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Fluid and level
Use the fluid the manufacturer specifies and check the level with the bed fully lowered. Overfilling with the bed raised causes overflow, and low fluid causes pump cavitation and premature failure.
Protect the cylinder
Wipe the ram before lowering so grit does not get pulled past the seal. Never leave the bed raised for long periods, and store the trailer with the bed down and latched.
Battery management
The deep-cycle battery is the most common failure point. Keep it on a maintainer during storage, clean the terminals, and replace it every three to four years before it strands you.
Troubleshooting
If the pump hums but the bed will not lift, check battery voltage under load first, then the ground connection, then fluid level. Most no-lift calls are electrical, not hydraulic.