Dump Trailer Maintenance Tips
To add more efficiency and power to your project, you can get specialized equipment. However, the more specialized a piece of equipment is, the more you have to work to keep it functioning properly. This is because of a number of factors, including more intricate parts or the operator’s lack of familiarity with the inner workings of the equipment. For example, the mechanisms of dump trailers aren’t something that all operators are familiar with.
To help you take proper care of your dump trailer and keep it working for a long time, we at Lone Star Trailers in Lacy Lakeview, TX, have compiled this helpful guide. If you need professional service for your dump trailer, contact our parts and service department for help.
Before You Begin
The first thing you must do is consult your owner’s manual. This is the main source of information for your particular model. A lot of information can be applied to dump trailers in general but sometimes, a model needs different care for some of its parts. The manual will tell you the right supplies for your vehicle and what considerations you’ll want to have before you dive head first into any sort of maintenance or repairs. It’ll also let you know how often your model needs service. Always trust the information in the manual above anything you find here or anywhere else on the internet, unless it’s from the original equipment manufacturer themselves.
Battery Care
Dump trailers have their own batteries, unlike other trailer models. You have to follow the normal battery maintenance steps for this one as, well as the battery in the cab up front. You have to check and charge them periodically. If you do need to charge the battery using a trickle charge, we recommend doing so over a weekend, rather than overnight.
Usually a dump trailer battery is kept where the hydraulics system is placed. If you don’t keep your battery charged properly, there’s a chance it could start to leak. When that happens, it affects all parts of your dump truck’s control center. If you notice the bed isn’t lifting correctly, check for excess fluid around the battery.
Inspect Tires
The tires of your trailer are essential for operation of the vehicle, so take some time to care for them. There’s not much you can do to maintain tires, but you should keep an eye on tread wear and possible damage to stay ahead of potential blowouts or other serious problems.
Begin tire care by checking the pressure using a pressure gauge. The PSI reading you get should match the recommended levels in the owner’s manual. While you’re checking the tire pressure, look for any damage or uneven or excessive wear. Don’t operate your dump trailer on compromised tires as it can lead to a blowout
Hydraulics
A lot of other types of trailers aren’t equipped with a hydraulics system, but most dump trailer models are. That’s how you can raise and lower the bed. If you notice any leaks, it’s a sign you haven’t charged your battery. Charge it first when you spot a leak. If you ever need to fill the tank, you should only need automatic transmission fluid.
If the hoist of the dump trailer gets stuck in the up position, locate the coils on the pump and loosen the nuts of each coil and then switch them. This will let you lower the truck so a professional can locate the problem. Don’t operate the lift using this method as it’s only a temporary solution.
We hope you’ll find these tips helpful in keeping your dump trailer operational and increasing its lifespan. However, these are only basic maintenance steps and won’t address all the problems that can arise. If you need professional service for your dump trailer, contact the parts and service department of Lone Star Trailers in Lacy Lakeview, TX. We’re here for all the dump trailer needs of our friends in Waco and Temple.