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THE EQUIPMENT BLOG

How Long Does a Trailer Last?

how long does a trailer last

Doing your research before investing in a trailer is essential. One of the most common — and most important — questions we hear is, “How long does a trailer last?” That entirely depends on the quality of the trailer, the type of trailer, and how well you maintain it. However, we will say that an average high-quality enclosed trailer will last between 10 and 15 years.

At TP Trailers & Truck Equipment, we sell a wide variety of high-quality open and enclosed trailers — in fact, they’re our namesake products! In today’s blog, we’re digging into this big question and giving you insight on how you can get the most out of your new trailer. Learn more about the question, “How long does a trailer last?” — or reach out to buy yours today!

Average Trailer Lifespan: Open & Enclosed

The average trailer lifespan differs significantly depending on the model you buy — as well as how it’s used and maintained by you. When asked, “How long does a trailer last?”, we often refer to elite enclosed Car Mate Trailers lasting an average of 10 to 15 years. We have seen some Car Mate Trailers last as long as 25 years. Here’s what we always tell potential customers about trailer lifespan:

  1. The Brand You Buy Matters — From decades of working in the trailer industry, we can say for certain that the trailer brand determines quite a bit about the lifespan. Since an elite brand like Car Mate will be built to a higher standard, you can count on far better performance and lifespan. On the other hand, we’ve heard from customers that some cheaply made trailers can fall apart after only a year or two. This all comes down to the quality materials and the care put into the construction.
  2. Open Vs. Enclosed Plays a Role — Since open vs. enclosed trailers are fundamentally different pieces of equipment, their average lifespans will be different as well. Open trailers will often have a slightly shorter lifespan. Like we mentioned above, top-of-the-line enclosed trailers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, an open deck Car Mate trailer could last approximately 10 to 15 years or more.
  3. How You Treat It Affects the Lifespan — One of the key factors in the lifespan of any product is how you treat it. The more you abuse your trailer, the more wear-and-tear will occur over time. More than anything, though, being careless with the trailer and mistreating it can reduce the lifespan. We understand that trailers are meant to do tough jobs, but being more careful and conscientious with how you use it extends the lifespan and puts money back in your pocket.
  4. Maintain It Properly to Extend the Lifespan — A high-quality trailer is an investment whether you use it for your business or your hobby. By putting time into maintaining your trailer, you get more out of that investment. One of the most crucial types of maintenance you can perform on a trailer is touching up any nick or scratch before they turn to rust. On top of that, washing and waxing a trailer can have an impact on keeping the exterior looking like new. For open trailers with wooden decks, sealing the deck against the elements can also extend the trailer lifespan. Finally, if at all possible, we recommend keeping your trailer inside or covered. Since constant exposure to the weather causes it to deteriorate, keeping your trailer in a garage will extend the lifespan.

    See more essential trailer maintenance tips.
  5. Consider Having the Trailer Inspected — For some trailers, a yearly trailer inspection is required to keep them road legal. However, even if it isn’t required for your model, it can still be valuable as a safety precaution to catch and prevent mechanical problems. Similar to other preventative maintenance regimens we recommend, this can extend the trailer lifespan.

At TP Trailers & Truck Equipment, we perform PA trailer inspections — learn more about them right here!

Trust TP for All Your Trailer Needs

trailer lifespan

We hope this conversation was able to shed some light on the key question of, “How long does a trailer last?” If you’re ready to start shopping for a high-quality trailer, our team is standing by to help. We are the East Coast’s headquarters for all things trailers — we offer a wide range of trailers for sale as well as perform the maintenance, inspections, and repairs needed to keep you on the road.

Reach out today to get more information about specific models we recommend and to get prices!

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