safety chains in good shape and properly connected?
- Does the trailer’s coupling device lock properly?
- Are the trailer’s tires in good shape?
Download the State of Maryland Motor Vehicle Inspection Report
Q: What are some things I should look for before using my trailer after a long break?
A: Most people don’t think twice about trailer maintenance - it’s an afterthought. LTR recommends a trailer goes through an annual maintenance and safety inspection to ensure it won’t leave you stranded on the roadside. Here are a few things to look for before pulling out of your driveway or beginning your trip:
LIMITED EMERGENCY MOBILE SERVICE
Q: How do I get in touch with LTR’s limited emergency mobile service?
A: Call Legendary Trailer Repairs for availability and pricing 410-349-3611.
MARINE TRAILERS
Q: If I use a marine trailer, are there specific maintenance items I should keep top of mind?
A: Yes. Boat or marine trailers used in this region require special attention due to the unique nature of Maryland’s brackish / salt water environment.
It is imperative that regular or routine maintenance is performed on your boat trailer to ensure all systems are working properly. If you’re using a marine trailer that is continuously dunked in the water to launch your boat, you should have your wheel bearings and braking components inspected every year to avoid a potential trailering disaster.
Wheel bearings are the heart of your trailer. They hold all the weight of your trailer and are under constant pressure. The slightest problem can cause major failure and repair costs.
There is little to no warning when wheel bearings go bad. They can get damaged by overloading a trailer, being in a collision, overheating due to lack of maintenance, and most of the time on boat trailers because of water damage and rust.
Other regular maintenance should be performed, including:
- Inspecting all lights and electrical wiring for proper operation
- Inspecting the trailer’s coupling device and safety chains
- Cleaning and packing wheel bearings: The wheel bearings are inspected for irregular wear or pitting; if any damage is found then they must be replaced; if the wheel bearings are in satisfactory condition, they are cleaned and lubricated with new grease
- Inspecting and engaging of trailer brake system: Our technicians will observe all portions of the trailer brake components of both disc and drum brake systems; the brakes will be manually engaged and checked to be sure they are activating properly. Inspection of the actuating device and all brake fluid levels will be checked
- Inspecting the trailer frame and suspension
- Checking tire pressure
- Torquing all wheel lugs
HORSE TRAILERS
Q: If I use a horse trailer, are there specific maintenance items I should keep top of mind?
A: Legendary Trailer Repair services hundreds of horse trailers in Anne Arundel County and we understand how precious the cargo is that is carried by each of these trailers. We developed a specific checklist specifically for our horse trailer customers.
It is imperative that regular or routine maintenance is performed on your horse trailer to ensure all systems are working properly. Unlike other trailers, there are many different issues that can arise such as rodent infestation and weak or damaged floor boards.
Regular maintenance should be performed, including:
- Inspecting all lights and electrical wiring for proper operation
- Inspecting the trailer’s coupling device and safety chains
- Cleaning and packing wheel bearings: The wheel bearings are inspected for irregular wear or pitting; if any damage is found then they must be replaced; if the wheel bearings are in satisfactory condition, they are cleaned and lubricated with new grease
- Inspecting and engaging of trailer brake system: Our technicians will observe all portions of the trailer brake components of both disc and drum brake systems; the brakes will be manually engaged and checked to be sure they are activating properly; inspection of the actuating device and all brake fluid levels will be checked
- Adjusting all brakes
- Checking the Emergency Breakaway system
- Inspecting the trailer frame and suspension
- Observing the condition of the trailer’s floor boards (Please note: LTR can only observe the floor boards for obvious damage and does not have the ability to APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE the integrity, strength or longevity of the structure; we do not offer pressure tests)
- Checking all interior lights
- Checking tire pressure
- Torquing all wheel lugs
