What to Do When Your Trailer Breaks Down on the Highway

Breakdowns are never convenient, but when you're towing a trailer, they can quickly turn from a nuisance into a major safety hazard. Whether you're hauling tools, gear, or your weekend toys, a trailer breakdown on the highway can be both stressful and dangerous. At Denny’s Auto, proudly serving Riverton and Draper, UT, we know firsthand how crucial it is to stay calm, safe, and prepared in these situations.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when your trailer breaks down on the highway, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what preventative steps you can take to minimize your risk in the future. Let’s dive in—with insights and advice grounded in decades of real-world experience from the team at Denny’s Auto.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety Immediately

Your safety and that of your passengers come first. At high speeds and with limited shoulder space, a trailer breakdown can become dangerous fast.

Here’s what we recommend at Denny’s Auto in Riverton and Draper:

• Turn on your hazard lights immediately. This alerts other drivers that you’re slowing down or stopped.
• Gradually reduce speed and pull as far off the roadway as safely possible. Ideally, aim for a flat, wide shoulder or a nearby exit.
• Use reflective triangles or flares if you have them, placing them behind your trailer to warn oncoming traffic.
• Stay inside your vehicle if you're on a busy road or highway unless it's safe to exit. If you must get out, do so from the side away from traffic.

Step 2: Assess the Problem

Once you're safely off the road, it's time to investigate the cause of the breakdown—only if conditions allow.

Common trailer breakdown issues include:

• Flat or blown trailer tires
• Axle or suspension failure
• Broken or disconnected hitch
• Electrical wiring failure (e.g., lights or brake connection)
• Overloaded or unbalanced cargo

At Denny’s Auto in Draper and Riverton, we often see that many trailer breakdowns stem from lack of routine maintenance or overloading. That’s why we offer detailed trailer inspections to catch small issues before they become highway emergencies.

Step 3: Know When to Call for Help

Sometimes, a quick roadside fix can get you moving again. Other times, professional assistance is non-negotiable.

Situations where you should call for help:

• A blown tire without a spare or jack
• Significant axle or suspension damage
• A broken hitch or trailer detachment
• Unsafe roadside conditions

We recommend always having a roadside assistance plan that covers both your towing vehicle and trailer. At Denny’s Auto, we’ve helped hundreds of customers recover from trailer-related issues by providing post-breakdown inspections and repairs that prevent future failures.

Step 4: Document the Incident

If your trailer or its contents are damaged, you’ll want proper documentation for insurance or warranty purposes.

Here’s what to do:

• Take photos of the trailer, vehicle, and surrounding area.
• Write down the sequence of events, including any symptoms leading up to the breakdown.
• Save receipts for any towing, parts, or emergency services.

Bringing this information to your mechanic—like our trusted team at Denny’s Auto—helps speed up diagnostics and repairs once you're back in town.

Step 5: Prevent the Next Breakdown

We believe prevention is the best cure. Regular trailer maintenance can drastically reduce your risk of highway breakdowns.

Trailer Maintenance Checklist from Denny’s Auto:

✅ Inspect tires for wear, proper pressure, and age
✅ Check brakes and brake lights before every trip
✅ Lubricate wheel bearings regularly
✅ Tighten lug nuts and check for signs of corrosion
✅ Verify hitch security and test the safety chains
✅ Ensure wiring harnesses are intact and securely connected
✅ Balance your load and don’t exceed your trailer’s weight rating

At Denny’s Auto in Riverton and Draper, we offer complete trailer inspections and maintenance services. Whether you’re prepping for a long haul or storing your trailer for the season, our team ensures your equipment is road-ready and reliable.

Tips for Towing Smart

In addition to maintenance, smart driving habits are your best defense on the highway.

Here are a few towing best practices:

• Drive slower than you would without a trailer
• Allow more stopping distance
• Avoid sudden lane changes
• Check mirrors often for trailer sway
• Use lower gears when descending steep grades

At Denny’s Auto, we educate customers on safe towing practices, especially those new to trailer ownership. If you're uncertain whether your vehicle and trailer are properly paired, we’re happy to help evaluate and optimize your setup.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Experts at Denny’s Auto

Trailer breakdowns can happen to even the most prepared drivers. But with the right knowledge, tools, and support, you can handle the situation confidently—and prevent it from happening again.

At Denny’s Auto, we’re more than just your local repair shop in Riverton and Draper, UT. We’re your trusted partner in automotive care. From expert trailer maintenance to full-service diagnostics, we help you stay safe, prepared, and confident on the road.



Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the shoulder. Visit us for a pre-trip trailer inspection, or let our experienced technicians assess your current setup. We’ll give you peace of mind, one mile at a time.