Does a trailer need its own walkaround check?

Yes. A trailer is treated as a vehicle for maintenance and roadworthiness, so it needs its own recorded pre-use check — especially where trailers are dropped and swapped between units.

What should the coupling check cover?

The fifth wheel or drawbar coupling security, landing legs fully raised, air (susie) lines and EBS connected, and the electrical plug secure — before the combination moves.

How does HaulGuard handle drop-and-swap trailers?

Each trailer has its own record, so whichever unit couples to it, the trailer's daily check and 15-month history stay with the trailer.

Trailer walkaround checks

Trailer daily walkaround checks, coupled or dropped

A trailer is a vehicle in its own right for compliance. Whether it's coupled each morning or dropped and swapped, HaulGuard captures the trailer's own walkaround — coupling, brake lines, tyres and load security.

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In short

A trailer walkaround check is the pre-use inspection of an HGV trailer — semi-trailer, drawbar or step-frame. Because trailers are coupled, dropped and swapped, they need their own recorded check covering the coupling, air and electrical connections, trailer brakes, running gear and load security.

The check list

What a Trailer walkaround covers

Coupling & connections

Fifth wheel / drawbar coupling secure
Landing legs fully raised & secure
Susie (air) lines & EBS connected
Electrical (ABS/lighting) plug secure

Lights & indicators

Rear lights, indicators & brake lights
Marker & side lights
Number plate light
Reflectors & markings clean

Tyres & wheels

All trailer tyres (cuts, bulges, cords)
Tyre pressure (visual)
Tread depth ≥ 1mm
Wheel fixings & nut indicators

Brakes & running gear

Trailer service & park brake
Air lines & couplings, no leaks
Suspension & axle condition

Body & load

Bodywork, curtains & doors secure
Load restrained & evenly distributed
Rear underrun & side guards fitted

What we see

Typical Trailer defects HaulGuard catches

Damaged or leaking susie lines

Trailer tyres worn on inner axles unseen

Curtain and load-restraint faults

Corroded or missing side/underrun guards

Other vehicles

Walkaround checks by vehicle type

HGV walkaround checks Van walkaround checks PCV walkaround checks Coach walkaround checks Minibus walkaround checks Tipper walkaround checks

FAQ

Trailer walkaround checks, answered

Keep reading

Walkaround checksThe DVSA daily walkaround check app for every vehicle type.Defect managementTurn a failed check item into a tracked, signed-off repair.The complete guideWhat a DVSA walkaround check is and the duties behind it.

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