Quality dump trailers can provide many years of safe and reliable service, but just like any other piece of equipment, regular inspection and maintenance are critical if you want to get the most out of your trailer. Taking the time to inspect and service your dump trailer will extend the life of your trailer and ensure that it is safe to use. Also, regular inspections and maintenance are much less time-consuming and expensive than the unexpected breakdowns and failures that may occur if you don’t properly maintain your trailer.
With that in mind, here is a list of 7 service and maintenance tips to help you keep your dump trailer working safely and reliably for many years to come.
To perform some inspection and maintenance activities, you will have to jack up your trailer. You will want to place your jacks and jack stands under the outer frame rail to which the axles are attached, being sure to clear any wiring, brake line, and suspension parts in the process.
This is also a good time to clean your trailer. A clean trailer is much easier to inspect. You can wash your trailer with a power washer and a detergent solution.
Now, here are your 7 service and maintenance tips:
Tip 1: Check Your Fasteners and Frame Members
Inspect all fasteners and structural frame members for bending and other damage, cracks or failure. Repair or replace any damaged fastener and repair the frame member. If you have any questions about the condition or method of repair of fasteners or frame members, get the recommendation of, or have the repair done by, your dealer.
Tip 2: Inspect All Welds
All welds can crack or fail when subjected to heavy or improperly secured loads. If at anytime you suspect your trailer has been subjected to an especially heavy load or movement of cargo while in transport, immediately inspect the welds and fasteners for damage. To prevent severe damage to your trailer, inspect all of the welds for cracks or failure at least once a year.
Tip 3: Check Your Brakes
Properly functioning brake shoes and drums are obviously essential to ensure safety. These components should be inspected at least once per year or each 12,000 miles. Brake shoes must be adjusted after the first 200 miles of use and each 3,000 miles thereafter. If your trailer has electric brakes, you will also want your electric brake magnets inspected at least once a year or each 12,000 miles.
Tip 4: Maintain Your Landing Leg or Jack
If a grease fitting is present, use a grease gun to lubricate the jack mechanism. Grease the gears in the top of hand-cranked jacks once a year by removing the top of the jack and pumping or hand packing grease into the gears.
Tip 5: Check Lights and Signals
Before each tow, be sure to check all trailer lights and signals for proper operation. This will not only help you stay safe, but can also help you avoid unnecessary tickets.
Tip 6: Inspect Your Wheel Rims
Inspect your wheels for damage at least once a year, even if no obvious impact has occurred. If the trailer has been struck or impacted on or near the wheels, or if the trailer has struck a curb, immediately inspect the rims for damage. Replace any damaged wheel.
Tip 7: Check Your Wheel Bearings
A loose, worn or damaged wheel bearing is the most common cause of brakes that grab. To check your bearings, jack up the trailer and secure it on adequate capacity jack stands. Check the wheels for side-to-side looseness. If the wheels are loose or spin with a wobble, the bearings must be serviced or replaced.
If your axle(s) are equipped with a grease zerk on the ends of the axle(s), the bearings must be greased every 6 months or 6,000 miles to ensure safe and reliable operation of you trailer.
Following these simple tips will go a long way to keeping your trailer in optimal working condition, and ensuring it will serve you well for many years to come.
This article was provided by U-Dump Trailers. For more information on U-Dump and their dump and roll off trailer products, please visit: https://udumptrailers.com.