How to maintain a trailer – Essential Maintenance
Trailers are the ubiquitous symbols of an economy on the move. From boats to homes (in the form of RVs), from steel to farm produce, fuel to industrial chemicals and even horses are transported on trailers. Trailers transporting hazardous materials are likely to cause more extensive damage to life, property and the environment, in the unfortunate event of an accident. Trailers also carry large loads over huge distances, invariably on interstate highways. Hence the importance of preventive maintenance in case of a trailer can never be overstated.
The first step is the examination of the tires. All tires used on the trailer should be of the same type and size, in accordance with the certification on the trailer. Tires used in trailers must be inflated to a specified air pressure range. This is done with the objective of avoiding dangerous scenarios like tire damage, overheating and consequent blow out of the tires. Most states legally mandate pre-trip inspections as a preventive maintenance measure. As for matters like the selection of new tires and fire safety inspections go, the job is best entrusted to a qualified technician. Wheels and bearings are also to be examined alongside the tires to take care of any sharp edges. The health of wheel bearings plays a crucial role in braking efficiency. Wheel bearings should be taken out, cleaned, checked, refreshed with fresh grease and readjusted annually. Most significantly, wheel bearing pre-loads should be set to the manufacturer’s specifications. A careful look at the load rating, as prescribed by the manufacturer will help in the assessment of safety for different loads.
The braking assembly in trailers is crucial for on the road performance and safety and is an essential component of preventive maintenance. Check all the components therein for wear and tear. Brake lines are to be bled to eschew the possibility of air locks in the system, leading to failures. The braking fluid is also to be replaced annually to avoid internal corrosion and to prolong life.
The importance of lights and wiring checks as part of preventive maintenance is vital in view of the safety of the trailer driver and other users of the road owing to the big sizes and large turning radii for such vehicles. The trailer needs to be searched thoroughly with a fine toothed comb for damaged wires and burnt out bulbs. Wiring should not be too loose as some wires may be found trailing on the road. Wiring that is too tight could increase the possibility of wires getting disconnected as the trailer negotiates a turn. Finally the structural integrity of a trailer hinges, quite literally on the trailer hitch. Watch out for weaknesses in the hitch couple, draw bar and other connecting equipment to ensure that the trailer is securely fastened. Last, but certainly not the least, check the functioning of LED displays in the driver’s cabin, which are the first to warn the driver of any potential problem. Thus preventive maintenance of any trailer should encompass individual nuts and bolts of every system, both literally and figuratively.
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