Trailers take a lot of abuse, yet proper maintenance and care is often overlooked, as many focus on the truck itself. When using trailers to haul goods and products, safety should always be your top priority. Visiting a diesel truck and trailer repair shop in Calgary is crucial, but there are also some measures necessary to keep your ride in top condition.
Keep everything clean
Cleaning will help extend the life of your trailer and ensure it retains its value. It is important to wash your entire trailer thoroughly after exposure to road salt and de-icing fluid during the winter months. This will help prevent the aluminum from corroding. A clean trailer also makes trailer problems easier to spot.
Trailers should be washed and inspected often to ensure they are in good condition. Make sure to check for debris that may be caught in trailer components, especially the hydraulic system. If the hydraulic system becomes compromised, it could begin leaking hydraulic fluid, which is toxic.
Examine hardware
Clean and lubricate the latches before the first use after storage, at least every three months during use, and after every season. Use manufacturer recommended lubricants for the best results and to maintain warranty.
Depending on the wear and tear on your fasteners, you may need to visit a dealer to have them replaced. Keep an eye out for problems with hinges, doors, and dividers, and address them as soon as they’re noticed. Check them every three months to make sure they’re still in good shape.
Inspect your tires and suspension
Regularly maintaining your trailer’s tires will improve its steering, stopping, traction and load-carrying ability. Underinflated tires can lead to tire failure, which can lead to breakdowns or an accident. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well, and visually inspect the suspension systems for signs of irregular wear, tear, or thermal cracks on the air springs.
It’s time for a brake
Properly working brake shoes and drums are essential to safety. Before each trip, check your brakes to ensure they are working properly. Also, make sure to have your brakes inspected by your repair shop on a regular basis.
When the brakes are applied on the wheel ends, look at the angle formed by the air chamber push rod and slack adjuster. This angle should be 90 degrees. If not, the brakes are not calibrated and should be fixed.
Lights, battery, action!
Check to see that all turn signals, stop lights, clearance lights, and taillights are working properly. Make sure the connection to your vehicle’s lights is clean and tight. Also check the breakaway battery system before every ride. Make sure the battery is fully charged, the connections are clean, and the switch is working properly.
Grease properly
Grease has many important characteristics, including the thickness system, grade, and performance rating. It’s important to choose the right grease for your needs based on these factors.
Before each tow, apply a thin coat of automotive bearing grease to the ball hitch of the trailer to reduce wear and ensure proper operation. If you see any cracks, flat spots, or wear on the ball or coupler, see your dealer for appropriate action.
Mobile trailer repair – Call for the experts on the go
You might be inspecting your trailer right before leaving for your journey and come across a problem, or perhaps in the middle of nowhere when the trailer suddenly stopped. Don’t panic.
You can always call the experts for mobile truck repair in Calgary and have your trailer checked, repaired, and good to go. But remember, prevention is better than cure, so keep your trailer maintenance a priority!
