
Trailer Safety Certificate Gold Coast: Get Your Roadworthy Checked with Confidence
Is your trailer ready for Queensland’s roads and registration? This straightforward guide for Gold Coast trailer owners covers everything you need to know about getting a valid safety certificate. We’ll walk you through what a roadworthy check involves, the ease of our mobile inspections, the key parts we examine, and how to get your trailer ready. You’ll discover when you need a certificate, how our convenient mobile service operates, what we check, and simple tips to help you pass on your first try.
Get Your Trailer Roadworthy Certified with Confidence
A Trailer Safety Certificate is your official green light from a licensed inspector, confirming your trailer meets all the necessary safety standards. It’s essential for registering, selling, or transferring a trailer, ensuring safe towing for everyone. Here on the Gold Coast, this certificate aligns with Queensland Transport and Main Roads rules, helping you avoid registration headaches and fines.
What Exactly Does a Trailer Roadworthy Certificate Check?
Our inspectors meticulously check six crucial areas to make sure your trailer is safe and compliant:
- Braking System – We look at the pads, discs or drums, hydraulic lines, and how well the handbrake works.
- Tyres and Wheels – We check the tread depth, tyre pressure, wheel bearings, and the condition of your rims.
- Coupling and Safety Chains – We ensure the coupling is the right fit, the safety chains have the correct load rating, and everything is securely attached.
- Chassis Integrity – We inspect the frame for any signs of damage, rust, or issues with welds to confirm it’s solid.
- Lights and Electrical – We test your indicators, brake lights, and tail lights, and check the wiring for continuity.
- Suspension and Axles – We examine the springs, shock absorbers, and axle bearings for any wear or damage.
When Do You Actually Need a Trailer Roadworthy Certificate in Queensland?
Queensland law requires you to have a safety certificate when:
- You’re selling or transferring registration for a trailer with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) over 750 kg.
- Your trailer has been unregistered for more than two years, and you need to re-register it.
- You’ve made significant changes to the trailer’s structure or braking system that affect its roadworthiness.
Do Small Trailers Under 750kg ATM Need a Roadworthy?
Generally, no. If your trailer’s Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is 750 kg or less, it usually doesn’t need a safety certificate for registration. However, keeping it well-maintained is still super important for safe towing.
How Does Our Mobile Trailer Roadworthy Service Work on the Gold Coast?

Our mobile service brings the inspection right to you! A qualified mechanic will come to your Gold Coast location, conduct the full safety check on the spot, and issue your certificate then and there. It’s the easiest way to get your trailer roadworthy without any fuss or downtime.
Why Choose Our Mobile Trailer Roadworthy Inspections?
- Ultimate Convenience – We come to your home, workplace, or job site. No need to tow your trailer anywhere!
- Save Time – We work around your schedule, often offering same-day appointments.
- Clear Pricing – No hidden workshop fees or surprise charges. What you see is what you pay.
- Expert Advice On-Site – Get immediate feedback and advice from our mechanics right where you are.
- Servicing All Gold Coast Areas – We’re flexible and can arrange inspections across all suburbs.
How Do I Book a Mobile Trailer Roadworthy Inspection?
Booking is a breeze on our website, roadworthygoldcoast.com.au:
- Tell us about your trailer and where you are.
- Pick a date and time that works best for you.
- Give us your contact and trailer details.
- Confirm your booking with a small deposit or payment.
Once booked, we’ll send you all the details, including your inspector’s information, for a smooth on-site experience.
How Long Does a Mobile Trailer Roadworthy Inspection Take?
Most standard trailer inspections take about 30 to 45 minutes. If you have a larger or multi-axle trailer, it might take up to an hour. We issue your certificate straight away if it passes, so you can get moving quickly!
What Are the Key Trailer Inspection Points for Roadworthy Checks?
We focus on six critical systems to ensure your trailer is safe to tow and legally compliant. Each part is vital for your trailer’s performance, especially when it’s loaded up.
How Are Trailer Brakes and Braking Systems Inspected?
We carefully check your brake pads, discs or drums, hydraulic lines, brake fluid, and the effectiveness of your handbrake to ensure you can stop safely and reliably.
- We measure the thickness and check the wear on your brake pads.
- We inspect the surface of the discs or drums for any issues.
- We check the condition of the hydraulic hoses and the brake fluid level.
- We test the tension and operation of the handbrake mechanism.
What Are the Tyre and Wheel Safety Standards for Trailers?
We make sure your tyres have enough tread, are correctly inflated, and that your wheel bearings are in good condition with minimal play. We also check the rims for any damage to ensure a safe and stable ride.
| What We Check | The Standard | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tread Depth | At least 1.6 mm | Crucial for grip and handling wet roads. |
| Tyre Pressure | As per the trailer ID plate | Prevents uneven wear and reduces blowout risk. |
| Wheel Bearings | Very little play allowed | Prevents overheating and potential bearing failure. |
| Rim Condition | No cracks or bends | Ensures a good seal with the tyre and proper balance. |
How Is Trailer Coupling and Safety Chain Integrity Verified?
We inspect your coupling mechanism and safety chains to ensure they are correctly fitted, rated for the load, and securely attached. This is vital to prevent accidental disconnection while you’re towing.
- We check that the coupling ball size is correct and the locking mechanism is secure.
- We verify the grade rating of the chains and the strength of their attachment points.
- We inspect D-shackles and ensure bolts are properly torqued.
What Does the Chassis and Structural Integrity Check Include?
We examine the trailer’s chassis, looking for rust, cracks, or issues with welds and alignment. This ensures the frame is strong and sound, especially when carrying heavy loads.
- We assess the severity of any corrosion or surface rust.
- We check weld quality and look for any signs of cracking.
- We ensure the frame rails are straight and the mounting points are secure.
How Are Trailer Lights and Electrical Systems Tested?
We test all your trailer lights – indicators, brake lights, and tail lights – and check the wiring for continuity. Using test equipment, we confirm everything is working correctly and connected properly.
- We test that all indicators, brake lights, and tail lights are functioning.
- We check the continuity of the earth and power circuits.
- We inspect connectors for corrosion and ensure insulation is intact.
What Is Checked in Trailer Suspension and Axles?
We inspect the springs, shock absorbers, and axle bearings for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive movement that could affect how your trailer handles on the road.
- We check the condition of the springs and measure any sag.
- We look for any leaks or stiffness in the shock absorbers.
- We ensure the axle bearings rotate smoothly and have minimal end play.
How Much Does a Trailer Roadworthy Inspection Cost on the Gold Coast?
Our pricing is competitive and offers great value for the convenience and expertise you receive. For the most accurate quote tailored to your specific trailer and needs, please get in touch or visit our website.
| Service Type | Typical Cost | How Long Does It Take | What’s Great About It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Inspection | Starting from $220 | 30–45 minutes | We come to you! |
| Workshop Inspection | Starting from $160 | 30 minutes + wait time | Fixed price, but you need to come to us. |
What Factors Influence Trailer Roadworthy Inspection Costs?
The final cost can be influenced by a few things, like the size of your trailer, how many axles it has, how far we need to travel for a mobile service, and if any repairs are needed. These factors help determine the time and expertise required for the inspection.
- The trailer’s Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM).
- The number of axles and brake systems.
- The distance for a mobile call-out.
- The complexity of the trailer’s electrical and lighting setup.
- Whether any parts need replacing or repairs are necessary.
How Does Mobile Service Pricing Compare to Workshop Inspections?
Our mobile service might have a small travel fee, but it saves you the hassle and time of towing your trailer. Workshop inspections often have a lower starting price, but you’ll need to factor in the time and effort to get your trailer there and back.
- Mobile: Super convenient at your location, with a potential travel charge.
- Workshop: Lower base price, but you need to manage the drop-off and pick-up.
- Both: We’re always upfront about labour and parts costs.
- Mobile: Offers much more flexibility with appointment times.
What Should You Do to Prepare Your Trailer for a Roadworthy Inspection?
A little preparation goes a long way! By doing a quick check yourself beforehand, you can often spot and fix minor issues, which means a smoother inspection and a higher chance of passing the first time. This saves you time and avoids extra fees.
What Is Included in a Trailer Roadworthy Pre-Inspection Checklist?

Use this simple checklist to give your trailer a once-over before we arrive. It helps you catch common problems with brakes, tyres, lights, coupling, and the chassis:
- Check your brake fluid level and top it up if it’s low.
- Make sure your tyre pressure is correct and the tread depth meets the legal minimum.
- Test all your lights – replace any bulbs that aren’t working.
- Ensure the coupling is securely attached and the safety chains are properly connected.
- Give the chassis a quick look for any obvious rust or damage.
What Are Common Reasons Trailers Fail Roadworthy Inspections?
Most trailers that don’t pass usually have issues with worn brakes, tyres with insufficient tread, faulty wiring, significant rust on the chassis, or loose coupling components.
- Brakes that are too worn or have fluid leaks.
- Tyre tread below the 1.6 mm minimum or tyres that are underinflated.
- Lights that don’t work or wiring that’s corroded.
- Serious rust on the chassis or cracked welds.
- A coupling latch that isn’t secure or has worn safety chains.
What Are the Next Steps If Your Trailer Fails Inspection?
If your trailer doesn’t pass, don’t worry! Just get the issues fixed by a qualified mechanic. Then, we can book you in for a re-inspection. For mobile services, we usually don’t charge an extra travel fee for the follow-up inspection.
- Carefully read the inspector’s report detailing any defects.
- Take your trailer to a qualified mechanic to have the listed faults repaired.
- Ensure all repairs meet the required safety standards.
- Book a quick re-inspection with us – we’ll come back to you without the extra travel cost.
Getting a trailer safety certificate on the Gold Coast is essential for staying legal and ensuring your trailer is safe on the road. Our mobile inspections from roadworthygoldcoast.com.au offer a fast, transparent, and convenient way to get your roadworthy done by certified professionals right at your doorstep. By preparing your trailer beforehand, you can increase your chances of passing on the first try, saving you time and money. Book your inspection today and tow with complete peace of mind!


