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Proven Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Trailer Chassis in Top Condition
Having a properly maintained trailer chassis is the assurance of having safe and efficient transport. Whether you are a long-haul trucker or a fleet one or weekend hauler, keeping your trailer chassis in good condition will ensure your safety and save you from costly repairs, accidents, and downtime. Australia is known for its harsh weather conditions and when you are planning to go the extra mile then it will put additional strain on the vehicles. Hence, proper maintenance is essential to keep the vehicles in good condition. Here we will discuss the best prevention maintenance tips for extending your trailer chassis’ lifespan and keeping it in top shape for years.
Why To Consider Preventive Maintenance for Trailer Chassis?
A trailer chassis is essential for the transport system. It gives the base for heavy loads, makes it comfortable for road vibrations, and makes it ready to deal with any weather condition. By making regular maintenance, you can deal with rust, wear, and structural damage to an extent that is highly necessary for better performance and safety.
- Extended Lifespan- It will help to deal with premature wear and costly replacements.
- Enhanced Safety- lessen the risk of accidents and structural failures.
- Easy on Pocket- It helps to save money to be spent on emergency repairs.
- Better Performance- Keeps your trailer running smoothly and gives better performance.
Given are the key maintenance tips help to keep the trailer chassis in the best condition.
Regular Inspections
- Get a visual checkup before and after going on a trip, and make sure you have spotted the rust, cracks, or bent components.
- Spot the welds and joints that will make you aware of the fractures and corrosion.
- Check suspension components like mounting brackets, and springs to spot damage and wear. Use a flashlight or mirror to check for the area that can’t be easily spotted or underneath the trailer. If you spot any of the issues, then working on that immediately can keep your trailer chassis in good condition.
Rust Prevention and Treatment
To keep your trailer in the best condition, you should keep the rust away. Living in coastal regions or areas with high humidity levels your chassis requires protection from rust buildup.
- Clean your chassis to remove soil, dirt, and road grime.
- Give it a rust-resistant coating or get done the galvanization treatments.
- Depend on rust inhibitors and give touch-ups to the metals that require rust protection.
- Store your trailer properly, keep it parked at a dry location, and use covers. In case the rust is already formed then you can use the wire brush for removal and then apply a rust converter before repainting the area.
Lubrication to Moving Parts
With a lack of lubrication and friction your chassis will get affected with wear or mechanical failure. To deal with that you should:
- Grease Suspension Components- Make sure you grease the suspension components like bushings and leaf springs.
- Lubricate the locks, hinges, and coupling mechanisms to save it from seizing.
- Grease the wheel bearings after 10,000 km or as recommended by the manufacturer. Use the quality lithium-based grease that will give it better protection and longer lifespan.
Through Checking and Maintaining Fasteners
Nuts, bolts, and other fasteners become loose with time due to heavy loads and vibrations. To tackle the issue:
- Check the nuts and bolts regularly when going to the high-stress areas.
- With the help of the torque wrench, tighten them and get done the necessary specifications.
- Spotted any worn or damaged fasteners, then replace them to keep structural integrity. You can mark fasteners using a paint pen once you tighten them so the loose ones will be spotted easily after every inspection.
Wheel and Tire Inspections
Australian roads are tough and your tires and wheels have to make a deal with that every time you are on a road or off-road trip. Keep that well-maintained for safe and efficient travel.
- Check tire pressure before going on any trip to prevent uneven wear or blowouts.
- Make periodic rotation of tires for an extended lifespan.
- Check for punctures, cracks, and tread wear.
- Check the wheel alignments and balancing. Having underinflated tires can lead to heat production enhanced rolling resistance and less fuel efficiency. So, you have to go for the manufacturer’s recommended PSI levels.
Inspect Brake System
Having a faulty brake system can turn into a disaster. To deal with that you need to regularly inspect:
- Brake pads and drums to spot excessive wear.
- Hydraulic and air brake systems for checking pressure locks and leakage.
- Brake lines and connections for damage or corrosion. Always check your brakes in a safe location before every trip so that you can be sure that they will function properly.
Electrical System and Lights
Going with a well-maintained electrical system ensures that your trailer will work according to road legality and remain visible. To achieve that you need to check that:
- Check the brake lights, reflectors, or indicators.
- Check the connectors and wiring for corrosion, fraying, or loose connections.
- Having blown fuses or faulty bulbs then replace them immediately. Use the dielectric grease on the electrical connectors for prevention of corrosion and better conductivity.
Proper Loading and Weight Distribution
Overload or uneven weight distribution can lead to chassis damage over time to deal with that you have to:
- Distribute even weight to deal with stress on suspension and axles.
- Check for the trailer’s weight limit to deal with excessive strain.
- Use tie-down to save cargo and prevent shifting when in transit. An imbalanced load can lead to poor handling and more wear on one side of the chassis. So, make sure you are aware of the weight placement and get done efficiently.
Suspension System Maintenance
The suspension absorbs the shocks from roads and keeps the trailer stable. To make a deal with that you have to:
- Check shock absorbers for leakage and worn bushings.
- Check the airbags, springs, and torsion axles for sagging or cracks.
- Change worn-out suspension components if they are about to fail. You can spot the same issues if your vehicle is making any unusual noises while driving.
Proper Storage and Care
When you are not using your trailer chassis, then tear that well to ensure its longevity. Some of the practices you can do to achieve this include:
- Keep it parked in the covered area so that it will remain safe in extreme weather conditions.
- Use wheel chocks that will save the chassis from unwanted stress.
- You can elevate the trailer slightly so that there will be no pressure on the tires. If you are going to store the chassis for a longer period then you are suggested to move the trailer periodically so there will be no flat spots on tires.
Conclusion
Preventive maintenance makes the trailer’s chassis in good health, and makes it safe and reliable to operate. By following routine checkups and best practices, you can save most of your money for breakdown and get the most out of your investment. Struggling to install or keep the chassis in good health then Silver Shine Chassis is the name you can trust near you. A leading manufacturer of chassis in Melbourne. They have an in-house team of experts who will regularly inspect and get done with the preventive measures.
