Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/409537
EquipmEnt 44 | Overdrive | November 2014 By Max Heine Undercarriage maintenance Four primary undercarriage compo- nents will cost thousands of dollars to repair if they're not maintained properly. In addition to those direct costs, a breakdown entails downtime and possible freight damage. 1. Suspension Check the status of the airbags or springs during pre-trip and post-trip inspections to identify when you need to replace them. More thorough checks can be performed every time the trailer is in the shop. Also make sure your suspension is aligned at least annually. A suspen- sion out of alignment can accelerate the wear of the other undercarriage components and increase your overall maintenance cost. 2. Bearings Improper bearing maintenance can cost big dollars and could cause a catastrophic wreck if a bearing seizes up. Performing a preload adjustment and an annual inspection are important parts of proper preventive mainte- nance. Use a torque wrench and the manufacturer's specifications when maintaining your bearings to ensure How to maintain a dry van As with any mechanical component, proactive maintenance with a trailer is cheaper than reactive maintenance. A dry van can last many years, but neglecting maintenance can lead to deterioration that cuts its lifespan in half or worse. Prime Trailer Leasing, a company that buys, sells, rents and leases dry vans, flatbeds and refrigerated trailers, says attention to the follow- ing key areas will help keep a trailer on the road as long as possible. Check the status of suspension components during pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and have the suspension aligned at least annually.