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/

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/

Bad Tires or Bad Truck? Ainsworth Investigates

Do your tires have flat spots, shoulder wear, punch wear, or show signs of feathering, cupping or scalloping? Tires can tell you a lot about the mechanical condition of your vehicle – if they’re inspected BEFORE they’re replaced and taken off. Catching irregular wear early can salvage the remaining tread on tires, preventing the need for frequent and costly tire replacement.  

Stop the Insanity: Prevent Irregular Wear BEFORE Purchasing More Tires
Rarely are wear issues caused by tires themselves. Resolving tire problems at the source, with tire wear pattern analysis by a professional technician, is essential to safeguarding the life expectancy of tires. Pros in the know can help you identify and correct issues leading to excessive tire wear, including symptoms that point to issues with… 

●        Alignment
Improper alignment is the leading cause of irregular tire wear. As many as half of vehicles and trailer traversing the roads are not properly aligned. This routine maintenance neglect may seem minor, until you consider you could be giving up one-third to one-half of tire life: 33-50% of the money you spent on those tires, going up in smoke. For those seeing irregular wear, that $200 alignment can save a pretty penny, paying for itself several time over. When was the last time your vehicle and hauler were aligned? A full vehicle alignment is recommended every 80,000-100,000 miles, or at least once per year, to prevent unnecessary and costly tire replacement (not to mention vehicle wear-and-tear, which we’ll discuss later).

●        Inflation
Another common tire wear issue involves inflation pressure, which shows itself in cupping, scalloping, shoulder and center wear. This problem is more common in inside duals and trailer tires, which tend to be overlooked on pressure checks. This is an easy way to keep your tires in service longer, but sadly, the most overlooked. If you see these symptoms, don’t wait for total tire destruction. Check tire pressure first, then schedule an alignment.

●        Other Issues

Haulers frequently traveling less than ideal road surfaces may also experience irregular or accelerated wear. Driving behavior such as a tendency to high-speed cornering and hauling loads with a high center of gravity can also affect tires, flattening or smoothing shoulders similar to wear patterns seen with misalignment and incorrect camber adjustment.

Still Think it’s Your Tires?
You may find that some brands of tires wear faster than others. This can be due to inadequate design/construction (aka: cheap tires), or tire/vehicle compatibility issues. A combination of factors, ranging from construction and tread design, to alignment, vehicle suspension, steering geometry, and work/road environment can all affect tire wear. However before you blame the tire, you must eliminate the truck.

A Symbiotic System
Tire wear can take a toll on other components, too. A symbiotic system, irregular tire wear and alignment issues on tow vehicles and trailers can each create stress and wear in the tires and drive components of the other. Since haulers and trailers aren’t mated for life, this can complicate the process of identifying issues with tire wear-and-tear, as can the inclination to frequently move tires/wheels to other positions on the vehicle.

Stop the insanity and expense of constantly replacing tires. Identify the root cause of irregular and excessive tire wear with the help of the professional automotive technicians at Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/bad-tires-bad-truck-ainsworth-investigates/

How to Avoid Costly Tractor Trailer Repairs

Whether you’re a fleet manager at a corporate transport and logistics company, or a budding small business owner, you’ve got a lot on your mind, making it easy for tractor trailer maintenance to be bypassed. However these vehicles experience constant abuse, ranging from heavy loads to pothole-ridden roads and steep hills. Such constant wear-and-tear, without necessary maintenance attention, can lead to massive and costly repair issues. More than an inconvenient and expensive mess, these problems can leave your rig roadside, unable to deliver products in a timely manner, and effecting your reputation. How can you avoid them?

The Magical Word is Maintenance
To prevent your trailer or fleet from going down from such use and abuse, maintenance is a necessity. After all, what’s more annoying? A scheduled visit to the local shop? Or hours roadside coupled with a rescheduled delivery and potentially lost business? What’s more expensive? That oil change, or a new engine? An alignment? Or all those new tires?

Regularly Scheduled Maintenance Helps You Avoid Trouble
Treating your trailer as part of the family, rather than a nuisance associate, and giving it the timely care and attention it deserves can save you a lot of dough. Regularly scheduled maintenance can help you stay ahead of the competition by keeping your rig on the road, preventing emergency roadside incidents. It will help you foresee the possibility of repair issues before they occur, and before your trailer begins a long trek to become stranded. Vehicle age, mileage and maintenance records can help owner/operators and fleet managers predict the future of a trailer, avoiding potential malfunctions. Such ‘predictive maintenance’ is a powerful, money-saving tool. Are you leveraging it to protect your business’ reputation and your bottom-line?

Avoid expensive and costly repairs. Put yourself on a better path with a company who treats your rig as if it were our own. At Ainsworth we can assist you in the thorough maintenance and inspections necessary to keep your tractor trailer well-running and on-the-move. With 115 of combined technical experience, our BBB A+ rated services have you covered bumper to bumper, road surface to rooftop. Contact us and start down the magical road to regular maintenance today.

This post was originally published at trailerrepairdenver.com/avoid-costly-tractor-trailer-repairs/

Single or Double Axle Utility Trailer: Which is Better?

When your friends find out you’re shopping for a single or double axle utility trailer, everyone’s got an opinion. Who’s right? The devil’s in the details of driver experience and trailer use…

Which Trailer is Better for You?

●        Single Axle Trailer
Single axle models have one set of wheels.

o   Benefits: Smaller, lighter and easier to handle, single axle trailers are easier for the towing novice to maneuver, with level towing a non-issue. The compact size of single axle trailers also makes them more fuel efficient.

o   Drawbacks: Single axles haulers offer limited storage and moving capabilities compared to larger, tandem axle models. Toting around a lot of heavy loads can also make the tires wear more quickly, as there are only two tires to absorb the weight.

o   Cost: Single axle trailers cost less than tandem axle varieties – in initial purchase and maintenance (less tires/parts to replace/maintain).

●        Double/Tandem Axle Trailer
Tandem or double axle trailer models have two sets of wheels (one right behind the other).

o   Benefits: Tandem or double axle trailers are ideal for hauling heavy loads, as they’re more stable in highway conditions and when traveling at higher speeds. They also offer more capacity for handling what you’re hauling, making them a great choice for those looking to expand their business.

o   Drawbacks: Level towing is essential when hauling a tandem axle trailer. Loads that are not level can put excess stress on one set of axles and greatly diminish the lifespan of the trailer and tires. 

o   Cost: Tandem axle trailers cost more up-front, but uphold their resale value better than single axle models. They may also save you in the long run as you’re unlikely to outgrow a larger model.

The Bottom Line
If you’re hauling a lot of small loads, want something that’s easy to manage – and easy on the wallet – a single axle model should work for you. But if you’re doing some serious highway hauling, lugging heavy payloads, or think your business will getting bigger, a tandem model may be a better investment.

Second-hand hauler? From tiny toy haulers to massive and mighty construction trailers, ensure safety with the trusted, affordable service of Ainsworth Trailer. Contact us for a safety inspection and complimentary repair estimate today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/single-double-axle-utility-trailer-better/

Does Your Tractor Trailer Air Brake System Need to Be Repaired? What Drivers Need to Know

Largely ignored until problems pop-up, you depend on your tractor trailer air brake system to keep your truck, cargo and fellow roadside passengers safe. But when brakes don’t respond as expected in unusual circumstances, was the panic-inducing incident merely a one-off occurrence? Or is there a potentially more dangerous problem bubbling up?

How to Spot Impending Brake Problems
Brake problems are easily recognized when drivers know what to look for…

●        Brake Balance Issues
Aside from brake adjustment issues, which are obvious to even the most green tractor trailer operator, brake balance issues are among the most common brake malfunctions.

o   Drivability Signs: Each wheel (except the front wheels) should share braking work equally. If your truck pulls distinctly to one side or another when you engage the brakes at high/low speeds, during heavy/light applications, when lightly/heavily loaded, or in specific conditions (such as on wet surfaces), you may have balance issues.

o   Obvious Visual Signs: None (assuming the brakes are properly adjusted).

o   Potential Causes: A number of problems can cause balance issues: Kinked hoses or blocked valves; Mismatched hoses/fittings between a valve and brake chamber; An odd hose that’s too small/large; Mismatched lining/glazing on the inner surface of a brake drum; An improperly sized actuator chamber/slack adjuster; Even a defect in the brake itself that shows under force.

●        Brake Timing Problems
Brake balance and timing are critical to stability. Tractor trailer brakes should release in order, beginning in the rear by only a slight margin, and releasing immediately.

o   Drivability Signs: The two most common brake timing problems are when brakes hang on a little longer than they should, feeling as if they’re still in force even after your foot’s off the treadle and you’ve applied throttle. And instances where tractor trailer brakes apply first (or with more braking force), resulting in a pushing sensation when you apply the brakes. The latter will cause your rig’s brakes could wear faster at best – or your hauler to be bumped by the trailer at worst, causing dangerous stability problems that could compromise control in the event of a skid.   

o   Obvious Visual Signs: None.

o   Potential Causes: If brakes are delayed in application or not releasing, there may be a physical obstruction, kink or blockage preventing air from exiting the lines; Twisted/damaged hardware and poor lubrication to cams and bushings can also cause these issues. If your hauler’s brakes are applying first, your trailer valves may have aged or been improperly installed, upsetting application pressure and/or release timing. 

How to Report Potential Issues
While most brake problems result in obvious drivability issues, this is not always the case. Some issues are quite difficult to detect without specialized diagnostics. To ensure a safe rig, be sure to be very specific about the details of any braking problems in your next inspection report, including the trailer your rig was paired with during the event, as trailer performance effects hauler performance. This can help your mechanic more quickly resolve potentially dangerous issues while your truck is at the shop.

Not sure what’s stopping your brakes? The professional repair technicians at Ainsworth have the expertise and experience to get you safely back on the road fast. Contact us to schedule a full brake inspection today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/tractor-trailer-air-brake-system-need-repaired-drivers-need-know/