Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Trailer

July 21, 2022 by
Summer Maintenance Tips for Your TrailerAs spring comes to an end, it's time to make sure that the wear and tear from winter's cold and spring's rain will not affect your summer hauls. Pay special attention to your brakes, tires, grease, and suspension, as these will be the most likely to break down if not treated with care. You can avoid a large headache and expensive problem by prioritizing trailer service and repair before the summer gets into full swing. 

Brakes

Think back to the last time your brakes were replaced. Has it been more than 12 months? If so, you should definitely consider replacing them, for safety reasons. Also, think about how much wear and tear has gone into your brakes during the last year. Have you been in a lot of traffic, therefore braking more frequently? Have you been descending steep grades? Measure the thickness of your brake pads and determine your next steps. Usually, you can hear the squeal or grind when you apply your brakes, but sometimes the road noise prevents you from getting this warning. As always, don't wait until you know there is a problem. Proactively prevent problems before they become major issues. 

Tires 

Tires are expensive, but a necessary expense to keep your fleet operating efficiently. Walk around your trailer and check the depth of each tire tread to ensure the tires are not going bald. Also, check the pressure. A visual inspection of rocks, thorns, nails, screws, and other punctures may prove wise here as well. Having a blowout on a highway in the heat of summer is no one's idea of a successful haul.Keep in mind that some small punctures can be patched, while others may require the tire to be replaced. If you need to replace a tire, consider also replacing the other tire on the same axle, to ensure that the two tires wear evenly. If the expenses catch you off-guard or worry you, just imagine how much more worried and stressed you will be if your entire rig breaks down due to something that you could have prevented. Remember the old adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Grease 

Gears and hydraulics simply have to operate smoothly if you are to stay in business. If the gears grind together, you will be facing a major mechanical malfunction. Remember which type of grease you originally used, and apply the same. New applications of the same grease type will wash out the old, dirty residue and keep your trailer operating efficiently and safely. 

Suspension

In order to keep your ride moving along smoothly, and to ensure the stability of your load, all high-impact elements of your suspension system should be inspected. Visually assess any fasteners, welds, and overall levelness of the trailer. Ensure that all bolts are secured where they should be and that there is no component interference with the pivot connection. Air springs, axle connections, and shock absorbers should all be without bend or rust. If any fasteners are loose, tighten them to the correct torque specifications. 

Visit MacFarlane for Expert Trailer Service and Repair

Many aspects of trailer maintenance can be attempted on your own, but if you find yourself out of your element, give us a call or schedule an appointment on our website. We will be happy to diagnose any problems we see, offer you a good deal on the parts we have in stock and provide potential solutions if a new trailer is what you need. We have at least 10 different types of high-quality trailers, including flatbeds, single-axle, tandem-axle, and tilt-beds. 

Equipment Trailer Service and Repair Checklist for Summer

June 10, 2022 by
Trailer Service and RepairPerhaps you just bought a new equipment trailer and you're looking forward to getting on the road during the summer season with your new model — or maybe you're noticing some odd noises, worn tires, or cracked spots in the vehicle you've had for a few years. Summer is the ideal time to address many trailer maintenance issues regardless of whether you're experiencing problems or not. Learn more about summer trailer service and repair and decide which maintenance jobs to book now.

Why Summer Is a Great Trailer Maintenance Season

Summer is a season of extremes: Days can be blisteringly hot while nights are often much cooler. This added pressure of changing temperatures means that your trailer's parts are expanding and contracting. You may also have to deal with rain that can cause water damage and direct sunshine that can heat your unit to a dangerous temperature.It's a good idea to perform maintenance and any necessary repairs before summer starts, but scheduling these appointments during the hottest months of the year is fine, too. Make the most out of summer by ensuring the safety of your cargo trailer before more difficult and dangerous winter weather sets in.

5 Common Summer Trailer Repairs

Don't get caught with a costly repair on your hands because you forgot to complete your summer maintenance checklist! Go over the following list and feel free to add more of your own items as they pertain to your trailer. 1. TiresLike many people, you likely drive a lot during the summer. This means that you should check your tires to make sure they're fully inflated and have no leaks. Check them with an air pressure gauge before you head out on the road and replace old models if necessary.2. Doors and WindowsRegardless of the type of cargo your trailer is transporting, it's important to keep it dry. Make sure all doors, windows, and openings are properly sealed. If your trailer is especially old, you may need to replace hinges, gaskets, or handles to ensure that you can fully open and close the doors.3. BrakesIt's a good idea to check the brakes on any vehicle before you use it. Trailer brakes, like any other vehicle's brakes, aren't immune to wear and tear, and they need to be replaced at least once a year for safety reasons. Signs of brake problems may include unusual noises coming from your trailer in addition to strange sensations as you're stopping.4. FloorsWood is porous and rainwater can easily soak through it. If your trailer has a plywood floor, a dry day in the summer is a great time to re-coat the underside of it. The undercoating, or the application of waterproof sealant that's applied to the underside of the floor, is what protects your floor from water damage, rot, and mould issues.5. RoofYour roof bears the brunt of the season's weather. Hot days and rainstorms can wreak havoc on a roof that has not been properly sealed. Invest in a high-quality roof sealant to keep your cargo safe in whatever kind of weather you encounter this summer.

Contact Us To Schedule Your Trailer Service and Repair Appointment

It's important to address small maintenance problems before they become bigger ones. Create a checklist for each season to stay on top of your vehicle's needs.At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we offer a wide variety of custom-built, new, and used trailers as well as replacement parts and high-quality, reliable service appointments. Get in touch with us to learn more and schedule your trailer's summer service today!
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