There are a few general maintenance items that you can do with your tracker trailer. These include keeping it clean, lubricated, and checking tires. The following tips will help you get the most out of your trailer and ensure it’s ready for any trip.
Trailer Brakes And Wheel-End Inspections
Brakes are critical for preventing trailers from tipping over while in motion, and brakes that don’t work properly can easily end your trip. That’s why it’s crucial to inspect your trailer brakes and wheel-end assemblies before each trip. A well-maintained air system is essential to operating safe brakes, so keep an eye out for chafing air lines and hose kinks during routine inspections. Drivers should also look for damaged pushrods and S-cam bushings that ring when shaken. Checking that all wheel ends have the same brake linings and drums is also important for safe operation. Lastly, make sure manual and automatic slack adjusters are in proper adjustment. This will prevent them from detaching or slamming during an accident. It’s also a good idea to lubricate them on a regular basis.
Tires
The wrong type of tires, or not enough air in them, can cause a trailer to sway or lose control. A trailer’s load capacity is a factor in choosing the right tire for the job, but it’s also a good idea to check the sidewall sizing information. Each tire is rated to handle its maximum load capacity when inflated to the appropriate PSI. Maintaining the right trailer tire pressure is vital to longevity, load-carrying capability, and dissipation of heat. This is especially true when the tires are off-site or in storage for extended periods, a scenario that frequently happens for trailers in the truckload sector.
Electrical System
When it comes to maintaining an electrical system on a tracker trailer, having some basic tools and a few connectors can be a big help. A roll of 18-gauge wire and a variety of connectors are inexpensive and can be used to get you out of a bind. One of the most common problems that drivers report with trailers is no lights, or lights that go off and on intermittently. In many cases, this is an issue with the connector plug at the front of the trailer. Fleets need to be sure their trailers’ electrical systems are in good working order. This is especially true as we move to higher technology equipment that requires more current flow between tractors and trailers than the traditional 7-pin connector has to offer.