Do you have a trailer that you want to store in your garage, but it’s too tall to fit? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many trailer owners face this problem, especially if they have a small garage or a tall trailer. But don’t despair, there are ways for how to lower trailer to fit in garage. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to do it step by step, with tips and tricks from experts and other trailer owners. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to lower your trailer and store it safely in your garage. Let’s get started!
Why Should You Store Your Trailer in Your Garage?
Storing your trailer in your garage has many benefits, such as:
- Protecting it from weather, theft, vandalism, and animals.
- Saving space in your driveway or yard.
- Reducing maintenance costs and repairs.
- Increasing the lifespan and resale value of your trailer.
However, not all trailers can fit in a standard garage. Depending on the size and height of your trailer and garage, you may need to make some modifications to lower your trailer.
How to Measure Your Trailer and Garage Dimensions
Before attempting to lower your trailer, it’s crucial to measure both the trailer and garage dimensions to ensure a proper fit. Take the following measurements:
- Trailer Height: Measure the height of the trailer from the ground to the highest point, such as the roof or an antenna. This measurement will help determine if the trailer can fit through the garage door opening without any modifications.
- Garage Door Opening: Measure the height and width of the garage door opening. Compare these measurements with the trailer’s height to determine if the trailer can pass through without scraping or damaging the garage door.
- Garage Ceiling Height: Measure the height of the garage ceiling to determine if it provides enough clearance for the trailer. Consider any light fixtures, beams, or other obstructions that may affect the trailer’s height.
How to Prepare Your Garage for Lowering Your Trailer
You may need to make some preparations to create a safe and suitable environment for lowering your trailer. Follow these steps:
- Clear Obstacles: Remove any obstacles, such as bicycles, tools, or other items, from the garage. Create enough space to maneuver the trailer safely.
- Check Floor Level: Ensure that the garage floor is level and free of any debris or lose objects that may hinder the movement of the trailer.
- Mark Position: Mark the position where you want to place your trailer in the garage. Use tape or chalk to outline the area.
3 Effective Methods for How to Lower Trailer to Fit in Garage
There are different methods you can use to lower your trailer, depending on your budget, time, and skills. Here are some of the most common ones:
Method 1: Remove Wheels and Lower onto Blocks
This method involves removing the wheels and hubs from your trailer and lowering it onto blocks or stands. This is a simple and cheap way to lower your trailer by several inches.
Here are the steps:
- Disconnect the trailer from the truck.
- Place blocks under the tongue of the trailer to support it.
- Lower the jack on the trailer until it is touching the blocks.
- Remove the blocks and lower the trailer all the way to the ground.
- Loosen and remove the lug nuts from each wheel using a wrench.
- Remove each wheel and hub from the axle.
- Place blocks or stands under each axle end.
- Raise the jack on the trailer until it is off the ground.
- Remove the jack from under the tongue of the trailer.
- Push or pull the trailer into position in the garage.
Method 2: Use a Trailer Jack to Lower the Tongue
This method involves using a trailer jack to lower the tongue of your trailer while keeping it attached to your truck. This is a quick and easy way to lower your trailer by a few inches.
Here are the steps:
- Connect your truck’s hitch receiver with a drop hitch adapter that lowers its height.
- Attach your trailer’s coupler to your truck’s hitch ball.
- Place blocks under each wheel of your truck.
- Lower each wheel onto its respective block using a floor jack.
- Lower the tongue jack on your trailer until it touches the ground.
- Drive your truck slowly into the garage, pulling the trailer behind it.
- Stop when the trailer is in position in the garage.
Method 3: Use a Hydraulic System to Lower the Suspension
This method involves using a hydraulic system to lower the suspension of your trailer. This is a more advanced and expensive way to lower your trailer by several inches, but it also provides more control and convenience.
Here are the steps:
- Install a hydraulic system on your trailer that allows you to adjust the height of the suspension.
- Connect your trailer to your truck as usual.
- Use a remote control or a switch to activate the hydraulic system and lower your trailer’s suspension.
- Drive your truck and trailer into the garage.
- Use the hydraulic system to raise the suspension of your trailer once it is in position in the garage.
5 Tips for How to Prevent Rust and Damage on Your Trailer
Once you have lowered your trailer and stored it in your garage, you need to take some precautions to prevent rust and damage to your trailer. Here are some tips:
- Cover Your Trailer: Use a breathable cover to protect your trailer from dust, moisture, and UV rays. Make sure the cover fits snugly and securely around your trailer.
- Ventilate Your Garage: Keep your garage well-ventilated to prevent condensation and mold growth. Use fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows to circulate air in your garage.
- Check Your Tires: If you have removed your tires from your trailer, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid stacking them or placing them under pressure. If you have kept your tires on your trailer, inflate them to the recommended pressure and rotate them periodically to prevent flat spots.
- Lubricate Your Bearings: If you have removed your hubs from your trailer, clean and grease your bearings before storing them. If you have kept your hubs on your trailer, check and lubricate them regularly to prevent corrosion and seizing.
- Maintain Your Battery: If your trailer has a battery, disconnect it from any electrical devices and charge it fully before storing it. Check and recharge it every few months to prevent sulfation and loss of capacity.
4 Tips for How to Maintain Your Trailer in the Garage
Even if you have stored your trailer in your garage, you still need to maintain it regularly to keep it in good condition. Here are some things you should do:
1. Clean Your Trailer
Wash and wax your trailer at least once a year to remove dirt, grime, and bugs. Use mild soap, water, and a soft brush or sponge to clean your trailer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or pressure washers that may damage the paint or seals.
2. Inspect Your Trailer
Check your trailer for any signs of damage, wear, or leaks. Look for cracks, dents, rust, or holes in the frame, body, roof, or floor. Check for loose or missing hardware, such as screws, bolts, or hinges. Check for any water damage or mold in the interior of your trailer.
3. Repair Your Trailer
If you find any problems with your trailer, fix them as soon as possible. Replace any broken or worn parts, such as lights, brakes, wiring, or seals. Seal any gaps or holes with caulk or silicone. Apply touch-up paint or primer to any exposed metal surfaces.
4. Test Your Trailer
Before taking your trailer out of the garage, test all its functions and systems. Make sure the lights, brakes, signals, and horns work properly. Make sure the tires are inflated and balanced. Make sure the coupler and safety chains are secure. Make sure the jack and leveling jacks work smoothly.
FAQs About How to Lower Trailer to Fit in Garage
Can a Trailer Fit in a Garage?
Yes, trailers can fit in a garage depending on their size and the dimensions of the garage. The size of the trailer you can accommodate in a garage depends on the width, length, and height of both the trailer and the garage door.
What is the Best Way to Raise Trailer Height?
The best ways to raise the height of a trailer include adding blocks to the springs, lifting the axles, using a lifting kit, adding new springs, replacing the axle/installing taller tires. Professional guidance is recommended for complex tasks. Safety precautions, compliance with regulations, and periodic height checks are important for a successful and safe height increase.
Conclusion
Storing your trailer in your garage can be a great way to protect it from the elements and save space on your property. However, not all trailers can fit in a standard garage without some modifications.
In this blog post, we showed you how to lower your trailer to fit in your garage using different methods. We also gave you some tips on how to prevent rust and damage on your trailer and how to maintain it in the garage. We hope this guide was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
Happy trailering!
