FCC

Trailer Maintenance Tips

2022-08-08

Heavy-haul trailers trek thousands of miles during their service lives and encounter many challenges — from rocks and ruts to bumps and jolts, no trailer gets out unscathed. Minimising heavy-haul trailer maintenance starts long before the load hits the road. To ensure long-term durability, choose units with high-strength steel, such as 12-inch deep I-beams with minimum yield strength of 100,000 psi.

To minimise wear on components, such as brakes and tyres, and to ensure safety, follow the right loading capacity for the trailer. This means getting a true idea of load concentrations as well as weight, speed and safety ratings.

Before taking off with each load, inspect your heavy-haul trailer, checking that brakes and tyres are in good condition. Also ensure tyres are properly inflated to the right psi and confirm hydraulic hoses are free from cracks or damage. If you’re operating a detachable or rear-load model, be sure to properly maintain hydraulic pressure even on self-contained and wet lines.