26 MUST-ASK TRAILER QUESTIONS (WHETHER YOU OWN ONE OR ABOUT TO)

And Why the Answers Might Make You Look at European Trailers Differently

When it comes to trailer ownership, most people focus on the obvious — size, weight, and maybe the hitch. But beneath the surface lies a world of subtle risks, preventable failures, and overlooked innovations. This list of 26 questions isn’t just about maintenance — it’s about safety, efficiency, emergency mechanical brakes and long-term value.

And while trailers built in Australia have a reputation for ruggedness and simplicity, there’s something to be said for the quiet advantages of European trailer engineering, especially in areas like durability, design logic, and road-readiness.

1. What part of your trailer is maturing faster than anything else — and how would you even know?

It’s usually the moving parts — hinges, latches, brake linkages — that age first, especially without regular care. A quick 5–10 minutes oiling session every fortnight can prevent rust and seizing. Grease packing of bearings regularly.European trailers are fully galvanised, with sealed, pre-packed bearings — meaning no weekly oiling, less rust, and far less maintenance overall.

2. If your trailer came loose at 95 km/h, would your current setup actually prevent a disaster — or just delay it?

Safety chains are a last resort, and electric breakaway systems are often neglected.
Most European trailers use override mechanical brakes that apply without driver input — a step beyond standard electric setups. Inclusive of secondary breakaway which will engage if chains fail.

3. How much is your trailer costing you in hidden fuel expenses every year just from wind drag?

Heavy, boxy trailers increase drag — and that’s money burned on fuel every trip. Over time, that’s real opportunity cost- lost: money you could’ve saved and spent elsewhere.

European trailers are lighter by design, often using aerodynamic profiles and high-strength lightweight materials, energy efficient tyres, making them far more fuel-efficient in the long run.

4. Can your trailer pass a roadworthiness inspection in another state or country — or would it be illegal the moment you cross the border?

What’s legal in one state or country might be non-compliant just miles away. Differences in brake systems, lighting positions, reflectors, and trailer width can all trigger fines — or worse, being requested to leave trailer on the side of the road until it is roadworthy. All states now require full compliance to VSB1-V6.

If you tow across borders, it’s smart to check compatibility with local road rules before you go. It’s not just about safety — it’s about staying legal. With modern European trailers, they will have a pre-approved VTA. This removes the concern as when approval was attained, everything about the trailer would have been approved.

5. What would happen to your trailer load, if you had to make a sharp evasive manoeuvre right now?

During a sudden sharp turn or emergency quick swerve, unsecured loads can shift violently, causing dangerous instability that affects your control and increases the risk of accidents. Many European trailers include built-in load securing points on the deck and chassis-integrated anchor systems. Therefore, correct tying down of your load, should be systematic.

6. Do you know how your trailer handles in the rain — or are you just assuming it’s fine?

Rain affects stopping distance, sway, and electrical (lighting-braking) reliability of trailers. Wet roads can reduce tire traction, making brakes less effective and increasing the chance of trailer sway. However, many Australian trailers rely on basic electric brakes and exposed wiring that can be more vulnerable to water damage and less responsive in slippery conditions

European trailers often feature sealed lighting, override drawbar energy storage, certified and rated tyres, and overrun brakes that respond to load without driver input.

7. What’s the one bolt on your trailer that, if it failed, could lead to a serious failure — and have you checked it lately?

Axle mounts, wheel nuts and suspension bolts are mission-critical — if they loosen or shear off, it can lead to major trailer instability or even detachment.

While many trailers rely on basic bolted connections that can loosen over time if not regularly checked, European designs typically use engineered assemblies with load-rated fasteners and torque rated tightening procedures, reducing the risk of unexpected failure and lowering long-term maintenance needs.

8. Would your trailer still be safe to use if it sat in the same place for another year?

Time off the road doesn’t equal preservation. Tires can dry out, brakes may seize, and moisture can cause rust, metals deteriorate — especially underneath.

Australian trailers, while built tough, often use painted steel frames and leaf spring suspensions, which can be more prone to corrosion and fatigue if left sitting too long without proper maintenance.
In contrast, many European trailers use fully galvanised frames, parabolic leaf spring or rubber torsion axles, making them better suited for long-term storage with fewer issues over time.

9. How many things on your trailer are there simply because that’s how it was ‘always done’?

Basic single leaf spring suspension, basic fixed couplers, and exposed single insulated wiring are still common. Oversized box steel and extra struts when not needed.
European trailer builders are quicker to adopt sealed hubs, modular electric looms, and sway-resistant suspension systems resulting in smoother towing and lower maintenance.

10. What’s your backup plan if your trailer’s electric brakes fail while descending a long mountain pass?

No power = no brakes — and on a steep descent, that’s a serious risk. The extra load and weight then is transferred to the tow vehicle.

Australian trailers typically rely on electric brake systems, which depend on the tow vehicle’s power/ separate (charged) battery and brake controller. If a connection fails or power is lost, braking ability can drop significantly.

In contrast, European trailers commonly use overrun (mechanical) braking systems, which automatically engage the trailer brakes based on momentum — no electricity or external input needed — making them a built-in fail-safe on steep terrain.

11. If your trailer lights go out during a storm, how quickly can you troubleshoot — and do you have everything you need to fix it on the road?

If your trailer lights go out during a storm/bad weather, you’re tow vehicle lights are blocked by the trailer, you are suddenly invisible to traffic — and that’s a serious hazard, especially in low visibility conditions.

European trailers often use waterproof plugs and automotive-grade sealed housings for improved resilience. If adapters to 7 pin are used, always ensure they are maintained and attached so, they do not lose connection.

12. Is the noise your trailer makes on bumps, just ‘normal’ — or is it a sign of structural fatigue or suspension failure?

Noises are early warnings of or loosening parts. However, some lesser quality trailers can ‘rattle’ due to the build.
With premium chassis and quieter torsion suspension, many European trailers are ‘taught’ when travelling— leading to a quitter -smoother towing experience.

13. How does your trailer affect your vehicle’s transmission, and are you monitoring for early signs of wear?

Too much tongue weight or drag stresses drivetrain components, braking and steering.
Most European trailers are low coupling weight, therefore transfer of weight to towball is only necessary weight – Always tow a level trailer irrespective of design -it reduces vehicle maintenance and ensures safer driving.

14. Could a thief unhook your trailer in under 60 seconds — even with your current security setup?

Unfortunately, yes.
Australian trailers often rely on aftermarket padlocks or hitch pins, which can be effective — but are typically added by the owner and vary in quality.
Advanced coupling locks and anti-theft mechanisms are common on European trailers — often integrated during trailer manufacturing, not added later.

15. If your trailer gets a flat tire, do you actually have the right jack to lift it safely — and have you ever tried using it?

Most people do not or leave it on the side of the road.
Many European trailers are sold with jacking points and toolkit provisions designed for the trailer’s weight. They also allow for the trailer (tandem-Tri axle) to be driven onto a kerb or raised section and replace the flat hire. This is due to the centrally balanced design.

16. Are your trailer brakes actually aligned with your tow vehicle — or are they fighting each other without you knowing it?

Bad brake timing causes uneven wear, kerky braking and lockups. Either way, not efficient.
Many Australian trailers use electric brake systems that require careful setup and ongoing tuning with a brake controller. If not dialled in correctly, they can lag behind, lock, or engage too aggressively, creating instability.

European braking systems are override and adapt to the load/weight of the trailer itself. Once, correctly professionally adjusted – are self-regulating, removing the need for complex controller setups..

17. How would your trailer behave if one of its leaf springs suddenly snapped at highway speed?

Leaf failures are dangerous and more common than people think.
Australian trailers commonly use leaf spring suspensions, which are tough and proven, but exposed to corrosion, fatigue, and metal fatigue over time, especially with heavy loads or off-road use. Always look for and use premium leaf springs.
In contrast, parabolic leaf spring and rubber torsion axles are a European staple, they are certified, enclosed, smoother, and have no exposed leaf risk to break, offering quieter performance and less long-term maintenance.

18. What’s living inside your trailer frame that you haven’t seen in months?

Open cavities in box sections can fill with soil, invite pests, vermin and moisture.
Many European trailers use profiled open steel sections, hot dipped galvanised coated frames that resist nesting and settlement, easy to wash from the outside.

19. When you last parked your trailer, did you consider how water might pool around it during heavy rain?

Sitting water causes frame erosion, deterioration and electrical damage.
Low-profile EU trailers often include built-in drainage features and weatherproof sealed cabling. What ever your trailer, we recommend it sits slightly tilted for water or condensation to run off.

20. What critical part of your trailer is wearing out faster just because of how you store it?

UV damage, flat-spotting, and rubber dry-out, fading materials.
Whether you have Australian or European models, always check for weather deterioration, garage your trailer or keep undercover when you can.

21. Would your insurance still cover you if your trailer caused damage due to improper loading?

Insurers may often deny claims if loads shift or you exceed trailer payload specs.
Strict loading guidelines, knowledge of what your trailer weighs and can hold is essential. Always assess your load and the documented tow ratings to reduce ambiguity — and strengthen your coverage position.

22. Have you ever towed your trailer fully loaded through tight turns — and do you know your actual turning clearance?

Swing-outs, cutting up and blind spots catch people off guard.
Always be aware of your driving path and route that your trailer has. trailers often include swept-path modelling or turning guides in their documentation. Ausroads can also provide differing swept paths for reference.

23. Do you know how much weight is pressing down on your hitch right now — or are you just guessing?

Incorrect tongue/nose weight can cause trailer sway, reduced steering control, poor braking, raised misaligned headlights, and added strain on your vehicle’s suspension.

European have a lower nose weight in order for a safer, driving and managed load experience.

In contrast, most Australian trailers have three times the nose weight of a European trailer, leaving many owners to estimate or rely on external scales — which can lead to unsafe towing conditions if not measured properly. Always be aware of your coupling/nose weight. Do not overload you’re a frame with heavy machinery buckets, heavy toolboxes or excess gen-sets. Couplings have ratings or D-values, these are not designed to be ‘maxed out’, Under normal conditions, the trailer should only be applying a percentage of the rated tow ball as hills, loads, turns and braking increase that load to the upper rated limit.

24. Is your trailer’s VIN number still visible and legible — and what happens if it’s not?

A missing VIN can result in fines or a failed inspection. It also is a hindrance when reselling.
European trailers often feature multiple VIN placements, engraved and protected etching, single and double plated systems. Ensuring the number stays visible and intact over the trailer’s lifetime. Trailers VINS are nearly always in a ‘set’ position -front o chassis, right of A frame or similar -all set by manufacturer.

Under the RVSA, it is a legal requirement to have a VIN plate and the trailer frame engraved with the same VIN.

25. If you had to unhitch your trailer in a sloped, uneven, or emergency location — could you do it safely?

Few people ever practice this critical skill, but it can be a matter of safety in real situations.

Many European trailers come equipped with easy use hand brakes, stabilising feet, and controlled couplers that make unhitching on uneven ground safer and easier.

In comparison, Australian design ball coupling trailers often rely on basic parking brakes or none at all, requiring more caution and skill during emergency unhitches, especially on slopes or rough terrain.

26. Do you know where your trailer parts were actually made — and does it matter?

Many local made trailers use key components from China or Taiwan. European trailers, often built with KNOTT or AL-KO parts from Germany or Denmark, follow stricter manufacturing standards. High-quality brakes, couplings, and axles aren’t just about performance — they’re about safety.

💡 Final Takeaway: Better Questions = Safer Towing

Australian trailers are no doubt tough, built for extreme conditions and off-road use. However, there are modernisation practices and components needed. Some manufacturers are making the changes to enhance road safety on Australian roads. But when it comes to refined engineering, durability under long-term usage, and smart integration, European trailers quietly offer advantages that many owners only discover after years of maintenance — or lack of frustration.

By asking the right questions early, you not only reduce risks — you also put yourself in a position to choose the trailer that’s built for the long haul, reduces heavy exertion, easy to tow and use. Real savings are in the avoidance of ‘lost opportunity cost’, when you use the wrong trailer.