A dry van trailer, also known as a box trailer, is an enclosed semi-trailer used to ship non-perishable goods such as cargo, large machines, and cars. The campers keep the goods dry, protect them from all types of weather conditions, debris, and spilling out; that’s why the name dry van. Dry van commercial trailers are the most popular modes of shipping in freight forwarding services. They are used for long, short, and local distances.
Types of Dry Van Trailers
The most common types of dry van trailers include general and pup trailers. Dry vans differ in material and size. The pup dry van trailers are between 26 and 29 feet long, while the general van trailer’s length is 53 feet. The most popular materials used to make dry van trailers include aluminium, hardwood, galvanized steel, and iron.
Repair and Maintenance of Dry Van Trailers
Proper maintenance of trailers enables business operations to run seamlessly for profitability. Logistic managers and business owners need to ensure regular maintenance of dry van trailers to minimize cost. Waiting until the dry van trailer is too broken can cause a lot of damage, including a profit margin that lowers your revenue levels. Getting back to business can also be challenging. Below are several tips we have highlighted on drive and maintenance to ensure your vehicle is always in good shape.
1. Brake system
It’s essential to inspect the dry van’s braking system and carry out the necessary repairs to ensure all components are working correctly. Coming up with a brake maintenance schedule helps to ensure your parts are in order all the time. The rule of thumb is checking the brake pads after 12000 miles. The following are brake maintenance activities to ensure you are safe on the road.
2. Inspect the rotors and brake pads
The contact between tires and the braking system is the rotors and the brake pads. These components wear out quickly, and they need regular maintenance. Proper inspection of the depth and the quality of the brake pads ensures there is adequate resistance. Replacement of the brake pad and rotor comes when the stopping distance increases or when you smell a burning odour.
3. Brake fluid flush and brake lines bleeding
Depressing the brake pedal causes air pressure to build up and transfer to the brake pads and rotor through the brake fluid. In the process, moisture enters the brake fluid, damaging the brake system as it causes corrosion and reduces the fluid boiling point. Changing the brake fluid after 25000 miles is essential. It should also be changed when it looks milky or cloudy. Bleeding the brake lines removes excess air to ensure the braking system works perfectly. Bleeding should be done after two or three years.
4. Oil level
Check the dry van trailer oil level after every 1000 miles in the wheel hub. The wheel hub enables safe steers as it keeps the wheels attached to the vehicle and allows them to turn freely. Thoroughly inspect the wheels to ensure there are no leakages. Oil seals vary from one manufacturer to another, and it’s essential to check the manual to ensure you use the right oil seal for the hub repair.
5. Wheel bearing
Wheel bearing should be adjusted and lubricated regularly depending on the trailer’s operations and speed. Maintenance of wheel bearing enhances their lifespan of the vehicle. When replacing the Allen screw, ensure you use a torque wrench and not a chisel or a hammer in removing the nuts. Adjust the wheel bearings and install tires.
6. Electrical
When wires and connections are exposed, they get corroded and cause lighting issues. Regularly clean the reflective taps, lamps, and other devices to ensure they drive and electrical performance is efficient. If the electrical system is not taken care of, salt and brine on the road can attack the trailer and cause significant damages. Check all lights frequently to observe the state and federal requirements. Factory approved parts should replace any burnout lamps or broken reflective devices.
7. Rims and wheels
There are aspects to inspect when maintaining the rims and the wheels of the dry van trailer. Some of these aspects include Wilcox disc failures, rim base cracks, corrosion built up, bent flanges, stud hole cracks, bent studs, damaged rim drive plate, missing nuts, damage clamps, and deep rim Marks. If you find any of the problems highlighted, replace the damaged parts. Inflating the air pressure should be done at least once a week.
Proper maintenance of dry van trailers increases its lifespan and minimizes cost. Consider the highlighted tips to ensure your trailer is in good shape on the road.
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