Summer Maintenance Tips for Side Dump Trailers

Owning a fleet of trailers comes with plenty of advantages. However, you must also maintain and repair them regularly to keep them in good condition. How long a trailer will last usually depends on its manufacturer’s recommended lifespan and how well you take care of it. At Side Dump Industries, our trailers are made of high-quality, durable materials that will serve you for a long time.

If you just bought your brand-new dump trailer, you should know how often to service it. The hot weather has many challenges for trailers as it accelerates wear and tear after winter’s cold and spring’s rain. We recommend paying particular attention to your brakes, suspension, tires, and grease, as they often break down if not treated with care.

Why Prioritizing Trailer Service and Repair is Important

Servicing your trailer is just as important as servicing your private vehicle. Your trailer does an excellent job transporting items from one place to another. If not well-maintained, they could break down, leading to expensive repairs. Service maintenance helps save money you would have otherwise used to purchase parts for replacement.

Maintenance Tips for Side Dump Trailers

Here are the major maintenance tips to keep in mind for your side dump trailer.

• Greasing: Focus on oiling the cylinder and kingpins to extend life. You also want to lubricate S-Cams and bushings on axles to maintain brake performance. Don’t forget to check for damaged hub caps that could contaminate the grease and bearings. Inspect pivot blocks for wear to ensure there’s no metal-to-metal contact.
• Cleaning: Cleaning is a critical part of vehicle maintenance as it helps prevent wear and damage. If your trailer is dumping materials in muddy areas, you want to ensure that the vehicle is cleaned daily so you can inspect damage quickly.
• Brakes: You should replace your dump trailer brakes annually for safety reasons. However, this heavily depends on how you use the trailer. Generally, if you have been descending steep grades regularly and can hear the squeal or grind when you apply brakes, you should change your brakes more frequently.
• Tires: Tires do the most work of moving your trailer from one place to another. They take in the heavyweight and travel through rugged terrains to dump materials. Regularly checking the pressure, tread, and punctures can help determine the overall condition of your tires. Minor punctures can be fixed. If you must replace a tire, consider replacing both in the same axle.

Good Maintenance Affects the Lifespan of a Dump Trailer

Like any other machinery, side dump trailer maintenance is critical in extending its lifespan. Cleaning your dump truck regularly, inspecting for damage, and replacing broken or damaged parts are all excellent ways of extending your dump trailer’s life. Frequent checks on core components ensure you’re up to date with any damage and get it fixed before it creates more significant problems. This helps keep your dump trailer in its best condition, prolonging its lifespan.

Find a Dealer Near You!

At Side Dump Industries, we’re the leading innovative design and performance in the side dump trailer industry. We have a trailer for any business you’re running, including excavation, construction, landscaping, demolition, and site prep. To get one, connect with your local dealer or contact us if you’re unable to find one.