Trailer Repair Tips
Posted on: 29 August 2022
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Trailers are essential for both commercial and recreational activities. Most businesses transport goods using shipping containers mounted on trailers. In addition, if you use recreational vehicles or horse trailers then trailers probably play an important role in your life. Trailer repair involves dealing with problems in the structure of the trailer. Here are a few trailer issues that need attention.
Wiring and braking
Trailers respond to the primary vehicle's movement and must follow the driver's command at every turn. Therefore, the braking system of your trailer must be in proper shape. Ensure the friction surfaces on the leading and trailing shoes are in an appropriate condition. Scrutinise the rest of the braking system, including the reservoir tank, brake plate and wheel.
Your trailer's wiring needs constant evaluation to determine where you need repairs. For example, the trailer's brake lights must come on whenever you step on the vehicle's brakes. Similarly, the parking lights must behave the same, especially when you have a large trailer, such as a low loader. Constant servicing of these elements ensures the longevity and safety of the trailer.
Axles
Axles bend for several reasons, including accidents, overloading or hitting ditches at high speed. The signs of a bent trailer axle are almost the same as those of your vehicle, except you may not notice them since the trailer is far from the driver's cabin. Noises and tire wobbling may be challenging to detect, but you might experience difficulty when steering and sluggish driving.
Bent axles cause damage to the wheel hub, bearings, and other vital sections of the trailer. The axel could also cause beams and load-bearing members to respond similarly and bend the entire trailer. Therefore, ensure you have a technician check your trailer whenever you suspect it has a bent axle.
Rust
Trailers are common victims of corrosion attacks for several reasons. Some trailers only become helpful during a specific season. Therefore, the trailer remains in storage for a long time. Outdoor conditions and minimal monitoring or servicing make the trailer lose paint and begin rusting. Some metallic components also rust when they stay for a long time without lubrication.
Basic rust prevention tactics such as washing the trailer may be difficult to follow for an item you rarely use. Still, ensure the trailer is clean before storage. A technician can also help you scrub away the rust on the surface using sandpaper. In addition, your trailer may require fresh paint and buffing to ensure it looks good and remains rust-free.
Consult a trailer repair service when facing braking and wiring issues, bent axles and rust.