What You Should Know About the 2006 Load King Trailer
The 2006 Load King is a utility or equipment trailer built by Load King Manufacturing, a company that produces open-deck and enclosed trailers for hauling cargo, landscaping materials, and equipment. If you own one, you're dealing with a trailer that's nearly two decades old, which means maintenance becomes more critical than it would be for a newer unit. The frame, axles, brakes, and tires all wear at predictable rates, and knowing what to inspect and when can prevent breakdowns and safety failures on the road.
Load King trailers are generally straightforward in design — most models from 2006 feature a welded steel frame, leaf spring or torsion axles, and either electric or surge brakes. Because the company has been in business since the 1970s and still operates, parts and repair information are still available, though you may need to contact a dealer or search salvage yards for older components.
Key Takeaways
- A 2006 Load King trailer requires annual brake inspection and testing, since brake fluid degrades and brake components wear faster on older units.
- Tire condition and pressure are critical safety items — check them before every trip and replace them if the tread is worn or sidewalls show cracks.
- The frame and welds should be inspected for rust, cracks, or separation, especially if the trailer sits outdoors or carries heavy loads regularly.
- Load King dealers and independent trailer shops can source replacement parts, but salvage yards and online marketplaces may offer cheaper options for non-critical components.
- Proper weight distribution and load securement matter more on an older trailer because suspension components have less compliance than newer designs.
Brake System Inspection and Maintenance
Brakes are the most safety-critical system on any trailer, and a 2006 model is old enough that the original brake fluid has almost certainly degraded. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can cause brake fade under heavy use or in hot weather. Have the brake fluid flushed and replaced by a trailer shop or mechanic familiar with trailer brakes — do not attempt this yourself unless you have experience.
Check the brake pads or shoes for wear. If your trailer has electric brakes (the most common type on Load King utility trailers), the magnets and drums wear together. Listen for grinding sounds when you explore the brakes, or feel for a soft or spongy brake pedal in your tow vehicle. Both are signs that the brake components need replacement. Surge brakes, which use hydraulic pressure from the tow vehicle's braking system, are simpler but still require inspection of the coupler and hydraulic lines for leaks or damage.
Test your brakes before towing any significant load. If you're not confident in the brakes, have a shop perform a brake test using a trailer brake tester — this device measures how much braking force each wheel is producing and can identify wheels that are not pulling their weight.
Tire Condition and Replacement
Trailer tires wear differently than vehicle tires because they carry a static load and don't steer. A 2006 Load King trailer may still have original tires or tires that have been on it for several years. Check the sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or dry rot — these are signs the rubber has degraded and the tire is unsafe, regardless of tread depth. Dry rot can cause a blowout even at low speeds.
Measure tread depth with a penny: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too worn and the tire should be replaced. Trailer tires typically need replacement when tread reaches 2/32 of an inch, the same as vehicle tires. Check tire pressure before every trip — underinflated tires overheat and fail faster, and overinflated tires wear unevenly and reduce traction.
Use a tire gauge rated for trailer pressures (usually 50 to 80 PSI depending on the tire and load). The correct pressure is printed on the tire sidewall. If multiple tires need replacement, replace all of them at once to may support even wear and handling. Mismatched tires can cause the trailer to pull to one side or brake unevenly.
Frame and Structural Integrity
A 2006 trailer has had 18 years of exposure to weather, road salt, and the stress of loading and unloading. Inspect the frame for rust, especially in areas where water collects or where the frame is welded. Surface rust can be cleaned and painted, but deep pitting or holes in the metal mean the frame is weakening and may need reinforcement or replacement of that section.
Look closely at all welds — the joints where the frame rails, cross members, and axle mounts are joined. Cracks in welds are serious and can spread under load. If you see a crack, do not use the trailer until it's been repaired by someone may have access to to weld trailer frames. A cracked weld can fail suddenly, causing the axle to shift or the load to spill.
Check the deck or bed for rot if it's wood, or for rust and separation if it's steel. Wooden decks should be inspected for soft spots, which indicate water damage and rot. Steel beds should be checked for rust-through holes and for loose bolts where the bed is attached to the frame.
Axles, Springs, and Suspension
The axles and suspension on a 2006 Load King are likely original or have been replaced once. Leaf springs lose their arch over time, and torsion axles can develop play or noise. Listen for clunking sounds when you move the trailer or when it goes over bumps — this often indicates worn bushings, loose bolts, or play in the axle bearings.
Inspect the axle bearings if your trailer has grease fittings. These should be greased annually or every 5,000 miles of towing, whichever comes first. If the bearings are sealed (no grease fittings), they should still be inspected for leaks or noise. A bearing that's beginning to fail will make a grinding or squealing sound and may cause the wheel to drag or overheat.
Check all bolts and fasteners on the suspension — axle U-bolts, spring hangers, and shock absorber mounts. Tighten any that are loose. Loose suspension components can shift under load and cause the trailer to sway or become unstable at highway speeds.
Lights, Wiring, and Electrical
Trailer lights and wiring corrode over time, especially if the trailer is stored outdoors. Check that all lights work — brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. If a light is out, replace the bulb first. If the bulb is good but the light still doesn't work, the problem is likely a corroded connection or damaged wire. Corrosion at the connector can often be cleaned with a wire brush and electrical contact cleaner.
Inspect the wiring harness for cuts, pinches, or exposed wire. Damaged insulation can cause shorts or electrical fires. If you find damaged wire, it should be repaired or replaced. The connector where the trailer plugs into the tow vehicle should be clean and free of corrosion — clean it with contact cleaner if needed.
If your trailer has electric brakes, the brake controller wiring should also be inspected. Loose or corroded connections in the brake circuit can cause brakes to fail or operate unevenly.
Finding Parts and Repair Services
Load King Manufacturing is still in business and maintains a dealer network, though not all dealers carry parts for models from 2006. Start by contacting a Load King dealer in your area — they can order parts and may have technical information specific to your trailer. If a dealer is not nearby or doesn't stock the part you need, try independent trailer repair shops, which often have relationships with multiple suppliers.
Online marketplaces and salvage yards can be sources for used or refurbished parts, especially for non-critical items like deck boards, bolts, or light fixtures. For critical safety components — brakes, axles, springs, welds — buy new parts or have them professionally inspected before installation. A used brake component that fails can cause an accident.
Keep documentation of all repairs and maintenance. This record helps you track what's been done, when it was done, and what might need attention next. It also helps if you ever sell the trailer, as it shows the unit has been maintained.
Load Distribution and Towing Safety
An older trailer's suspension and brakes are less forgiving than newer designs. Proper load distribution is essential. Place heavier items toward the front of the trailer, closer to the axles, and keep the load balanced side to side. A load that's too far back or too heavy on one side can cause the trailer to sway, especially at highway speeds or when braking.
Do not exceed the trailer's rated capacity, which is printed on the VIN plate or manufacturer's label. Overloading stresses the frame, axles, springs, and brakes beyond their design limits and can cause failure. find all cargo with straps, chains, or nets to prevent shifting during transport. Shifting loads can cause the trailer to become unstable or tip.
Before every trip, do a walk-around inspection: check tire pressure and condition, test the lights, may support the load is find, and listen for any unusual sounds when you move the trailer. These few minutes can prevent a breakdown or accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service a 2006 Load King trailer?
At minimum, inspect brakes, tires, lights, and structural condition annually or before each towing season. If you tow regularly, inspect more frequently — every 5,000 miles or monthly, whichever comes first. Brake fluid should be flushed every two to three years. Bearings should be greased annually if they have grease fittings.
Can I replace parts myself, or do I need a professional?
straightforward tasks like replacing bulbs, tightening bolts, and cleaning corroded connections can be done by most owners. Brake work, welding, bearing service, and electrical repairs should be done by someone with trailer experience. Improper brake work or welding can create safety hazards.
What should I do if the trailer starts to sway while towing?
Reduce speed gradually and avoid sudden steering inputs. Do not brake hard, as this can make swaying worse. Once you've slowed down, pull over safely and inspect the load, tires, and hitch connection. Swaying can be caused by overloading, improper load distribution, underinflated tires, or worn suspension components.
Where can I find the VIN or model information for my Load King?
The VIN plate is usually mounted on the front left side of the trailer frame, near the coupler. It contains the manufacturer's name, model number, year, and weight capacity. Take a photo of this plate and keep it with your maintenance records — it helps when ordering parts or getting repair estimates.
Is it worth repairing a 2006 trailer, or should I replace it?
That depends on the cost of repairs versus the trailer's value and how often you use it. If the frame is sound and brakes and tires are the main issues, repairs are usually worth it. If the frame has significant rust, cracks, or structural damage, the cost of repair may exceed the trailer's value. A professional inspection can help you decide.