Upkeep, Cleaning, and Inspection: A Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining Your Child's Bike Trailer

Upkeep, Cleaning, and Inspection: A Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining Your Child's Bike Trailer

So you’ve had the chance to get outside and bike, have you given any thought to your trailer maintenance? It's likely that you checked: the chain, tires, brakes, and derailleur when you took your bike out for its first spin of the season, but did you check the trailer? 

We recommend giving your trailer some attention each time you perform regular maintenance on your bike - at the very least, you should be inspecting the trailer twice a year to ensure it's ready to go. Regular maintenance ensures that you can get the most out of your Wike trailer, and keep it in tip top shape for years to come!

General Maintenance Checklist:

Inspect for Wear

Start with the tow bar and move systematically from front to back of the trailer. Ensure all bolts and screws are tight.

Trailer Hitch

Replace the trailer hitch if it is more than 3 years old. The material can degrade over time, especially if stored in poor conditions. 

Tablock Pins

Verify that all tablock pins are in good working condition.

Safety Straps

For child trailers, check the secondary safety strap at the hitch. If it is frayed, replace it.

Axle Care

Apply oil to the moving parts of the axle twice a year and coat the entire axle to prevent it from fusing in the receiver.

Fabric, Bug, and Rain Screens

Examine the rain screen and bug screen for rips or wear. They can be cleaned by lightly scrubbing with a brush and a mild, environmentally friendly detergent. Avoid using bleach, which can weaken the material. If they are wrinkled or feel a bit snug, lay them flat in a warm, dry place to allow them to relax, then gently massage and stretch the seams of the velcro to assist in relaxing the material. 

Fabric Care

You will find two different types of fabric on Wike products: 800 denier Cordura-style nylon pack cloth, as well as polyester rip-stop fabric. 

Caring for 800D Nylon Packcloth:

Cleaning:

  • Use lukewarm water, a soft brush, and a mild detergent to clean dirt and stains. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, which can weaken the fabric if left behind.
  • Do not use a pressure washer, as it can damage the waterproof coating.

Drying:

  • Air-dry the fabric completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
  • Avoid direct sunlight during drying to prevent UV degradation.
  • Do not use a dryer, as excessive heat can harm the fabric and its coating.
  • Improper drying can cause mold to grow in the creases of the fabric, creating a health hazard

Waterproofing:

  • Apply a spray-on fabric protector to restore water and stain resistance as needed.

Repair:

  • Patch small tears using adhesive repair patches or have them professionally stitched.

Care for Rip-Stop Polyester Material:

Rip-stop polyester, commonly used in tents, is lightweight, strong, and resistant to tearing. Proper care will keep it functional and extend its lifespan:

Cleaning

  • Use cold or lukewarm water and a non-detergent soap (or a cleaner designed for outdoor gear). Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, as they can break down the fabric’s fibers.
  • Gently scrub with a sponge or soft brush to remove dirt and stains. Rinse thoroughly.

Drying

  • Always air-dry rip-stop polyester in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight during drying can degrade the fabric and weaken UV protection.
  • Do not use a dryer, as the heat can damage the material.

Waterproofing

  • Rip-stop polyester has a waterproof coating. Over time, this coating may wear off.
  • Reapply a waterproof spray or treatment specifically designed for rip-stop fabrics to maintain water resistance.

Repairs

  • Small holes or tears can be repaired using adhesive patches designed for rip-stop polyester. Apply the patch on both sides of the fabric for added strength.
  • For larger damage, seek professional repairs to maintain the integrity of the material.

Storage

  • Ensure the material is completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid UV damage.

Reviving Velcro

Velcro closures can lose their grip over time as they collect dirt, lint, or lose alignment. To revive Velcro:

Cleaning

  • Use a fine-toothed comb, tweezers, or a Velcro cleaning tool to remove lint, hair, or debris from the hook side of the Velcro.
  • If the Velcro is dirty, gently scrub both the hook and loop sides with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry completely.

Alignment Check

  • Ensure the hook and loop sides align correctly when fastened. Misalignment can reduce grip strength.

Restoration

  • If hooks are bent or worn, gently straighten them using a small needle or pin.
  • For severely worn Velcro, consider replacing it with adhesive-backed Velcro strips or sew-on Velcro patches.

More Maintenance Tips

  • Buckles and Snaps: Check that all buckles snap securely and remain intact.
  • Tires: Examine tires for cracks, wear, and proper pressure.
  • Storage: Store the trailer indoors in a cool, dry location to prevent UV damage and mold growth. Use carry bags or storage covers to shield it from dust and moisture. Avoid prolonged exposure to the elements, as sun, rain, and snow can cause fabric to degrade.
  • Winter Precautions: In sub-zero temperatures, avoid folding the trailer as the plastic windows may crack.

Long-Term Care = Long Term Wike Fun

By following these maintenance tips, including proper care of Cordura fabric, rip-stop polyester, fastening hardware, and Velcro closures, your trailer can last 10 years or more. We have many customers reporting that their trailers are over 20 years old and still going strong!

If any part of your trailer is damaged or shows wear, replacement parts can be ordered through our website. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!

Happy Wiking!

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