We all know the importance of regular maintenance for our semi-trucks. It keeps them running smoothly, prevents breakdowns on the road, and ensures they comply with regulations. But what about the trailer you’re hauling? Just like your truck, your trailer needs regular TLC to perform at its best. Neglected trailers can become burdens, leading to increased wear and tear, breakdowns, and even safety hazards.
How Often Should You Service Your Trailer?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) mandates annual inspections for trailers. However, for optimal performance and to prevent problems down the road, servicing is recommended much more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to schedule trailer service between every 10,000 and 25,000 miles or every 6 months.
To make things easier to remember and streamline your maintenance routine, consider scheduling your trailer service to coincide with your truck’s regular maintenance, around every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. This keeps you on a consistent schedule and helps you avoid neglecting your trailer’s needs.
Why Greasing Your Trailer Matters
While replacing tires, lights, and brakes are easy to remember because these parts show wear and tear readily, greasing your trailer is an often-overlooked but crucial maintenance step. Proper lubrication is essential for keeping everything functioning smoothly and minimizing wear and tear on various trailer components. Here’s a closer look at the key greasing points on your trailer and why they matter.
Landing Gear (every 3 months)
The landing gear is what lifts and lowers your trailer when hitching and unhitching. Regular greasing ensures smooth cranking and lifting, prevents corrosion buildup that can seize components, and aids in smooth gear shifting during the lifting process.
Slack Adjusters (every 50,000 miles, 6 months, or 1800 operating hours – whichever comes first)
Slack adjusters play a vital role in maintaining proper brake lining engagement. Without proper lubrication, these components can experience increased friction and wear, leading to premature brake lining wear and potentially causing uneven braking. Regular greasing helps fight friction and wear, reduce downtime caused by brake issues,and prevent corrosion that can seize these parts.
S-cams (every 25,000 miles)
S-cams are what convert air pressure from your brake lines into the mechanical force that applies the brakes. Insufficient lubrication can allow moisture and contaminants to enter the cam tube,leading to corrosion. This corrosion can cause the S-cam to stick or move slowly, compromising braking performance and potentially causing seal damage. Regular greasing helps keep moisture and contaminants out,prevents corrosion, and ensures the S-cams move freely for optimal braking performance.
The Benefits of Regular Trailer Maintenance
By following a regular trailer service schedule and proper greasing routine, you’ll reap several benefits:
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Improved Trailer Performance: Regular maintenance helps identify and address minor issues before they snowball into major repairs. A well-maintained trailer will experience less wear and tear, reducing rolling resistance and improving fuel efficiency.
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Enhanced Safety: A properly maintained trailer is a safer trailer. Regular inspections and servicing help ensure that all safety-critical components are functioning correctly, minimizing the risk of breakdowns and accidents on the road.
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Reduced Downtime: Proactive maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns that can sideline your trailer and cost you valuable time and money. By catching and addressing minor issues early on, you can keep your trailer on the road and generating revenue.
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Extended Trailer Lifespan: Regular maintenance not only keeps your trailer running smoothly today, but it also helps extend its overall lifespan. By addressing wear and tear proactively, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements down the road.
Investing in regular trailer maintenance is an investment in your business. It saves you money in the long run, keeps your trailer running safely and efficiently, and helps ensure you’re always compliant with regulations. So, don’t let your trailer become a drag on your operations. Make trailer maintenance a priority, and keep your trailer rolling smoothly for miles to come.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your trailer service, greasing, or FHWA inspection!
