To be honest, we here at Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair have seen it all, and we mean all. As the title of this blog post reads, you’d be surprised what can go wrong with your semi’s trailer, and we all know you cannot afford to have anything go wrong with it. Let’s talk about the most common problems we see with semi-truck trailers so you know what to look for during your next pre-route inspection.
Body Damage
To ensure your cargo is protected throughout your route, you must have a healthy trailer body. This includes the doors, floor, roof, and sides. Many things can damage your trailer body, including tree branches and a broken frame. Whether aluminum or fiberglass, your trailer body must be intact.
Brakes
We know you don’t need us to say how important the brakes are to your rig. You rely on your air brakes to keep you and your cargo safe while you transport it. Common problems with air brakes include adjustment issues, air leaks, cams, stop switch light problems, and timing trouble. We’ve fixed all of this.
Electrical
Your trailer taps into your cab’s electrical system and the two work together to keep you safe on the road. This includes all marker lighting and the brake lights. Computerization has also changed the electrical system on a trailer, and if something is wrong, you could lose your electricity and lights.
Suspension
The same thing that can affect your trailer’s air brakes can also affect the suspension, and a bumpy ride can really damage your cargo. Air leaks in the brakes, compressor, or springs can toss your cargo around inside the trailer even if you have it tied down. You and your cargo need a smooth ride during each haul.
Tires
Finally, the unsung hero of your semi-truck trailer is your tires. They, too, control how smooth or bumpy a ride may be and protect your cargo from damage. Worn tires will blowout, which can upset the balance of the trailer and possibly even cause an accident. Your tires should always be in the best shape before you hit the road, both on the trailer and on your cab.
We are Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair and we are located in Eugene, OR. We would be happy to inspect your semi-truck trailer and cab and recommend any maintenance or repairs necessary. Call us today at 541-246-9551 to schedule an appointment.