Owning a semi-truck and trailer and choosing the jobs you want to take can be great. However, the maintenance of both the power unit and the trailer becomes your responsibility. Proper truck trailer maintenance does not have to be complicated, and you can easily manage it, if you keep up with it as things come up.
Start With The Basics
The best place to start when doing truck trailer maintenance are basic things like greasing all the fittings on the trailer, and making sure all the moving parts are lubricated properly. The rear springs that connect the axles to the frame need to move freely to work correctly and protect the load from road vibrations and pumps like potholes or rough gravel access roads.
If the grease in the bushings and pivot points dries out, the pins and bushing can bind and eventually seize, leaving you with suspension that is not working, or bolts that break from the pressure put on them when the springs are moving. Most trailers have grease zerks on the pins or bolts that are easily accessible, so taking the time to grease them can save you from a broken assembly that is costly to repair.
Tires and Brakes
The trailer tires are not under power when you are hauling freight, but they can scuff when turning tight corners, and the weight in the trailer will cause the tires to wear as you drive. Checking the tires on the trailer should be a regular part of truck trailer maintenance, and if the tires are in poor condition, they need to be changed before the truck goes out.
While checking the tires, get under the trailer and check the condition of the trailer brakes, the slack adjusters, and the airlines that feed them. Trailer brakes that are not working can be a very serious problem because the weight of the loaded trailer can push the truck as you try to stop. That unchecked forward energy can push the power unit into intersections or through stoplights, and if there is traffic in front of you, the situation could lead to an accident.
Frame, Lights, and Connections
During the truck trailer maintenance, you should also look at the air connections on the trailer, making sure they are in good shape and not leaking. Check all the lights on the sides and back of the trailer, replace any that are out, and take a look at the frame or chassis to ensure there is no damage to the structure that would make it dangerous to use.
Truck trailer maintenance is often the best way to ensure that the trailer will do the job it is supposed to do and allow you to safely carry the freight required without damage to the merchandise, the truck, or the trailer during your trip. Look into a business like 24/7 Repair Services for more information.
Are you looking at something that is damaged or worn? Chances are, that item could be made to look new again. It would just take the proper expertise, the right tools, and some patience. You might not have the expertise, tools, or patience yourself, but you can bet that a repair and restoration contractor does. These contractors can fix all sorts of things, from chairs to old toys. Some specialize, and others offer a great variety of services. Read a few articles of this blog to further widen your understanding of the repair and restoration industry and what it has to offer.