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/

Top 10 Box Trailer Repairs

Box trailer repairs are commonly encountered at Ainsworth, owing to the wide range of industries these mighty and multi-functional vehicles serve. Despite the wide variety of sizes, configurations, and applications of box trucks, from the generic to the specific, they nonetheless share many common conditions...  

What are the 10 Most Common Box Trailer Repairs?
Which issues should you be on the lookout for in your vehicle? Because of the extreme use and abuse most box trailers endure, the trailer repair professionals at Ainsworth most frequently repair…

1. Body components, from bumpers and corner caps to box body panels.
2. Leaks from damage, misaligned panels and wear-and-tear.
3. Axles and suspension.
4. Tires, from repairing punctures to replacing tires due to premature wear-and-tear resulting from improper alignment.
5. Brakes, typically from neglected maintenance.
6. Electrical equipment, especially trailer brake lights and wiring.  
7. Upper/lower rail issues.
8. Lift gates and ramps.
9. Issues with doors, roller components, hinges, springs, tracks, and lock alignment.
10. Refrigeration equipment.

Ainsworth Can Handle the Gamut of Box Trailer Issues
No matter the size or style of your truck and trailer, the specialty equipment built into it, or the complexity of the repair, Ainsworth can help you identify and rectify any box trailer repair issues. With 115 years of combined expertise and industry-leading customer service, our skills are second to none, providing the fast, safe repairs and OEM-quality parts you rely on to keep your bread-winning box truck on the road.

Stuck On-Site or En-Route?
No matter what issues leave you roadside, you can count on our fast, reliable emergency roadside services to bail you out of a jam from southern Wyoming to northern New Mexico, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Visit our 20,000 square foot, 13-bay repair facility for a complimentary, competitively priced service quote today, and discover why our Better Business Bureau A+ are sought by drivers across the nation. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.

This post was originally published at trailerrepairdenver.com/top-10-box-trailer-repairs/

Got a Trailer Roof Leak? Repair it Here

Nix the Band-Aids – Get Your Trailer Roof Leak Repaired Here
Tired of taping, caulking, or constantly re-patching your trailer roof? You need a roof leak repair that will last, and Ainsworth Trailer Repair of Denver has you covered, with fast, affordable roof repairs done right.

No Trailer Roof Lasts Forever
Like other components on your hauler, your trailer roof experiences a great deal of daily wear-and-tear. Wind, rain, road debris and even natural freeze/thaw cycles all take a toll on your trailer. These issues can lead to worn down seals, cracks, and holes that put your trailer and cargo at-risk of water damage, mold, and ultimately structural rot.

Protect Valuable Equipment & Cargo
With a proper repair, guaranteed to hold, rather than slapping on band-aid after band-aid. Temporary solutions may work in a pinch, but leaning on them long-term will ultimately end up decreasing the value of your hauler and cargo as damage from water compounds over time. A quick patch-job doesn’t compare to the OEM-quality repairs Ainsworth can provide, removing damaged panels rivet-by-rivet, and replacing them with the right material to restore your trailer back to factory standards. Our specialty machinery and equipment stretches roof coverings to ensure a tight fit. Paired with the use of proper, OEM-quality fastenings and industrial joint adhesive, leaks, separations and loose materials flapping in the breeze as you sail down the highway will be a thing of the past.

Is the Damage to My Trailer Roof Repairable?
At Ainsworth, we have the skills and equipment necessary to fix even severe roof damage, including…

●        Holes and punctures.

●        Cracks, gouges and tears.

●        Deteriorated joints, seals and welds.

●        Bent or broken roof bows and carlins.

●        Damaged rails.

●        Severe accident damage.

●        Upgrades to translucent panels or added interior lighting with roof repairs to boost interior visibility.

Tackle Tough Roof Repairs with the Trusted Help of Ainsworth
Investing in another roll of heavy-duty duct tape or bucket of sealer? You’ll spend less in the long run on a quality repair. Discover why our reputation for customer service and quality in the industry is second-to-none. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair for your free roof repair estimate today.

This post as originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/guide-measuring-trailer-springs-replacement/

How-To-Guide: Measuring Trailer Springs for Replacement

Springs on your boat trailer or hauler worn out? Properly measuring trailer springs for replacement is key to ordering the right parts the first time.

What’s the Best Way to Measure Trailer Springs for Replacement?

1. Measure the width.
   Using the top leaf, measure the width of the spring along the center. (Most trailer springs are 1 ¾ inches wide.)
2. Measure the length.
   Ordering the same length spring as the ones currently on your trailer is important. It will also narrow down spring selection significantly, helping you find the right part more quickly. For accurate measurement, your trailer must be unloaded and empty. To calculate spring length, measure the distance from the center of one spring eye, to the center of the other spring eye. (NOTE: This may vary depending on the age/wear of your spring.)
   
3. Calculate the capacity.
   For this you will need to know the rating of your trailer axle. For instance, for a 6,000-pound trailer axle with two springs, you would need two 3,000-pound rated springs. Capacity ratings are for each individual leaf spring. You can replace your springs exactly as they are now, or if you are replacing all of your springs, in another number, switching from 4 leaf springs to 3 thicker springs, for instance, so long as the weight capacity adds up.
   
   

Avoid a Pair of Problems: Don’t Order Individual Springs
Though springs are sold individually, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to change leaf springs in pairs. Swapping a single spring can lead to some awkward experiences, leading your trailer to lean unstably to one side due to the fatigue of the older, unchanged spring, creating an unbalanced load and unsafe hauling conditions. Not sold? Measure the free and open arc of your old springs, which will change with age and wear, compared to the new set. Nothing can better illustrate the importance of changing your springs together rather than one side at a time.

Looking for a fast, affordable way to tackle the replacement of your trailer springs? Our ‘express lanes’ have you covered. Discover why we’re known for our stellar service and trustworthy work. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair for a complimentary repair estimate today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/got-trailer-roof-leak-repair/

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/

Here’s the Rub: Which Hub Lube is Best for Your Hauler?

Trailer bearing maintenance has recently gotten more complicated, with the introduction of hybrid lubrication products to the market. Which is best for keeping your hauler running smoothly? Let’s take a look at the evolution, performance, and maintenance needs of today’s trailer bearing lubrication options… 

Which Hub’s for You? Advantages & Disadvantages of Trailer Hub Systems

●        Grease-filled Hubs
The Low-Down: The old standby for hub lubrication, grease-filled hubs are commonly found on boat trailers.
Advantages: Thick and viscous, grease stays where you put it, requiring only periodic renewing.
Disadvantages: Grease-filled hubs don’t allow for the inspection of grease quantity and quality without disassembly.
Maintenance Needs: Grease-filled hubs require removing, repacking, and reassembling each 3,000-4,000 miles (or annually if your trailer sees minimal use), as bearing wear-and-tear is set into motion upon contact with moisture. Because of this, hub additions called bearing protectors (such as Bearing Buddy) are often incorporated to aid in the prevention of water intrusion and corrosion, holding a small reservoir of grease within the hub that is released under pressure/submersion to prevent water intruding.

●        Oil-filled Hubs
The Low-Down: Most commonly found on trailers hauling tournament fishing boats, as well as those that frequently travel long distances, oil-filled hubs provide less resistance, and thus greater efficiency while towing.
Advantages: Oil-filled hubs have a longer service and maintenance interval, allowing up to 40,000 miles between oil changes. They also allow you to easily monitor the condition of bearings, oil quality, and whether the hubs are filled or lacking via clear plastic caps on the ends of each hub.
Disadvantages: The plastic caps are weak, and if you clip another trailer or the dock while parking or loading/unloading, your trip is over. Once the oil leaks out of the hub, bearings will cease functioning pretty fast – especially on highways. Oil-filled hubs are also more prone to moisture penetration, as hubs are typically only filled halfway. Because of this, frequent rotation – via trailer use or manually spinning trailer wheels every few weeks – is necessary to prevent corrosion to bearings above the fill line.

●        Hybrid Hubs
The Low-Down: Hybrid hubs provide the best of both forms of lubrication: Grease and oil.
Advantages: Promising years of maintenance-free operation, hybrid systems (such as The Vault) offer a pressurized, oil-filled hub with a unique lube combination that thins out to the viscosity of oil at operating temperatures, yet maintains the viscosity of grease at normal temperatures. No maintenance is advised for 5 years, and hybrid products typically come with a 10-year warranty.
Disadvantages: Obviously, hybrid hubs require a specific type of lubricant, which is more costly. In addition, to safeguard the warranty of most brands, you are wise to have ANY bearing service or adjustment completed at a licensed, trusted shop.

Considering a Switch?
The pros at Ainsworth Trailer Repair have experience with all types of bearing lubrication systems and accessories. To learn more about which lube may be best for you hauler, or to schedule a fast, affordable swap, contact us and schedule a free estimate today.
This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/heres-rub-hub-lube-best-hauler/