In the 19th century, the term “spring cleaning” wasn’t part of American jargon. But since the vacuum cleaner hadn’t been invented yet, early spring was considered the best time for homes and businesses to deep clean because it was warm enough to sweep dust out of open doors.
In the trailer industry, spring is also the perfect time to get your equipment cleaned and ready for the blazing sun and driving rain that we typically experience in summer months. Just a few simple preventative maintenance tasks can safeguard your equipment against heat and moisture damage, keeping your trailers and cargo protected from the elements.
Here are our top four recommendations to help you easily get your trailer road ready for summer.
1. Clean It Up to Prevent Chemical Corrosion
“It’s important to clean road deicing materials from a trailer because the chemicals used as deicers can be incredibly corrosive,” said James Brown, Great Dane’s Manager of Warranty and Customer Service.
“The best solution is to seek out a reputable truck washing service because improper cleaning could make things worse. For example, if a gust from a pressure washer gets between the sheet lap, it could cause damage and corrosion from the inside of the trailer.”
2. Seal It Up to Prevent Rain Seepage
Water can have a damaging effect on many parts of a trailer, so it’s important to consider steps you can take before summer rainstorms begin.
To prevent rainwater from seeping through the doors of your trailer, inspect the door seals for any damage and repair or replace any seals or gaskets that aren’t in good shape. This will keep rain from getting into your trailer and protect your cargo.
Rainwater can also seep in through the roof of your trailer when the glare of the sun degrades roof sealants. While you’re inspecting the trailer door, take the time to climb up on the roof and look for any areas that need to be resealed. By keeping the doors and roof watertight, you can help prevent mold and mildew caused by water intrusion.
“When considering the damage water can cause, it’s easy to overlook what heavy summer rains can do to truck and trailer wheel ends if rainwater seeps in through the hubcaps,” Brown said. “This can be easily avoided if you check your hubcaps frequently to make sure they have proper lubrication and that there are no signs of water contamination.”
3. Keep Rolling with Proper Tire Pressure
Speaking of tires, summer weather can be hard on wheels that log long miles, especially since the tread wears more rapidly during summer months. You can easily maximize tire life by maintaining proper air pressure and ensuring that your tires are free from cuts, punctures, and broken or missing valve core stems.
Make weekly tire inspection part of your routine, not just during summer but throughout the year, for a simple way to increase safety for your driver as well as for others on the road.
Explore beyond just proper tire pressure to ensure peak performance of your tires. Dive into this article on trailer tire specification and maintenance for additional insights you need to know.
4. Reaping the Rewards of Reapplying Undercoating
Finally, keep in mind that a wooden trailer floor is subjected to bad weather, exposing the undercoating to road water and debris, which can penetrate through and cause damage. You can prevent this type of damage by reapplying the undercoating, restoring the floor’s protection—and your peace of mind.
“Preventative trailer maintenance helps your equipment withstand the heat, and decreases unexpected repairs and costly downtime. Investing a little time incorporating these recommendations into your routine can help keep your equipment in good shape and your fleet on the move.”
— James Brown, Great Dane’s Manager of Warranty and Customer Service
