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/