Do you think your rental utility trailers do not need special preparation for winter?
Do you think your rental utility trailers do not need special preparation for winter?
You are mistaken like so many other people who have the same position, not knowing that harsh winter can cause serious damage to the trailer and pose risks for those who pull it.
If you own a utility trailer rental business, you must prepare your trailers for winter to increase the service life of trailers and improve customer experience.
Did you know that trailers are rarely washed during the winter, and the mud that stays on the body is the perfect remedy for corrosion?
No matter whether you decide to rent or store it over the season, make sure your trailers are clean and free from debris and mud to prevent corrosion.
Snow and ice can damage the trailer and make instant usage inconvenient.
For example, a utility trailer left outside may require hours of scraping ice and snow before a customer can use it.
When stored properly, they are ready for instant usage, dry for loading any product, and moisture-free to prevent corrosion.
The cold weather naturally contracts the air, lowering air pressure and impacting the traction and handling.
When tire pressure is higher during the winter, it helps to avoid wear and tear, tire blowouts, poor braking, poor gas mileage, and more caused by underinflated tires.
We recommend checking the tire manuals for the correct tire pressures.
There are all-season tires and tires for each season. Ensure your tires are suitable for winter.
What happens if you do not use winter tires:
Leaving trailer batteries outside in cold temperatures may lessen their service life.
Keep in mind that a battery may lose its charge when stored prolonged time. Therefore, we recommend checking it with a voltmeter every four to six weeks and charging it when necessary.
The US uses about 20 million metric tons of salt to de-ice their roads. Although it is good to prevent accidents, the salt is destructive to metal frames and joints.
It means you have to pressure wash your utility trailer after each use and apply a special coating to prevent corrosion.
Hinges and joints are prone to get stuck during the cold weather.
Customers may not like it if they face technical hardships during the cold weather.
So, lubricate all the spots with proper grease and make them ready for winter.
Your brakes should be fully maintained year-round—no exception to that.
But your trailer needs a thorough inspection before the winter as roads can get slippery.
Check the discs and brake pads. If they are worn out, put the new ones.
The moisture can damage the wiring when it remains exposed for an extended period.
Electrical wiring, along with signal lights must be secured, so as not to leave your clients stranded in cold weather.
It is not a must but will surely make a positive impression on your customers.
Winter weather is unpredictable. So, the emergency kit should include things like a mini shovel, tarp, emergency light, etc.
On top of everything we said. We want to give our last but important suggestion: Allow your customers to book your trailers online.
During the winter months, customers' shopping behavior changes significantly. The foot traffic drops because people prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes.
If you were a customer, would you prefer a trip to business during harsh winter to make reservations or booking, when you can do it online?
It means businesses with online booking systems are superior to businesses without one. Not only during the winter but year-round.
Do you want to automate your trailer rental business with an online booking system, inventory, and order management systems?
Use Reservety.
Its plans start at $28/month and covers:
You can currently test the software without a credit card.
Just sign up for the free trial and experience the conveniences Reservety offers.
You may also like the following articles about trailers.
20 US Laws that Every Rental Business Should Know
What Type of Trailer is the Most Profitable for a Trailer Rental Business?
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