Parking up a trailer for winter - off wheels?

Herzlos

I've got a tatty old trailer that rarely gets used outside of spring/summer, so it'll sit unused for a few months now. Normally I've done nothing with it but the brakes have been known to stick on after a long period of inactivity. I already leave it chocked with the handbrake off, but I'm wondering if I'm best storing on on stands so that the wheels are off the ground to avoid flat spots and making it trivial to spin them to avoid rust build up. Is that safe to do and is there anything else I should consider?

AdrianC

Yes, it's safe to do. It'll probably be more benefit to the brakes than the tyres - an empty trailer has very little weight compared to the capacity of the tyres. Where you see caravans and trailers on stands with the wheels removed, it's usually to prevent theft rather than protect the tyres - aging is usually the reason for replacing trailer and caravan tyres, so check their manufacture date markings.

Might be worth covering the hitch, too, and re-greasing it come spring.

Herzlos

Very good point regarding the weight. I'll do that, thanks.

knightstyle

Similar situation, all we do is chock wheels, brake off and cover the tyres with a bit of old tarpaulin as sunlight degrades them. Don't bother jacking up etc.