Proper maintenance and care of your trailer will go a long way in not only ensuring its efficiency; it will also effectively extend its life expectancy. However, trailer maintenance and safety are issues that are often neglected by most people. Basic trailer maintenance procedures include regular cleaning, proper lubrication and inspection, all of which are discussed below. To know more click here.
Regular inspections
Ensure to inspect your trailer regularly, including checking the impact guard to ensure that there are no cracks, bends or corrosion in its members and welds. You should also check to make sure that no fasteners are missing or malfunctioning, to avoid placing the truck out of service. Also ensure that the rig is properly aligned to the trailer’s structure. Proper inspection will also ensure that the release handles are functioning properly, while allowing early identification and correction of any damages to the top plate or slack in the jaws.
Proper lubrication
If you regularly lubricate the fifth wheel top plates, you will be guaranteed of top performance for long. However, be careful not to apply too much grease. Clean off old grease from the fifth wheel and apply an appropriate amount of grease since too much of it will not only be wasteful but also messy. Ensure to observe proper thickness because thin grease will wear away quickly especially during wet conditions. If the trailer’s bracket bearings require greasing (some do not), lift the top plate off the bearing by use of a pry bar and apply the grease while rocking the fifth wheel back and forth. You may also need to lubricate the underside, including the locking mechanism, pivots and the cam track.
Regular cleaning
It is essential that you keep your trailer clean. This is especially important if your trailer is enclosed. Use warm water and a specially formulated soap that will not damage the auto finish of your trailer. Avoid using high powered pressure washers for these too can damage the finish and result in the degradation of the trailer’s body. Ensure to clean the reflective plates and lights while not forgetting the undercarriage, to remove the accumulated dust, which may degrade the moving parts.
Evidently, the do-it-yourself trailer maintenance is not easy. It is therefore imperative that you engage the services of a professional. To get trailer service Shingle Springs, contact Vintage Transport. They provide competent and affordable trailer service and repairs for all models and sizes of trailers.
