The most common trailer problems and how to avoid them usually revolve around neglect rather than use. Topping the list is seized bearings. This happens when a trailer sits idle for months; moisture gets into the hub and pits the metal. Avoid this by using “bearing protectors” (like Bearing Buddies) and taking the trailer for a 15-minute drive every few months to keep the grease moving.
Wiring issues are a close second. Most trailer plugs get corroded or full of dirt. You can avoid “flickering light syndrome” by switching to high quality LED lamps, which are completely sealed against water, and applying a squirt of electrical contact cleaner to your plug before every trip. It takes ten seconds but saves you an hour of frustration on the side of the road.
