1. Check the air
It’s important to make sure tires operate at the proper inflation level. If you use tire pressure monitoring/inflation systems make sure to inspect them for leaks.
Tires are a major expense, so they deserve your attention. “Proper tire air pressure is key to tire longevity,” says Mike Goor, president of Contract Leasing Corp., a trailer leasing, sales and service company. Since drivers are often too busy to check tires as they should, he recommends tire pressure monitoring or inflation systems.
2. Take time for brakes
John Thompson, sales manager at TMD Friction, suggests using the following procedure to check trailer brakes.
“On wheel ends with spring brakes applied, look at the angle formed by the air chamber push rod and slack adjuster. That angle should be 90 degrees. If it isn’t, the brake is out of adjustment and needs to be fixed.”
Morgan suggests checking drum conditions while performing brake or wheel end service. “Measure the drums to make sure there is enough material to last until the next maintenance inspection. If it’s borderline, replace it.”
3. Keep it clean
De-icing chemicals don’t just attack electrical connections. They also attack metal parts.
“Routinely wash equipment after exposure [to these chemicals],” says Greg Smith, vice president of sales and marketing for Talbert Trailers. “Most importantly, wash the underside where chemicals can remain undetected.”
A clean trailer also allows you to more easily spot trailer problems, according to Jeff Hopper, director of sales for trailer manufacturer Direct Trailer. He recommends trailers be washed every 45 days and brought into the shop every 45 to 60 for a more thorough inspection.
While Hopper says pre- and post-trip inspections are the starting point for a good maintenance effort, “you have to do more than check the boxes on the list. The driver has to actually do a thorough and complete check.”
Smith also recommends checking for debris that may be caught in trailer components, being especially mindful of the hydraulic system. If the hydraulic system gets compromised it could begin leaking hydraulic fluid, which is considered toxic.
