Behind the Scenes at Coffs Metal Works

How Our Trailer Safety Inspections Protect Your Warranty, Your Gear, and Your Peace of Mind**

When a trailer leaves Coffs Metal Works, it doesn’t just roll out the door — it passes through one of the most detailed inspection processes in the industry. Whether it’s a boat trailer, box trailer, or hydraulic tipper, every unit undergoes a full safety inspection, bolt‑tension check, weld verification, and photographic documentation before it earns the CMW stamp of approval.

This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting your warranty, ensuring long‑term reliability, and giving you confidence that your trailer is built to handle Australian conditions.

Here’s a deeper look at what we do — and why it matters.

1. Identification, Compliance & Warranty Protection

Before any mechanical checks begin, we verify all compliance items:

• VIN plate is present, readable, and matches documentation
• Registration plate is secure
• Compliance labels are intact
• Warranty eligibility is confirmed

This step is crucial because your warranty depends on accurate identification and compliance. We photograph the VIN plate, compliance stickers, and registration plate as part of your trailer’s digital record.

2. Structural Integrity & Weld Quality – Photographed and Signed Off

One of the most important parts of our inspection is checking the trailer’s structure:

• Welds are visually inspected for cracks, porosity, or separation
• High‑stress areas (drawbar, chassis joins, suspension mounts) are photographed
• Any weld that doesn’t meet our standard is reworked before sign‑off

We don’t just look at welds — we document them. Every trailer receives a set of photos showing:

• Chassis welds
• Drawbar welds
• Spring hangers
• Cross‑member joins
• Winch post welds (boat trailers)

These photos are stored with your warranty file, proving the trailer left our workshop in perfect condition.

3. Coupling, Safety Chains & Tow Components – Tested and Verified

Your trailer’s connection to your vehicle is the most critical safety point. We test:

• Coupling lock and release
• Safety chain rating and condition
• Hammerlock or D‑shackle integrity
• Breakaway unit (if fitted)
• Jockey wheel operation

Each item is signed off by the technician and photographed for warranty documentation.

4. Electrical System – Australian Components, Fully Tested

All imported trailers are upgraded with Australian‑standard electricals before sale.

During inspection we:

• Replace imported wiring with Australian‑supplied cable
• Test all lights (tail, brake, indicators, clearance, number plate)
• Verify earth connections
• Photograph the wiring layout and plug condition

This ensures your trailer meets Australian road laws and warranty requirements.

5. Wheels, Tyres, Bearings & Hubs – Premium Components Only

CMW installs Japanese‑made bearings because they last longer and run cooler.

Our inspection includes:

• Bearing adjustment and grease
• Hub rotation test
• Tyre condition, pressure, and load rating
• Rim inspection for cracks or damage
• Wheel nut torque check

We photograph:

• Bearing installation
• Hub assembly
• Tyre condition
• Torque wrench reading (when required)

This protects your warranty and proves the trailer was serviced correctly.

6. Suspension System – Bolt Tension & Wear Checks

We inspect:

• Leaf springs
• Rocker roller suspension
• Shackles and hangers
• U‑bolts
• Bushes and mounts

Every bolt is tension‑checked and signed off. Critical suspension bolts are photographed for your file.

7. Braking System – Mechanical or Electric, Fully Tested

For mechanical override brakes, we check:

• Cable condition
• Override mechanism
• Pads/shoes
• Drums/discs

For electric brakes, we test:

• Magnet function
• Wiring
• Controller activation
• Breakaway battery charge

We photograph brake components before reassembly.

8. Boat Trailer‑Specific Checks – Saltwater‑Ready

Boat trailers get extra attention:

• Winch post alignment
• Winch strap condition
• Roller and skid alignment
• Keel support
• Guide pole security
• Anti‑rust coating application

We apply a non‑rust protective coating to all galvanised trailers — a CMW exclusive.

Photos include:

• Roller alignment
• Winch post
• Keel support points
• Anti‑rust coating coverage

9. Box Trailer‑Specific Checks – Built for Work

We inspect:

• Tailgate hinges and latches
• Tie‑down rails
• Floor plate integrity
• Cage mounting points
• Gas struts (if fitted)

Photos document the floor, rails, and cage mounts.

10. Tipper Trailer & Hydraulic System – Power Tested

Hydraulic systems are tested under load:

• Pump operation
• Ram extension and retraction
• Hose condition
• Battery charge
• Pivot lubrication
• Safety locks

We photograph:

• Hydraulic ram
• Pump and hoses
• Battery and wiring
• Pivot points

11. Bolt Tension & Fastener Verification – Every Bolt Signed Off

Every major bolt is checked and signed off:

• Coupling bolts
• Drawbar bolts
• Suspension bolts
• U‑bolts
• Winch post bolts
• Roller bracket bolts

This is one of the most important warranty requirements.

12. Final Road‑Ready Test – The CMW Guarantee

Before a trailer leaves our workshop, we perform a final test:

• Trailer sits level
• Brakes tested under load
• Lights tested with vehicle
• Safety chains connected correctly
• Wheel nuts re‑checked

The technician signs off the final page and attaches the last set of photos.

Only then does the trailer qualify as a Genuine CMW Trailer.

Why We Do All This

Because we don’t just sell trailers — we stand behind them.

Our inspections protect:

• Your safety
• Your investment
• Your warranty
• Our reputation

If it carries the CMW name, it’s a trailer we’re proud to put on the road.