Tips for Faster, Easier Electric Brake Replacement

Essential to equipment trailers, braking components wear quickly and require frequent maintenance attention. Luckily, if electric brake replacement is topping your to-do list once again, you’ll be happy to know handling this necessary maintenance doesn’t have to be a colossal time suck. How can you get the job done with less effort and move on with your day?

Simpler Solutions for Brake Replacement
The simplicity of electric brake operation makes them far easier to deal with than hydraulic and surge brake options. Yet you can make electric brake maintenance even easier by replacing the entire electric brake backing plate assembly. Backing plate assemblies include the brake shoes and all related parts, pre-assembled and ready to install. This simplifies the repair and shortens downtime, making it a good choice for those individuals who lack experience rebuilding brake drums, which house springs, magnet assemblies, and other hardware that can be a headache to deal with during installation.

How to Replace Electric Brakes
If you purchase the complete backing plate assembly, you can complete brake maintenance in just a couple of hours, getting your trailer back on the road. The process is simple:

Remove the wheels.
Loosen lug nuts, jack up the trailer, and remove the wheels/tires.
Access the brake drum assembly.
Remove the dust cap from the axle hub using a large screwdriver. Take it easy to avoid damaging the dust cap. (Begin lining things up in reverse order for easier reassembly.)

Remove the drum.
Remove the cotter pin/retainer to remove the castle nut from the spindle, then the brake drum. Slip-out and discard the outer wheel bearing. (Never reuse wheel bearings.) If the drum is stuck, tap the perimeter gently with a metal hammer until it frees.

Inspect brakes.
Check the brake drum for excess wear and uneven scoring, replacing drums in poor shape – otherwise reuse the drum. Unsure? Your local parts store should be able to inspect and turn the drums for reuse or suggest replacement.
 
Remove seals and wheel bearings.
These do not get reused. Simply pry them out with a flathead or pliers.

Clean.
Remove old grease from the drum and spindle. Check bearing races for wear, removing/replacing as necessary. Refill with fresh grease.

Replace the backing plate assembly.
Bolt in place, crimping the 2 wires of the new magnet where the old wires were cut. (Magnets are not polar sensitive.)

Reinstall bearings.
Clean old grease from drum assembly components with brake cleaner. Don’t forget to pack new wheel bearings with high-temperature grease, leaving no voids.

Reinstall the drum.
Turn the tension adjuster at the bottom of the brake assembly until drum slides into place. Then adjust the tensioner until the shoes just grab the drum, barely backing off until they do not. This eliminates play/drag.

Reassemble the hub.
Reassemble in reverse order: Drum, outer wheel bearing, outer bearing washer, then retaining/castle nut with proper tension/no end play. Once there is no play, tighten the nut ¼-turn, then install retainer/cotter pin, and dust cap, replacing the cap if it does not seal well.

Grease spindles.
Grease the spindles with 5-7 pumps of grease via the zerk fitting.

Replace wheel.
Torque lug nuts to factory specs, repeating on all axles.

Break-in.
Drive carefully until brakes are broken in, adjusting if the trailer pulls to one side.

Regular break maintenance is vital to hauling your load, while a skilled operator can do basic task, we don't recommend replacing your breaks on your own, but Ainsworth Trailer Repair has you covered. For the fastest, easiest road to replacement, contact us and schedule your service today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/tips-faster-easier-electric-brake-replacement/

Pitfalls of Trailer Axle Repair & Maintenance in Denver

Looking for ways to increase vehicle performance and boost your bottom line? The answer may be right under your trailer. Trailer axle repair and maintenance in Denver can prevent a plethora of pitfalls…

More than Meets the Eye
Oftentimes, it’s not beams that require the most maintenance, but the components attached. If you’re overlooking ‘the small stuff,’ you could be in for trailer trouble. All axle components need to be regularly inspected for wear, damage, and alignment each 6-12 months to protect the safety and efficiency of your vehicle. One of the main areas of concern here involves proper alignment, which causes an array of issues. A main area of concern, this involves more than steer axle positioning. For proper alignment, both the tractor and trailer units should be aligned with each other to ensure optimal performance.

Don’t Fall Victim to these Pitfalls of Neglected Trailer Axle Maintenance:

Rapid Tire Wear
If you’re suffering rapid or irregular tire wear, you’re watching income go up in smoke with the frequent replacement of tires. And this is no small thing, with the cost of tires increasing with the cost of petroleum.

Diminished Fuel Economy
Front and rear axle misalignment, or misalignment between the trailer/tractor, can cause ‘dog tracking’ (rear end is offset from the front). This increases rolling resistance, destroying fuel economy and putting unnecessary strain on the motor as the truck must operate at a higher RPM to compensate for added trailer drag.

Reduced Stability
Worn tires, a byproduct of poor axle alignment, cause a loss of steering control on low-friction surfaces like wet pavement, affecting the driver’s ability to maneuver the vehicle. Any loss in driver control that negatively affects stability not only increases operating costs but safety risk and the likelihood of accident.

Driver Discomfort
Higher than normal vibration levels in the steering wheel and driver’s seat resulting from misalignment can create an uncomfortable ride, leading to muscular fatigue and stress.

When was the last time you had your axles inspected? Prevent the potential pitfalls of neglected trailer axle maintenance with regular attention every 6-12 months from a mechanical pro who knows the ins and outs of fleet trailer issues. Schedule an appointment for the ‘Express Lanes’ at Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.


This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/pitfalls-trailer-axle-repair-and-maintenance-denver/

Heavy Trailer Axles: Should You Double-Up or Spread-Em?

Seasoned tractor-trailer drivers know intimately how weight distribution effects drivability, and axle spacing – namely spread axles versus double axles - plays a primary role in this. For those new to the arena of heavy trailer axles, however, confusion and assumptions abound. Which axle style is superior? The seasoned pros at Ainsworth Trailer Repair take a closer look…

Small Difference, Significant Effects
 
Though the axle spacing between the different axle configurations is obvious, the ramifications of this subtle shift are not: 

Tandem Axles
 Rear axles spaced close together, usually about 5-feet apart.

  

  
Spread Axles

Axles spaced farther apart, about 10-feet.

 


Trailer Axle Spacing Effects Weight Distribution
Though the gross legal limit of either setup is 80,000-pounds, allowable weight distribution above each axle configuration is quite different.
  
Tandem Axles
12K+34K+34K=80K gross weight.


 

Spread Axles
12K+34K+20K+20K=86K (though gross max caps at 80K).

 




Trailer Axle Style: Which is Best?
As with many things, each axle style has its pros and cons…

• Tandem Axles: Terrific in Tight Spaces

The axles on tandem axle trailers can be slid forward or backward to adjust the amount of weight resting atop the axle. However, this can be quite the juggling act with heavier loads, making it difficult to get cargo weight correctly balanced – and right at the limit of 80,000-pounds. What tandem axles lack in maneuverability of cargo, however, they make up for in maneuverability on the road. They are much easier to handle on city streets, in tight spaces, and in reverse, as well as easier on tires.

• Spread Axles: The Long-Haulers Friend

Offering 20,000=pounds above each axle, spread axles offer more flexibility in placing heavier cargo. Though capped at an 80,000-pound gross limit, the 86,000-pound legal limit offers a much more forgiving margin of error for heavy hauls and easier balancing on the scales. However, this flexibility comes at a price: Though spread axle trailers offer a smoother ride and better tracking in most situations due to their longer wheelbase, they are hard to maneuver on tight roads and crowded docks, presenting a greater degree of difficulty in turning and backing up. They are also tougher on tires, ‘scrubbing’ in turns (though this may be offset using the dump of the rear axle). Golden State hauler? California requires trailers longer than 48-feet have a kingpin in the center of the rear axle of 41-feet, meaning the rear axle would need to be scooted forward to be legal.

Trailer axle issues? No matter what trailer axle configuration you’re toting, you can count on the knowledgeable staff at Ainsworth Trailer Repair to do the necessary math to keep your rig running in tip-top shape. Guard against excess tire wear and ensure safety and fuel economy. Contact us and schedule a trailer axle inspection and alignment today.  

This content was previously published http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/heavy-trailer-axles-double-spread-em/

Trailer Roof Leak? Skip a Quick Fix for a Lasting One & Save

Your tractor trailer roof experiences a lot of wear and tear, from wind and weather to flying road debris and the effects of freeze/thaw cycles. As with other components on your trailer, these issues take a toll over time, wearing down seals and resulting in cracks, gaps and holes that put your trailer and cargo at-risk. It might seem easy to quickly tape, patch, or caulk a leaky trailer roof – the first time. After that, neither quick nor easy come into play as dirty tape or peeling patches and caulk complicate matters: Achieving a good seal becomes more difficult and time-consuming with each repair attempt, and over time repair costs add up. At some point, you’ll have to stop the insanity – or risk snowballing trailer damage.

What Can You Save by Skipping the Quick Fix for a Lasting Roof Repair?

Instead of turning to temporary solutions and constantly re-patching your trailer roof, making an appointment for a lasting, professional roof repair could save you quite a bit in…

• Trailer Value 

Except for when you’re in a pinch, letting a leaky roof go long-term ultimate decreases its value as water damage compounds over time.

• Equipment & Cargo

It doesn’t take long for equipment and cargo left beneath a leaky trailer roof to suffer extensive damage from moisture, mold, and mildew.

• Trailer Structural Damage

Eventually, compounding water damage leads to mold and structural rot – and the need for more extensive and costly repairs.

Leak from Roof? Nearly Any Trailer Roof Damage is Repairable

Ainsworth trailer repair professionals have the skills and equipment to address many levels of roof damage, from the minor to the severe:

• Punctures, holes, and cracks.

• Gouges and tears.

• Progressing damage from deterioration to seals, joints, and welds.

• Bent/broken carlins and roof bows.

• Rail damage.

• Extensive accident damage.

Ainsworth can even replace your worn roof panels with new, translucent panels, bringing in additional light and boosting visibility.

Looking for the Duct Tape Again?

No trailer roof lasts forever. Instead of slapping a ‘band-aid’ on your trailer roof leak, skip the quick fix for an OEM-quality trailer repair from the pros at Ainsworth. Lasting trailer roof repair requires removing damaged roof panels rivet-by-rivet, and restoring your trailer to factory standards with just the right material, stretched with specialty machinery and an expert eye to ensure a perfect fit, and secured in place with the proper OEM-quality fastenings and industrial joint adhesives to ensure your trailer roof won’t look (or sound) like a kite sailing down the highway with loose panels or repair materials flapping in the breeze.

Drip-dropping dilemma? Spend less (time and money) on a quality repair. Discover why our reputation for trustworthy estimates, lasting repairs, and unparalleled customer service precedes us. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair for a free quote today.




This was published previously at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/trailer-roof-leak-skip-quick-fix-lasting-one-save/

Don’t Get Burned: Replacing Trailer Axle Spindles

Trailer axle issues? If all signs are pointing to worn spindles, you may be considering a DIY-repair job. But hold-up trailer-toter – you may be in for more than you bargained for. It’s essential to know the ins-and-outs of how to replace a trailer axle spindle to prevent unnecessary damage and dangers down the road.

Welding Worries

Very few spindles are of the ‘bolt-on’ variety. Most spindles are welded to the axle tube. To replace a trailer spindle, the old one must be cut off, and a new spindle welded into its place - and anyone who’s ever dipped a toe in the welding pool knows professional welding results are no easy feat. Far from a do-it-yourself job, trailer axle spindle replacement requires more than average results. Each new spindle addition must be installed securely and absolutely square with the trailer axle. If it is off by any amount, wheel tracking problems and premature tire wear are imminent.

The DIY Workaround

Understand, we are not trying to discourage you from attempting do-it-yourself repairs, simply help you avoid a lot of stress and heartache for those who are not skilled welders. Rest assured, if you prefer a DIY-approach as opposed to dropping off your trailer with an experienced Ainsworth welder for spindle replacement, there is another way. For the die-hard DIY-er, in many cases, it may be easier and cheaper to simply replace the trailer axle. For those that prefer to go this route, the Ainsworth warehouse is stocked with an array of trailer axle replacement parts. Simply call us for a price, noting the reference numbers on your inner/outer wheel bearings, hub face to hub face dimensions, and the distance between your springs seats (measured hole to center hole), and we’ll hook you up with an affordable, OEM-quality replacement part.

Avoid the stress and frustration of difficult and unfamiliar trailer repairs. Look to the expert advice and trusted service of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/dont-get-burned-replacing-trailer-axle-spindles/

Gauges Trump the Thump: Your Guide to Safe, Accurate Tire Pressure Readings

Relying on your trusty tire thumper to check air pressure? Better than nothing, it may help you notice pancake-like flats before heading out, but industry experts agree, this ‘shortcut’ is virtually useless. Thumpers can’t show you actual air pressure, showcasing no difference between tires at 120-psi, and those at 85-psi, the point where hot tires will eventually blow, making thumpers no substitution for an accurate tire pressure monitoring system or a simple hand gauge.

Blowouts are NOT a Normal Part of Business

Extremely costly and time-consuming, and extraordinarily dangerous when they result in a crash, blowouts should never be considered a ‘normal’ part of the trailer toting business. Measuring the pressure of your tire pressure precisely is worth more than the time it takes - because it doesn’t take much variation for serious problems to occur.

Tire Pressure Issues Can Blowout Your Bottom Line

• A 10% difference in pressure between duals results in enough variation to cause irregular wear in both tires. Dual tires must be kept within 5-psi to maintain the same load on each tire.
• Under-inflation of 20% reduces tread life a staggering 30%. And tires aren’t cheap.
• Under-inflated 40%? Kiss half your tire life goodbye.
• Under-inflation by 10% reduces fuel economy by 1%. (Seem minor? Add it up by tire positions, miles per year, and current fuel costs.)
• More is not better: Tire pressure increases with heat. Overinflate and you could lose traction, ending up in a dangerous situation due to bounce.
• Inflating to higher than recommended pressures for load alters tread shape, stiffens the tire casing, and causes uneven and excessive wear of the tire shoulder – even at ‘just’ 20-psi over.

The Only Reliable Way to Check Tire Pressure is with a Calibrated Gauge, Once-a-Week

This 20-minute time investment costs less than you will lose in terms of irregular wear and reduced tire life. Too much legwork? Invest in a monitoring system – it’ll more than pay for itself.

How to Determine Optimum Tire Pressure

1. Invest in a calibrated gauge.
   They cost only $10 more than cheaper models. Check it at a dealer with a master gauge (it’s typically free), calibrating it via the gauge’s screw adjustment to match.
2. Go automatic.
   If you hate the thought of manually checking tires, go automatic. With an automatic tire inflation system, your indicated tire pressure will be maintained no matter the minimum. The more sensors you add, the more tires you can monitor, helping you maintain optimum pressure to guard against blowouts, respond immediately to potentially dangerous situations, and prevent downtime and emergency service calls.
3. Establish ideal pressure.
   Stamped on the sidewall, pressures are not arbitrary, but scientifically-based on tire construction and loading. These pressures will vary based on temperature and load weight, up to 20-psi. Typical cold tire pressures are:

• 110-psi for steer tires on a 12,000-lb axle.
• 75-psi for drive and trailer pressure. (This is the legal load limit, though must truckers set theirs well above - about 85-95-psi - sacrificing tire life. Check tires regularly and you won’t need ‘spare air.’)
3. Don’t overcompensate for temperature.
   A 30-degree drop in temperature will only result in a 2-psi drop in pressure - not much when you’re starting at proper inflation levels.
4. Don’t overcompensate for weight.
   Taking/delivering loads up to 80,000-lbs shouldn’t be an issue. Over 80,000-lbs, and you may want to check the Tire & Rim Association table, or manufacturer load/inflation charts (available online).
5. Know when to adjust for hazardous conditions.
   When dealing with ice, snow, mud or sand, you may need to lower pressures to boost traction until the situation has passed.

Tire problems? Don’t blow it. Ensure safety on the road with the affordable, trusted services of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/gauges-trump-thump-guide-safe-accurate-tire-pressure-readings/

Beached Roadside? Avoid Breakdowns with Regular Boat Trailer Service

Have good intentions with regard to boat trailer service, but fall short on the actual effort required to make the appointment? Boat trailer breakdowns are common, with 77% of roadside assistance calls for boat trailer breakdowns attributable to trailer maintenance issues. Don’t want to end up becoming part of those roadside statistics? Managing boat trailer breakdowns is all about preparation…

Avoiding the 3 Most-Common Trailer Breakdowns
Rushing onto the road with your boat and sticking your head in the sand in regards to maintenance could leave you beached roadside. To avoid the causes of most boat trailer roadside snafus, regular preventative maintenance is key:

1. Preventative Tire Maintenance
   43% of roadside assistance calls for boat trailer breakdowns are due to flat tires, which are easily prevented with an air pressure check, a quick eyeball for sidewall cracks caused by age and other tread irregularities such as separations and bubbles, and the occasional alignment and balancing of wheels and tires.
2. Preventative Wheel Bearing Maintenance
   22% of roadside assistance calls for boat trailer breakdowns are due to failed wheel bearings, which are easy to detect but commonly ignored. Watch for warning signs of neglected wheel bearings including hubs that are too hot to touch after hauling, noisy bearings, and sloppy, loose wheel play when the trailer is jacked up. When was the last time you checked or repacked your bearings?
3. Preventative Axle Maintenance
   12% of roadside assistance calls for boat trailer breakdowns are due to failed axles. This typically indicates long-term corrosion. If your boat trailer shows signs of rusted stains or bubbles beneath axle paint, your trailer needs TLC – and fast. You can verify the issue by tapping the axle lightly with a steel hammer. If it doesn’t ring, but thuds, it’s rotten. Once rust or ‘metal cancer’ has begun within the axle, replacement (potentially following a roadside trailer breakdown) is inevitable.

Boat Trailer Breakdown Despite Your Best Efforts?
Sometimes you follow all the rules of regular trailer maintenance, and you still end up roadside. When your trusty trailer toolkit isn’t enough to get you by, it pays to have the number of a trusted roadside repair service on-hand in the event of an emergency. If your boat trailer ends up miles from the creek and there’s no paddling or pushing your way back home, Ainsworth has you covered, servicing your vehicle roadside and sending you on your way to the water, or rescuing you from your roadside location for service at our local repair facility.

Boat trailer beached? Dig yourself out with the dependable and affordable emergency roadside service of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/dont-get-burned-replacing-trailer-axle-spindles/

Tractor Trailer Repair: Avoiding the Top 10 List

There are some ‘Top 10’ lists you don’t want to be a part of, among them, those involving tractor trailer repairs. How can you prevent these chart-topping trailer repairs from leaving you roadside?  

Know the Issues: 10 Most Common Tractor Trailer Repair Needs

1. Body component repairs.
   Bumpers, wing flaps, fenders and more can take a real beating during delivery, and when in disrepair can wreak havoc on the road. Are you a contender for a ‘honk if parts fall off’ bumper sticker?
2. Pneumatic element repairs.
   Brake hand valves, air hoses and other pneumatic parts could put you under serious pressure if neglect leads to an accident.
3. Rolling gear & suspension repairs.
   Heavy loads and rough roads can take a toll, creating costly cargo conundrums when issues with worn rolling gear and suspension components come into play.
4. Technical inspection glitches.
   Tailgate control and other issues that can thwart technical inspection can leave you stuck with a truck that ‘cannot pass go’ and make you money.
5. Electrical equipment issues.
   Lights, lamps, waterproof boxes and more are among the most common trailer repair needs.
6. Liftgate repairs.
   Don’t let neglected liftgate maintenance leave you and your cargo high-and-dry.
7. Refrigeration system maintenance.
   Proper climate control is key to safeguarding contents, reducing liability, and ensuring repeat business.
8. Tire repair, retreading, or replacement.
   Your tires keep your rig and cargo safely connected to the road, effecting everything from driving comfort and fuel mileage to traction and braking distance. When was the last time you checked yours?
9. Brake pad or drum replacement & EBS diagnostic issues.
   Common and inexpensive, regular braking maintenance can prevent deadly accidents.
10. Door/rolling door & curtain repair/replacement.
    Nothing says ‘steal me’ like unsecured, prominently displayed cargo.

Avoid the Bumps in the Road: Predictive & Preventive Maintenance
Rather than treating routine maintenance as an annoying, time-consuming, or costly affair, avoid troubles that could take your truck off the road. Keep yourself away from the ‘Trailer Repair Top 10’ list with regularly scheduled maintenance. Avoid easy-to-forecast trailer malfunctions, heading off common trailer issues at the pass, and ensuring your rig and its contents get where they’re going, on-time.

Don’t let your trailer go down from overuse and abuse. Avoid costly downtime, keeping on-track with regular predictive and preventative maintenance. Ensure a rig that’s in superior condition, top to tire, bumper to bumper, staying ahead of the competition with the knowing eyes of the trailer repair experts at Ainsworth today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/gauges-trump-thump-guide-safe-accurate-tire-pressure-readings/

Job Security: When Was Your Last Tractor Trailer Service?

You have the trucking career of your dreams. You’re staying busy, deadlines are tight, and money is good. Rolling along on the path to a financially promising future, it’s easy to lose sight of small details and relegate rig maintenance to the rearview, saving tractor trailer service for when things ‘slow down.’ But if your truck’s not working its best – neither are you.

Easy Ways to Keep Your Tractor Trailer in Tip-Top Shape
In today’s limited labor pool, things may not slow down. And that’s good for you, but you still have to take care of your rig. Luckily there are a few ways you can keep your truck operating at peak efficiency, preventing downtime and keeping your rig on the road…

• Eyeball Oil Levels
  It only takes a couple of minutes to check your truck’s oil level. But it’ll take many more ‘minutes’ to work off the cost of a new motor. Checking your oil is essential, especially before a long haul. If your rig is brand new or has recently undergone major motor work this task is especially crucial, as inadequate oil levels can take a toll on your truck very quickly.
• Keep Things Cool
  While you’re under the hood, it’ll take you only another minute or so to check your radiator fluid. Eyeball more than the overflow bottle – be sure to check the radiator itself. If you spot any small leaks, have them rapidly addressed. Anyone who’s ‘been there’ knows overheating happens fast, potentially leaving you stranded roadside, and resulting in significant engine damage when overlooked.
• Track Tire Pressure
  Tire pressure fluctuates with changes in the weather and driving speed, making it essential to verify before long trips, and at least weekly. Minimal variations can make a huge difference. Underinflated, tires will negatively impact fuel economy and make steering more difficult. Overinflated, they are prone to pothole damage and punctures. (Tip: There is no ‘catch-all’ tire pressure. Check brand specifications on your tires.)
• Don’t Get Bit (or Stung)
  After your truck has been sitting for a few days, take a few seconds to check the fuel vent before taking off. Insects, such as wasps, often build nests in this area. This can create blockages, making your truck look like it’s out of fuel, and when you stop… deliver a nasty surprise.
• Watch Out for Wonky Parking
  Parking your dual fuel tank vehicle sideways on a hill can make the tanks uneven, causing your fuel uptake system to take in air instead of fuel. If you must park on a hill, do your best to situate your vehicle’s  weight is distributed from front-to-back, not side-to-side.
• Feel the Vibration
  Have your brakes checked often. You’re hauling heavy loads, and that requires significant (and reliable) stopping power. If you feel a vibration or hear squealing when you engage the brakes, it’s time to give your brakes some attention.

Develop good maintenance habits. Preventive maintenance is far less costly to your rig and your reputation than reactive maintenance. Protect your tractor trailer investment with the help of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/job-security-last-tractor-trailer-service/

Trailer Bearing Service: Are You Playing it Fast & Loose?

Neglecting trailer bearing service? Out-of-sight and out-of-mind, it’s easy to overlook bearings. But you don’t want to be ‘that guy’- the one stuck on the side of the road with a disabled trailer. To prevent yourself from becoming dangerously stranded on the side of the interstate, know the signs pointing to the need for bearing service…

What’s that Noise?
If clicking, squeaks, grinding, or other noises emit from your trailer wheels, you may have a bad bearing or insufficient lubrication. How can you tell given roadway noise levels? Have a friend listen from the driver’s side and/or position someone curbside, towing your trailer past at about 25 mph to confirm.

Feel the Heat
After towing your trailer for a short distance, about 5-10 miles at highway speeds, park it, placing a hand over each of the wheel hubs. If the wheel hubs of your trailer are too warm to keep your hand in place, you may have a bad bearing, insufficient play, or be in need of additional lubrication.  

On the Loose
If you feel excess play in the wheel (more than 1/8-inch), or wheels feel loose, spin, or wobble, this points to the need for bearing service or replacement.

Worn Out
If you remove the two bearings from the end of each hub and see signs of abnormal wear, such as individual bearings that are loose in their sockets or obvious bearing damage, now is the time to re-grease or replace bearings. (Tip: While you’re in there, check the hub as well.)

Limited Time
Servicing bearings every 6 months or 6,000 miles is best to ensure safe, reliable trailer operation. If servicing bearings yourself, it is essential to remember NOT to mix different types of grease thickeners. Doing so can cause incompatible greases to acidify, harden, or separate, creating hazardous conditions that could lead to an accident.

Bearings can fail quickly. Don’t be ‘that guy.’ Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair and schedule routine bearing maintenance for your trailer today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/trailer-bearing-service-playing-fast-loose/

5 Benefits of Electric Trailer Surge Brakes

For the weekend warrior and those new to hauling, the idea of upgrading your trailer braking system may never have occurred to you. Like the features that came on your car ‘from the factory’ you may have assumed your trailer has what it needs. However there are many advantages to upgrading your trailer brake system, and changing it out is a relatively simple process.

Why Hydraulic Surge Brakes May Not Be Enough
If you have hydraulic surge brakes, you’ll have no electrical/hydraulic connections to your car. A self-contained, passive system, hydraulic surge brakes kick-in based on the natural momentum of your vehicle. When your car slows down and your trailer pushes into your vehicle, the brakes engage – albeit after a split second delay that increases your stopping distance. If your trailer is swaying, separately engaging the braking system is not possible.

There are Many Benefits of Upgrading to an Electric Trailer Brake System

1. Added braking control.
   As is obvious from the above description of hydraulic trailer brakes, electric trailer brake systems improve brake reaction time and decrease the distance necessary to bring your heavy hauler to a complete stop. Brake pressure is applied to the trailer first, controlled by the pedal pressure in your car, providing a braking action that is safer for quick stops and driving downhill.
2. Simple operation.
   Electric systems are also, surprisingly for many, more simple and user-friendly than surge brake systems. Engaged with the help of electromagnets, when properly adjusted, a quick correction to an in-cabin electric brake controller can apply the small amount of force necessary to stop your trailer from swaying. A handy tool for driving in high winds, passing large tractor-trailers, and descending hills, indeed.
3. Less maintenance.
   The maintenance needs of electric brakes are also far simpler than those of hydraulic brakes, whose components and assemblies must be constantly guarded against corrosion and closely inspected for wear.   
4. Reduced parts cost.
   Costs for electric trailer brake assembly replacement parts are, on average, 30% less than those for hydraulic systems.
5. Easy upgrade.
   Trucks, SUVs, RVs and other vehicles constructed since the mid 90’s are already setup to work with an electronic trailer brake controller, with a factory-ready ‘quick-plug’ under the dash for ease of connection. In fact, pickup trucks constructed within the last 5-years typically have a brake controller built into the dash, requiring no installation whatsoever. 

Is your braking system enough to keep your cargo and fellow roadside passengers safe? Ainsworth Trailer Repair professionals have the knowledge and experience to keep your rig safely on the road. Contact us to learn more about the ease and low-cost of upgrading your trailer brake system today.
 

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/5-benefits-upgrading-hydraulic-electric-trailer-surge-brakes/

Busted Leaf Springs on a Trailer are a Real Drag – Are Yours At-Risk?

You know to check your lights and mirrors for safety, and hitches for proper positioning, but out of sight components on your trailer like leaf springs often go overlooked… Until you find yourself bouncing and swaying down the highway, and you’re left scratching your head trying to figure out why.

Burdensome Load, or Blown-Out Suspension?
Leaf spring technology has been around since the era of Da Vinci’s self-propelled car. So how is it in this modern era we know so little of this essential component? When there’s too much cargo – or integral suspension components like leaf springs are worn – your tow vehicle can rock and sway. A properly functioning suspension keeps your vehicle’s wheels in contact with the pavement as much as possible, providing a stable, grounded ride for your hauler and cargo, even on tough terrain. 

The Right Leaf Springs & Proper Installation Ensure Safety
It goes without saying, ‘air time’ and bumping and banging from worn out suspension are not the friends of your cargo, or vehicle longevity. To protect both, you need an adequate suspension, making it essential to regularly check your leaf springs and accessories for wear: Chips, cracks, worn shackle links, loose U-bolts, and flattening springs are key indicators it’s past time for some suspension TLC. 

What Type of Leaf Springs are You Rocking?
Leaf springs look like a metal archery bow, sans the string, and come in different varieties. At Ainsworth, we stock a wide array of leaf springs styles for fast, professional repair, including…

●        Single or Mono-Leaf Springs
Thick in the middle and tapering towards the end, single leaf springs don’t typically offer the suspension strength necessary for tow vehicles.

●        Multi-Leaf Springs
Several leaf springs, stacked atop each other to form a semi-elliptical shape, offer better support for heavier loads.

●        Double-Eye Leaf Springs
Feature two holes, used to bolt the springs to the bottom of the trailer frame.

●        Open-Eye Leaf Springs
Have only one open hole, or ‘eye,’ with the other end being a hook or flat end.

Gravity taking its toll on your ride and your safety? Let the pros at Ainsworth Trailer Repair give you a lift. Contact us for a trustworthy and free repair estimate today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/busted-leaf-springs-trailer-real-drag-risk/

Is Crud Crippling Your Trailer Air Brake System?

Your trailer air brake system is comprised of multiple components, each designed to cut crud, keeping your system clean, safe, and operational. Without proper maintenance, however, these essential components will fail to function properly, crippling your trailer or worse, leading to brake failure and crash.  

How Clean is Your Air Brake System?
These components, when properly spec’d and maintained, work together to keep your air brake system clean and operational:

• Compressor filter
  This filter, located at your compressor outlet, removes most system contaminants including moisture, oil and dirt, making regular replacement key to safeguarding air brake system components.
• Air Dryer
  Virtually standard on today’s semi-trucks, air dryers, as the name suggests, keep moisture out of your air brake system. Checking the condition of your air dryer at-least annually, including desiccant, purge and check valve operation, ensures the function of this key component.
• Air Tank Drain Valve
  After the compressor filter and dryer clear things up, your air tank drain valve allows for the removal of what moisture and contaminants remain. Making certain this valve is drained regularly is essential, and should be part of your pre and post-inspection checklist.
• Gladhand Clamps
  These coupling devices are located on the rear wall of the cab/sleeper. When twisted on,
  they connect the tractor to the trailer, supplying air to the trailer brakes. With the aid of a rubber seal, they prevent water from entering and air from escaping the system. ‘Dummy’ gladhands, used when the truck and trailer are not connected, likewise keep dirt and debris from entering the air brake system, and should be used every time the trailer is detached from the tractor. Because rubber seals on gladhands get dirty and brittle over time, regular cleaning and replacement is a must.

Cutting the Crud
If you’ve ignored your air brake system, or a contaminant test reveals a need for attention, professional inspection and maintenance is advisable to ensure the safety of your air brake system. Cleaning system components typically involves a multi-step procedure where safety and attention-to-detail is paramount, from safely securing wheels, to carefully blowing out the system with clean, dry compressed shop air (without introducing additional contaminants), and inspecting valve diaphragms for oil.   

Are Your Brakes Safe?
At Ainsworth, our certified, professional technicians have 115 years of combined experience, quickly identifying and rectifying air brake system repair issues in our 20,000 square foot, 13-bay repair facility with OEM-quality replacement parts. Ensure the safety of your truck, cargo, and most importantly yourself and roadside passengers. Smooth-out and balance your brakes with the help of the A+ BBB-rated services of Ainsworth Trailer Repair. Contact us for a free estimate today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/crud-crippling-trailer-air-brake-system/

Gravity Stinks: (How to Tell) When Semi -Trailer Leaf Springs Go Bad

Over time, gravity can take as big of a toll on semi-trailer leaf springs as it does on your body. All the bangs, bumps, and mileage-related wear-and-tear inflicted over time will eventually warp its figure. Also like your body, it’s easy to overlook the changes of time and assume trailer components remain the same beneath the surface.

Are Your Leaf Springs Secretly Shot? Look for these 3 Signs:
To find your leaf springs, look beneath the front or rear of the trailer, above or below the axle. They’ll look like a smiley or archery bow, a configuration which helps them absorb gravity – and the load in your hauler. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to determine the state of your springs. To find out if they’re in need of an upgrade, put on some clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and look for these signs:

1. Evident abuse.
   Cracks in the spring, or jagged, broken or missing pieces are a sign you need new leaf springs now, before they fail.
2. Sag.
   Sag under heavy loads is a prime indicator of worn-out leaf springs in need of replacement.
3. Bounce and sway.
   We’re not talking dance moves here. If your trailer endlessly bounces or sways like a cartoon every time you hit a bump, they’re not absorbing shock like they should, and are in need of replacement.

Leaf Springs Fallen Flat?
At Ainsworth Trailer Repair, our warehouse stocks an array of OEM-quality replacement parts, including leaf springs, coils, and other key suspension components, ready and waiting for express lane service, or for use in our 20,000 square foot, 13-bay repair facility.

Bring your ride back with the experienced, industry-renowned, A+ Better Business Bureau rated services of Ainsworth. Give your trailer a lift and your cargo a smoother surface, free of sags. Iron out the wrinkles in your suspension with the help of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/gravity-stinks-tell-semi-trailer-leaf-springs-go-bad/

The Importance of Maintaining a Trailer Brake System

Is your trailer brake system in disrepair? If so, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Trailer brakes are a fail-safe for loads that exceed your tow vehicle braking capacity. This ‘extra’ set of brakes also improves stability in slowing/stopping, reducing the risk of jackknifing in emergency-stop situations.

Trailer Brakes Require the Same Maintenance as Passenger/Tow Vehicles
Not much different in function, trailer brakes are at-risk of all the same maintenance issues as passenger and tow vehicles, not to mention additional woes in those toting water-friendly vehicles like boats and jet-skis. In these haulers, water contamination, corrosion and rust, as well as failure to clean, repack, adjust trailer bearings regularly, can lead to the early demise of your braking system, putting you and your cargo at-risk of a serious accident.

Are Your Trailer Brakes Up to Par? Trailer Brake Inspection
Routine trailer brake inspection will ensure brakes are fully functional, releasing when your hauler is in-motion, and applying evenly and properly when braking. Have your brakes professionally inspected annually, at a minimum. Between inspections, remain on the lookout for….

●        The condition of drums, shoes, springs & hardware.
Thin, worn shoes and drums and badly corroded items should be rapidly replaced.

●        Thin, worn rotors (disc brakes).
On disc brake systems, replace thin, warped, or cracked rotors immediately.

●        Wheel cylinder, master cylinder & brake line fluid leaks (hydraulic systems).
Including inspecting the condition of brake fluid for rust, sediment, and water infiltration. Leaking systems should be bled to remove air in lines, and fluids regularly replaced to inhibit the internal corrosion of brake system components.

●        The condition of wiring, connectors, magnets, and batteries on electrical systems.
Routinely check the main connector, ensuring the emergency battery is securely mounted and fully-charged.

●        Bearing issues affecting brake performance on boat trailers.
Worn wheel bearings leaking grease can contaminate brake linings, negatively impacting performance. Brakes should be inspected when wheel bearings are serviced for damage/replacement needs.

●        Operational issues:

o   Surge/Hydraulic System
Brakes should apply fully and evenly, barring fluid leaks/air in lines. When wheels are raised, they should spin freely by hand. Looseness/roughness in the spin indicate wheel bearing issues.

o   Electric Systems
Unplugging the trailer and energizing the system with a 12-volt battery, or activating the emergency stop system, should result in brake application. Failure to apply indicates wiring, breaker/fuse, ground or magnet issues.

●        Adjustment issues.
Trailer brakes should be adjusted based on driving conditions, trailer load, and driver preferences. Keep in mind when towing, heavier loads require more braking force. Loose surfaces/wet roads require less force to prevent wheels from locking. Brakes should be driven a short distance before adjustment, and warmed under normal conditions: ¼ mile and a series of stops at 25-45 mph is recommended. Adjustable delay settings should likewise be fine-tuned so the tow vehicle/trailer work in harmony when brakes are in-use. If brakes don’t work under operating conditions, but work fine in the service bay, this indicates issues with the vehicle/brake controller.

Don’t risk your ride. Put a stop to brake problems with regular maintenance and inspection. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair and schedule an ‘express lane’ brake service today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/importance-maintaining-trailer-brake-system/