Common Trailer Repairs and Maintenance Tips
Trailers are a crucial piece of the trucking industry. They are used to transport cargo, equipment, and sometimes even people! Like any other vehicle, a trailer requires regular maintenance and repairs. If a trailer is not up to par, it will be inefficient and unsafe to use. Luckily, there are many nesehjul shops to choose from. But it is important to know what signs to look for in order to avoid costly damage.
Here are some common trailer repairs and maintenance tips to keep in mind:
Trailers come in all shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose – to move and carry cargo. A trailer is not attached to the ground, unlike a car or truck, and is designed to be towed behind another vehicle. The most common trailers are dump trucks, utility trailers and enclosed cargo trailers. Depending on the intended use, trailers can be modified with awnings, lights, air conditioning and more. In addition to cargo, trailers can also be converted into living quarters, like a camper or RV.
One of the most common trailer repairs is replacing damaged panels or beams. It is a delicate job that requires specialized skill. Glen compares it to “carpentry, except you are working on aluminum and steel instead of wood.” While some things, like suspension and electrical systems do cross over from trucking, trailer repair is mostly a specialty field.
If you hear odd noises from your trailer, it is usually a sign that there is a loose or damaged component. This could include rattling sounds, grinding or whining noises. Inspect your trailer for cracks or other unusual damage on a regular basis. Unusual sounds can lead to serious issues down the road, so identifying and fixing these problems as soon as possible is essential.
Safety chains are a critical part of your trailer’s safety system. These are attached to the lug nuts of your trailer tires and help prevent the trailer from becoming separated from the towing vehicle in the event of an accident.
Inspect the chain for any wear or damage, particularly areas where the chain has been dragging on the ground. It is possible that the chain will need to be replaced or shortened in length if there has been a lot of dragging.
Checking your trailer’s tire pressure is a good idea before every trip. Tires lose pressure over time and are often under-inflated which can cause a blowout or reduce handling and maneuverability. Always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended psi for your trailer tires.
When it comes to manual brake adjustment, it’s best to consult your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific steps. However, a general process is to jack up the trailer and secure it on adequate capacity jack stands. Then, remove the bleeder hose from the first wheel cylinder to be bled and submerge the end in a clear container of brake fluid to observe bubbling. Once the bleeder hose is disconnected from the cylinder, open the bleed screw on the master cylinder and fill it with the specified amount of brake fluid.
