Tips On How To Maintain Heavy-Haul Trailers

Did you know that there are more than 1.7 million trailers for heavy machinery nationwide? Heavy objects like autos and construction supplies are transported using these trailers, which can a weight capacity of up to 16,000 pounds. Because of the high demands put on these machines, it is crucial to maintain your equipment and have regular maintenance inspections performed.

We've prepared some advice on how to maintain your heavy equipment trailer more effectively below to assist owners and operators alike. 

Inspect air pressure 

The trailer tires are under-inflated if you notice that they are flat or even spongy. If it just affects one tire, it isn't a significant worry and usually can easily be resolved by adding air to the tire. However, if you see many tire pressure dips at once, one of your flatbed trucks may have a leak in its air system. It must be removed for maintenance and repairs. 

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This is a significant issue since air leaks may rapidly destroy tires by overheating and delaminating them. Before filling up tires, make sure all valves are closed! Always keep the compressor's gauge adjacent to the fill valves while adding air to monitor the pressure. The next step is to look for any seal leakage, chafing, or cracking in all hose fittings. They could let dust and moisture into the air system. 

Examine suspension 

During your thorough pre-trip suspension examination of your trailer look for missing or loosened bolts and nuts. Uneven tire wear is a sign of a misaligned suspension. 

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Taking hold of one of the axle hubs and trying to wriggle it side to side will allow you to determine if the suspension is loose. There should be very little play if the suspension is in excellent operating condition. Over time, the suspension components wear out and require replacement. It’s critical to spot worn-out parts in advance of a failure.

Proper lubrication

You probably already know not to put your fingers into the grease fittings on your trailer axles. Few people know that, depending on how often the trailer is used, the axle oil must be replaced annually. Drying out racing grooves may let moisture and debris into bearings, which harms them. Greater temperatures cause grease to lose viscosity as well. To optimize bearing lubrication, cold weather usage requires thicker lubes with loads of tackiness. 

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Allow for brakes

Your heavy-haul trailer brakes need regular maintenance and inspection like any other vehicle. This makes the road a safe place for all drivers. Grab each brake shoe individually and attempt to rock it back and forth while your parking brake is applied to check for any play or stuttering. That brake drum should respond equally to side-to-side rocking. 

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Any truck that tows a trailer needs a trailer brake controller. This mechanism aids in evenly distributing the braking power applied to the tow vehicle and the trailer, reducing the risk of skidding or jackknifing. However, if you experience unequal resistance when rocking in both directions, it can be a sign of an incorrect adjustment or possible damage. Dragging brakes might result in complete failure, which is far worse. Therefore, inspecting them before each journey quickly is a good idea. 

Prevent mess 

Although maintaining the cleanliness of your trailers may seem like a needless task, it is crucial for numerous reasons. A tidy trailer looks good and makes it easier to see minor issues before they become major ones.

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If not frequently cleaned and dried, a trailer's running gear and frame may rust very fast. So, don't skip this critical step! Look for corrosion and rust on seams, welds, and fasteners. It's essential to regularly inspect all the nuts and bolts on your trailer, particularly after significant repairs or alterations. 

Verify that it is lit properly

Your trailer's lighting system should be included in your daily pre-trip inspection. Transportation legislation mandates that all trailers have a functional tail stop, directional lights, and front and rear reflectors. 

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If any of the lights on your trailer are not functioning, it might lead to a penalty or, worse still, an accident. Consequently, make it a practice to examine them before each trip. Additionally, keep an eye out for any indications of wear and tear in the wiring system. Future electrical issues or fires may result from damaged wiring. 

Prevent corrosion on the trailer body 

Utility trailers are often subjected to inclement weather and damaging factors. Over time, this may wear down the trailer's metal body. Therefore, it's crucial to take specific precautionary measures to safeguard it. Utilizing a high-quality trailer wax or sealer is one method to do this. It will be simpler to clean up any dirt or debris, and it will assist in building a barrier from the weather. Additionally, you may purchase specialized coatings and sprays that prevent corrosion from helping keep your trailer looking brand-new for years to come. 

Final words 

These are the essential tips for maintaining your heavy haul trailers. Adhere to these tips at all times, and you will be able to get maximum work done without a challenge. 

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