Ensure the right kind of maintenance is performed and that it’s done in a timely manner.
Troy Geisler and Lloyd Hair
Heavy-haul trailers see it all—rocks, ruts, bumps and jolts. It all translates to an increased risk of damage. Here are some things to keep in mind when hitting the road with the load.
Key Areas Drivers Should Regularly Inspect
Owners should conduct a pre-trip inspection of the trailer and key wear parts before taking off with each load. This includes looking at the brakes as well as ensuring the tires are in good condition and properly inflated to the right psi. Also, check hydraulic hoses for damage or cracks, which could cause the system to fail if a leak occurs. When it comes to detachable and rear-load models, maintaining proper hydraulic pressure is another important aspect to keep in mind regardless of whether the system is self-contained or a wet line. This ensures proper operation of the components and reduces potential for overheating or other issues caused by low hydraulic fluid.
In addition, walk around the trailer and inspect the frame, chains and straps for damage. Trailers see a lot of use and abuse, particularly in harsher weather conditions, so repairs or replacements could be needed sooner rather than later. Keeping an eye on these components and replacing any that begin to show wear will help keep your trailer ready when you need it.
It is critical to establish a preventative maintenance program that includes lubrication intervals to prevent wear and ensure that the brakes and components operate correctly. A good maintenance program will reduce breakdowns and increase the life of the trailer. Important steps include:
- Use dielectric grease on lighting connections, electrical components, lights and lighting harnesses to reduce corrosion.
- Brakes, cams and slack adjusters need to be lubricated. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and grease guidelines.
- Inspect trailers for damage to the structure and make repairs as soon as possible to extend the life of the trailer.
Keep wear components in mind when purchasing a trailer. Models made with high-quality materials and finishes will last longer than those with traditional paints and standard materials. Select units with high-strength steel, such as 12-inch deep I-beams with a minimum yield strength of 100,000 psi, for long-term durability. Choose a trailer with premium primer and topcoat finishes. Choosing quality from the beginning ensures that you will have a trailer that looks great for years to come and will, as a result, have a higher resale value.
Minimizing Part Wear
Because of the sheer amount of use, parts such as wheel ends, tires and brakes will wear faster and need to be replaced sooner than other trailer components. But, there are things you can do to get the greatest longevity out of these features.
Regularly check tire pressure and keep them properly inflated, either manually or with an automatic tire inflation system. Traveling with underinflated tires is one of the biggest culprits of premature wear, so keeping them properly inflated will allow them to last longer and boost fuel efficiency.
In addition to keeping tires inflated, it is just as important to replace them when they become worn to avoid a blowout and downtime. Always select the right size and rating to ensure optimal performance and keep tire pressure equalized for the greatest longevity. Wheel-ends can also wear quickly and must stay lubricated to prevent gear oil leakage and ensure proper and safe operation.
Trailers haul some heavy loads, so it is no wonder brakes are also among the top components that can wear the fastest. They take a beating and will need to be replaced depending on use. To get the most longevity out of your trailer brakes, ensure that you follow the right loading capacity for the trailer. Overloading or unbalancing loads will put added stress on the brakes, causing them to wear much faster. Proper loading techniques also go a long way toward preventing premature trailer wear, so be sure to follow the right recommendations for your type of trailer and equipment.
Hydraulic cylinders should also be fully retracted when not in use to minimize exposure of the stainless steel rams to the elements and maximize their longevity.
Implementing a Preventive Maintenance Plan
One of the best ways to see a direct reflection of the success of your maintenance program is through the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s inspection program. The nonprofit organization scores commercial motor vehicles based on inspection procedures and CVSA criteria—the lower the number the better.
Trailer fleet owners should also match their equipment needs to a maintenance schedule. For example, will the trailer need to be on the road all the time or will it sit idle for longer periods of time? Developing a preventative maintenance program that aligns with an owner’s business needs will optimize longevity of trailers and their components. It also will enhance safety.
Get to know the trailer components and which ones work best for your operation. Oftentimes, manufacturers are happy to answer questions and provide the best recommendations based on your specific needs and applications.
Proper record keeping is also important so you know when preventative maintenance is needed and what has already been done. This helps your operation optimize efficiency and prevent any small issues from becoming larger headaches down the road. Putting proper procedures in place will keep appropriate personnel accountable for performing the maintenance when needed.
Trailer owners should also ensure that anyone involved with any aspect of the trailer’s use has proper training, not only to prevent damage to the trailer, but also for their safety and the safety of others.
Having mechanics who are well-trained on maintaining heavy-haul trailers is a good way to ensure that the maintenance your company is doing is correct. Drivers and maintenance technicians should have open lines of communication with regards to trailer issues or required upkeep. This will ensure that the right kind of maintenance is performed and that it is done in a timely manner.
Troy Geisler is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Talbert Manufacturing (Rensselaer, IN). He has more than 10 years of experience in trailer sales, including four years with Talbert. Talbert has been building world-class heavy-haul and specialized trailers to rigorous customer specifications since 1938. The company offers complete lines of heavy-haul trailers and specialized transportation equipment for the commercial, industrial, military and government sectors. Its trailers and equipment are used in applications as diverse as renewable energy, aerospace, heavy construction, in-plant material handling, manufacturing and processing systems and much more. For more information, call (800) 348-5232, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.talbertmfg.com.
Lloyd Hair is the Director of Maintenance for Keen Transport (Carlisle, PA), a heavy-haul logistic and transportation service provider. Keen Transport has been providing agriculture, construction and mining customers in the Northeast and Southeast U.S. heavy-haul logistics and transportation services for more than 40 years. From storage and assembly to rigs and transportation, Keen is known for its ability to modify and design equipment to meet the construction equipment industry’s changing needs. The company operates a fleet of more than 550 trailers, including flatbeds, I-beams, lowboys and stepdecks. Keen also has more than 50 super-load trailers for transporting loads as heavy as 160,000 pounds. For more information, call (717) 243-6622 or visit www.keentransport.com.