Trailer Maintenance

Trailer maintenance is an essential part of ensuring smooth and efficient operations in the transportation industry. A well-maintained trailer not only saves time but also increases profitability on each load. On the other hand, neglecting trailer maintenance can lead to longer unloading times, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to the trailer and its components. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of properly maintaining your trailer and highlight some key areas that require regular attention.

1. The Importance of Trailer Maintenance

Proper trailer maintenance is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, a well-maintained trailer ensures faster and safer unloading of products. An improperly maintained trailer can experience leaks or cracks in its valves, aeration system, and check valves, which can slow down the unloading process. This not only wastes time but also puts additional strain on the blower and increases fuel consumption for the truck.

Secondly, maintaining the trailer’s pop-off valve and gauges is equally important. If these components malfunction, there is a risk of over-pressurizing the trailer. Over-pressurization can cause the relief valve to go off, potentially leading to damage to the product line during unloading.

2. Check Gauges

One crucial aspect of trailer maintenance is regularly checking the gauges. Faulty gauges can lead to over-pressurization of the trailer and cause the relief valve to activate. To ensure the gauges are working correctly, visually inspect them for any signs of damage or fluid leakage. Broken needles or leaking gauges should be replaced immediately. Additionally, check the lines connected to the gauges to ensure they are clear of any product buildup that could result in false readings or no pressure reading at all.

3. Check Trailer Relief Valve

The trailer relief valve is responsible for releasing excess pressure to prevent damage to the trailer and its components. It is essential to remove and pressure test the relief valve regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly. If any issues are detected, such as failure to release pressure or excessive pressure release, the relief valve should be replaced promptly.

4. Inspect Check Valves

Check valves play a crucial role in preventing product backflow and maintaining the proper flow direction during unloading. Regular inspection of the check valves is necessary to ensure they are functioning correctly. The lid of the check valve should be removed, and the flapper inspected to ensure it is correctly sealed. If the check valve fails to seal properly, it can lead to clogging of the trailer, causing the product to bypass into the blower. This can result in overheating, damage to the blower, and other components.

5. Inspect Aeration

The aeration system in a trailer helps to maintain product flow during unloading. It is vital to check the aeration system for any leaks, including the manifolds and hoses. Additionally, inspect the hopper savers and the blue cones inside the tank for any signs of damage or wear. Faulty components such as the Solimar disk or hopper savers can allow product and pressure to escape back into the lines, causing clogging and prolonging unloading times.

6. Inspect Pads

If your trailer includes pads, it is essential to regularly check them for obstructions, build-up, and damage. Ensure that the pads are in good condition and free from any debris that could hinder unloading operations. If the trailer has flo cones, inspect them for signs of wear or damage.

7. Check Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are critical for controlling the flow of product during unloading. Regularly inspect the butterfly valves to ensure they are opening, closing, and sealing properly. Check for any signs of wear on the rubber seats and the valve disk. Damaged or faulty butterfly valves can cause pressure to escape, forcing the blower to work harder.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your trailer is essential for efficient and profitable operations in the transportation industry. Regularly checking and inspecting various components, including gauges, relief valves, check valves, aeration systems, pads, and butterfly valves, will help prevent potential issues and ensure a smooth unloading process. By investing time into trailer maintenance, you can save time, reduce fuel consumption, and increase overall efficiency per load.