You think about the trailer, the axle, the MAM. Rarely about the hardware. Yet that’s often where things go wrong: a seized jockey wheel, a missing safety chain, a faulty light. These small components are the first to be checked during a roadside inspection, and the first to cause problems in the field. This guide covers the essential accessories, the ones most often overlooked, and what to check before setting off.
Coupling and connection devices: the foundation
Before anything else, the connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer must be correctly secured. The coupling head, or ball hitch, is the main contact point. It must be approved, in good condition and correctly locked before every departure.
The standard ball diameter is 50 mm, which covers the vast majority of everyday use. Some professional configurations use different standards. The locking mechanism should click audibly into place, and the visual indicator, where fitted, must show green. For the full hitching procedure step by step, the article on how to hitch the trailer with a ball hitch covers everything in detail.
The safety chain or cable is equally important. In the event of accidental uncoupling, it prevents the trailer from running free. Attaching it to the towing vehicle is not optional: it is required by the Highway Code.
Jockey wheel, parking stand and stabilisation: safe stationary parking
The jockey wheel is the most frequently used and most frequently neglected accessory. It is used to manoeuvre the unhitched trailer and to keep it stable when parked. Two criteria determine the right choice: the maximum supported load and the type of ground on which it will be used.
For standard use on hard surfaces, a classic jockey wheel is sufficient. For use on soft ground or with heavier loads, reinforced models are available with pneumatic or wide-profile wheels. The vertical travel of the mechanism must be sufficient to compensate for height differences between the ground and the drawbar.
A parking stand, being more rigid, provides greater stability for heavy trailers or extended periods of storage. It does not replace the jockey wheel for manoeuvring, but effectively complements the stabilisation setup.
Lighting, covers and cargo protection
| Accessory | Purpose | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Rear lights | Signalling, brake lights, indicators | Yes |
| Reflectors | Passive visibility at night | Yes |
| Rear fog light | Visibility in poor conditions | Subject to MAM |
| Protective cover | Cargo protection | No |
| Straps and lashing | Load securing | Yes |
| Cargo nets | Containing loose loads | Depending on use |
Lighting is the first thing checked during a roadside inspection. A poorly maintained wiring harness, a badly connected plug or a faulty bulb are enough to result in a fine. The shift to LED lighting has simplified maintenance considerably: more robust and less susceptible to vibration, LEDs last significantly longer than conventional bulbs.
A cover is not required by law, but it protects both the cargo and the trailer itself. On sided trailers or open flatbeds, a properly tensioned cover also prevents debris from being thrown onto the road, which can itself constitute an offence.
For securing loads, ratchet straps are the standard solution. Their load rating must match the weight of the cargo, and their condition must be checked regularly: a frayed strap or one with a seized ratchet mechanism no longer does its job.
Mudguards, mudflaps and bodywork protection
Mudguards protect other road users from stone chips and mud spray. They are mandatory on trailers used on public roads and must cover at least the upper half of the wheel.
On trailers used intensively or in harsh conditions, reinforced rubber mudflaps are added to the mudguards to absorb the heaviest spray. These components are inexpensive but frequently damaged by manoeuvring or heavy loads: a visual check before each use is enough to keep them in good order.
The quality of fixings on these components deserves attention. A poorly secured mudguard vibrates, comes loose and can cause an accident. Stainless steel rivets or bolts resist corrosion far better, particularly on trailers regularly exposed to water.
When to replace accessories: the signs to watch for
Many trailer accessories do not wear out gradually. They work, then suddenly they don’t. This is particularly true of jockey wheels whose mechanism seizes up, electrical sockets that corrode, or cover hooks that deform under tension.
A few concrete warning signs to look out for:
- Excessive play in the coupling head, a faulty indicator or uncertain locking
- Visible corrosion on safety chains, hooks or straps
- Irregular indicator flashing or abnormal resistance when connecting the socket
The general rule: any accessory that is not 100% reliable must be replaced before departure, not after. On a frequently used trailer, a full hardware check once or twice a year is sensible. Our range of trailer accessories covers all of these needs.
In summary
Trailer hardware is not the most glamorous subject, but it conditions the safety of the combination just as much as the axle or the braking system. Coupling, lighting, stabilisation, load securing: each element has a precise role and clear replacement criteria. Regular maintenance of these accessories costs little and prevents the majority of incidents on the road.