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/

Fastest Ways to Destroy Your Boat Trailer

Are you beating up your boat trailer? Americans can be tough on their toys. While it's easy to turn a blind eye to maintenance needs, ignoring wear and tear will ultimately immobilize your boat and put an end to fun on the waves. Give your trailer a little TLC, avoiding the hassles of unnecessary boat trailer repair by avoiding these destructive habits.

5 Ways You’re Destroying Your Boat Trailer

1. Using the wrong trailer for the job.
   While a smaller, cheaper trailer can be tempting, using the wrong sized trailer for your boat increases the likelihood of premature wear and accidents.
   
   
2. Skipping the post-excursion cleaning.
   Saltwater, sand, and debris can corrode your boat trailer, making it essential to wash down your trailer after every outing. Rollers and runners can stick, steel can rust, and aluminum crack with neglect. Wash your trailer and check it for wear regularly, right after launching your boat, for an unencumbered view of all components.
   
   
3. Toting your boat on worn tires.
   Tires are one of the top reasons for mobile trailer repair calls. Toting a trailer on cracked or bald tires, with uneven tread, improper pressure, or bulging sidewalls is dangerous, and can lead to a blowout. It only takes a few minutes to verify tires are inflated to manufacturer specifications.
   
   
4. Neglecting your wheel bearings.
   Operating on worn, hot wheel bearings can rob your boat trailer of years of life. Your trailer wheel bearings should be checked annually for heat damage and wear. When in doubt, take your trailer into our shop for trailer bearing repair and maintenance. We’ll make quick work of replacing or repacking wheel bearings, so you don’t get stuck roadside.
   
   
5. Bouncing around on a worn suspension.
   Rusted or worn leaf springs and suspension components create a harder ride. As you bang along down pothole-ridden roads, this takes an increasingly harsh toll on your trailer, and the boat resting atop it.
   
   

Taking Care of Your Trailer Doesn’t Have to Be a Hassle

We know your busy and the last thing you want to do is spend your free time fumbling through trailer maintenance. That’s why the Ainsworth trailer repair shop offers fast, affordable trailer repairs. Our "express lanes" ensure maintenance and repair work is performed in hours - not days - so you can get back to enjoying your precious time off.

Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair for a trustworthy repair maintenance and estimate today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/boat-trailer-repair/fastest-ways-destroy-boat-trailer/

Top Causes for Boat Trailer Breakdowns

How likely is it that a boat trailer breakdown could leave you roadside? After a spring like we’ve had this year, everyone is itching to get out on the water this summer. Fortunately, some may not make it to their marine escape. Every year, our  boat trailer repair service professionals handle hundreds of calls, responding to roadside breakdown issues. Most of the top offenders could have been avoided with a quick visual inspection and routine maintenance care. What are the most common issues that could leave you stuck roadside on a busy highway?

Watch Out for these Common Boat Trailer Issues

●       Tire troubles
Tire issues cause the vast majority of roadside issues we see at Ainsworth. Underinflated tires won’t make it far, running hot and wearing down quickly, resulting in blowouts. The pros at our trailer repair shop know a  quick check with a tire gauge is an easy way to avoid low tire pressure troubles. Tires that have sat all winter are also a common issue, and more likely to blow than the tires on a frequently used trailer. Exposure to the elements destroys tires. Those with cracks and dry rot should be rapidly replaced. A spare tire is also essential, helping you make it to your destination and avoid a costly flatbed tow.

●       Wheel bearing and hub issues
The need for repacking/replacing wheel bearings depends on trailer use. To avoid the need for trailer bearing repair, check them at the start of each season. Bearings that are hot to the touch after driving several miles are on the verge of failure. Left unattended, they can get so hot they melt the hub. Hot bearings also cause cold water to be drawn into bearings, particularly those lacking grease. Though tempting to procrastinate, bearing maintenance is more easily attended in a garage or shop than on the side of the road, so addressing this in advance is a wise move.

●       Axle problems
Boat trailers are infamous for rusty axles and U-bolts. It is essential to check your boat trailer for rusty components each time you use it. After you’ve launched, when the entire trailer is visible, is a prime opportunity. Trailer axle repair is much easier to manage than accident damage. All it takes is a pothole hit at just the wrong angle to break a rusty axle, send your trailer out of control, and cause an accident.

●       Tow vehicle breakdown
Failure to maintain tow vehicles is another common cause of roadside breakdowns. Overheating in hot weather is especially common. Check your oil and coolant levels prior to departure, examining hoses for softness and bulging. Most importantly, know surpass the tow limits of your vehicle, keeping to 85% of rated capacity.

Get Back on the Road Fast

Whether you need mobile trailer repair services, or in-shop preventive maintenance, our trailer repair professionals can get you back on the road fast, providing fast, quality repairs in hours, not days. Our A+ BBB rated services are trusted by drivers nationwide, from local boating hobbyists to experienced fleet managers.

Don’t let neglected trailer maintenance ruin a day on the water. Get fast, affordable maintenance and repair. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair to schedule service in one of our trailer repair “express lanes” today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/boat-trailer-repair/top-causes-boat-trailer-breakdowns/