Although you may think you’re out of the woods in terms of finances after purchasing your first tractor-trailer, there are plenty of regular expenses that come with a trailer on top of the initial purchasing fee. From tire repairs to routine trailer maintenance, owning a trailer can be costly and there are many things that can affect the amount of your yearly repair bill. Understanding these factors is the best way to manage your trailer bills and still make a living. 
In 2011, the average total cost for a trailer was 15.2 cents per mile, which includes costs such as antilock brake systems (ABS), routine trailer maintenance and tire repairs. Determining the exact cost of your trailer isn’t a universal calculation and will depend on your specific type of trailer. Whether your have a flatbed or a refrigerated truck, the expenses that come after purchasing your trailer can vary greatly depending on the factors listed below.
Use of your trailer
Depending on what you’re trailer is being used for, your costs can be higher or lower. Enclosed trailer owners will likely have to deal with higher trailer maintenance bills than owner who is running a flatbed. However universal costs for any trailer are tire repairs and routine maintenance procedures to the structure, air system and brakes. On average, tire repairs average around $200 per month and routine trailer maintenance costs around $100 per month, but long distance trailer owner/operators can expect these numbers to be a bit higher than casual users.
Age
Another factor that strongly influences your yearly trailer bill is the age of your trailer. As your trailer ages, mechanical problems become more prevalent and regular inspections and trailer repair services are ever more necessary. Knowing when to cut your trailer from service and invest in a new one is a bit like gambling, but a good rule of thumb is when repair bills start to cost more than your trailer is worth, its time to retire it.
Technology
The technology utilized by your trailer will also affect your yearly trailer bill. ABS systems, which are now required by law, increase the per mile maintenance costs. Additionally, cosmetic care to keep your trailer looking nice may seem like an added expense, but not properly patching holes in the roof, sides or floor can not only damage cargo, but it can also lead to bigger repair issues and severely devaluing your trailer’s worth.
Trailers can eat up operating costs quickly if you’re not diligent about the repairs. A temporary, quick fix “patch” can end up costing way more than a proper, OEM level repair and the best way to minimize your repair expenses is to have your trailer examined routinely and make sure that it is always in peak shape. At Ainsworth Trailer Repair, we are always available to help minimize your trailer maintenance costs and make sure that you are not wasting money on an inefficient trailer.
