Improve Fleet Fuel Efficiency When Hauling Stoughton Trailers

What practices and technologies are improving fleet fuel efficiency? Major North American fleets stretch their diesel dollars with a variety of methods, from the simple to the high-tech. Which might help you reduce fueling costs when hauling your Stoughton trailer?

10 Ways to Improve Fleet Fuel Economy

1. Monitoring Tire Pressure
   Simple and cheap, monitoring tire pressure can net tremendous fuel savings. A single underinflated tire can cut fuel economy by 2% - and reduce tire tread life. Sadly, this problem is prevalent, with 1 in 4 drivers running on underinflated tires, leading to a hefty increase in fleet fuel costs. Tire monitoring and inflation systems help curb these costs, indicating pressure issues, automatically inflating tires (with some systems), and reducing the need for mobile trailer repair.
   
   
2. Low Rolling Resistance Tires
   When it’s time for fleet trailer maintenance, considering upgrading worn tires for low rolling resistance options. Thirty to thirty-three percent of total fuel costs for Class 8 vehicles are attributed to rolling resistance, causing fleet managers to seek out low rolling resistance tires for replacement.
   
   
3. Driver Training
   The way you tote your Stoughton trailer plays a significant role in fuel consumption, impacting efficiency by 20-30%. Teaching drivers how to maximize fuel efficiency offers substantial savings. It also decreases accidents, reduces aggressive driving, and lowers crash risk.
   
   
4. Routine Trailer Repair & Maintenance
   Preventive maintenance tasks performed at your local trailer repair shop, such as alignments, air filter replacement, and oil changes, ensure your truck is operating at peak performance, providing the best fuel economy.
   
   
5. Trailer Aerodynamics
   More aerodynamic trailer designs have become standard in recent years, including the addition of trailer skirts and tails that reduce aerodynamic drag.
   
   
6. Routing Plan Adjustments
   The shortest route is not always the best. Optimizing routing plans to compensate for fuel draining traffic, rough/graded terrain, speed limits, and more can offer significant savings.
   
   
7. Automated Manual Transmissions
   AMT tech is growing in popularity, preferred by fleet managers and drivers for its ability to boost fuel economy 1-3% and its potential to improve driver attention and retention.
   
   
8. Fleet Fuel Cards
   The use of fleet fuel cards helps reduce unauthorized purchases and can also restrict drivers to the purchase of regular versus pricey premium fuels. Monitoring fuel exception reports can also help you nip such issues in the bud.
   
   
9. Electronic Engine Parameters
   Electronic engine parameters, which can be adjusted to limit main engine idling, can offer fuel economy gains of 0.5mpg or up to 8% when fine-tuned for your fleet’s specific needs.
   
   
10. Fuel Tracking Technology
    Specialized fleet management software offers real-time insight into your fleet’s fuel usage, helping you compare costs between drivers, identify which routes have the highest fuel costs, and track unusual fuel transactions so you can address the problem at the root.

Fuel efficiency wearing on your wallet? Whether you're hauling Stoughton trailers, Great Dane, or Max-Atlas, Ainsworth Trailer Repair has the skills and technology to figure out what repair issues impact your fuel efficiency. Our knowledgeable staff can address your repair and maintenance needs in hours, not days. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/fleet-trailer-maintenance/improve-feet-fuel-efficiency-hauling-stoughton-trailers/

Inspecting Stoughton Trailers Air Brake Systems

Do you know how to inspect the air brake system on your Stoughton trailer? Before driving a vehicle with an air brake system, it is essential to ensure the system is functioning properly before setting off. The pros at Ainsworth Trailer Repair in Denver offer these tips for checking your vehicle's air brake system. Checking these components should be part of your regular fleet trailer maintenance routine.

Important Safety Procedures for Checking Air Brake Systems

Before checking your air system, make sure your Stoughton trailer is parked on a level surface, with spring brakes applied and wheel chocks/blocks in place before beginning your inspection. It is imperative you never leave the cab or get under a vehicle before performing this procedure.

Essential Air System Components to Check Before Each Trip

●       Spring brakes
Check the effectiveness of spring brakes by gently applying engine power with the brakes engaged. If the vehicle moves, spring brakes are defective. Next, verify the automatic application of trailer spring brakes. Open the trailer supply valve (push in). Make sure the system is fully charged. Pull out the trailer supply valve to close it and listen for the spring brakes to apply. If they do not automatically apply, they are defective.

●       Low air pressure warning devices
Begin with the system at pressure (90psi). Turn the ignition on, noting primary/secondary air tank pressure readings. Press and release the brake repeatedly, listening for the low pressure warning. If the device activates at or above 55psi, it passes. If the device does not activate or activates below 55psi, it is defective.

●       Compressor
Your compressor must be able to restore pressure to normal range rapidly. When pressure is reduced to 80psi, and the trailer supply valve closed (pulled out), the system should be able to return to proper pressure (100psi) during vehicle idle within 2 minutes, otherwise, it is faulty.

●       Compressor governor settings
Determine the normal operating pressure range for your vehicle (based on make/model year). Run the vehicle until maximum pressure is reached, noting cut-out setting. Then, press and release the brake repeatedly to lower pressure, noting cut-in setting. A cut-out above 145psi or cut-in below 80psi indicates a faulty governor.

●       Tractor protection valve
Disconnect the trailer service line and apply the service brakes. With the trailer supply valve closed, listen for air escaping from the trailer service line. Any exhaust indicates a defective valve.

●       Drain valves
Drain each air tank, observing discharge. If valves don’t function properly or motor or oil is emitted, the system is defective.

●       Checking for system leaks
When the system is under full pressure, with engine off, spring brakes released, and service brakes applied, check air loss by monitoring pressure gauges and listening for audible leaks. If the pressure drop within one minute exceeds manufacturer specs, the system is defective.

Is your air brake system blown? Get your rig back to roadworthy with the help of Ainsworth Trailer Repair shop. We know your livelihood depends on your Stoughton trailer. We pride ourselves on addressing repair issues in hours, not days. Contact us for a competitive repair quote or to schedule air brake system maintenance today.  

 This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/fleet-trailer-maintenance/inspecting-stoughton-trailers-air-brake-systems/