How necessary is your next trailer service?

June 25, 2024

Heavy-duty trucks form the backbone of the transportation industry and require critical attention from owners, drivers, and fleet management partners. So too do trailers…

Tyres are key components of trucks and trailers, and failures like burst tyres can result in costly breakdowns. With almost 400,000 heavy-duty vehicles on our roads, there is a high risk of breakdowns leading to serious accidents – especially if passenger vehicles are involved.

While trucks may receive favourable attention with regular servicing and maintenance, can trailer maintenance be skipped for a year – or even two?

Keith Phelps, group manager: TBR (Technical) at Dunlop Tyres South Africa, says the answer is a definite no. “There is a general perception in the transport industry that trailers and their tyres don’t need the same amount of maintenance as the truck. But the trailer’s mechanical condition will affect overall tyre performance and fuel consumption,” he warns.

Neglect trailer and tyre care at your peril

Neglecting trailer maintenance and the upkeep of its tyres can result in wear and tear that compromises the structural integrity of a trailer. “Between 65 and 75% of irregular wear on tyres in heavy-duty vehicles arises due to trailer impact. In these instances, the axles are not square to the chassis rails and are not running parallel to each other. This will result in the axles fighting each other, causing the truck to lean or pull towards one side of the road,” says Phelps.

Improper trailer care can impact the overall health of a truck in several ways.

Structural issues: Over time, the trailer’s chassis frame and body can develop cracks, rust, or weakened support points. This can compromise the trailer’s integrity and even lead to trailer detachment from the main vehicle if the kingpins are not checked on a regular basis.
Malfunctioning brakes: Worn-out brakes on a cargo trailer can cause jerky stops. If the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on a trailer is disconnected, it will increase stopping distances and pose a significant safety risk in the event an emergency stopping is required.
Improper tyre maintenance: Underinflated, unevenly worn, or damaged tyres can lead to blowouts, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling.
Suspension problems: A failing suspension system can cause excessive bouncing and swaying, potentially damaging the cargo.

Each trailer manufacturer uses different designs, and each chassis has a different design. Ride heights on trailers vary between manufacturers depending on the type of air suspension in place. If the self-levelling valves are not set correctly, it will lead to uneven tyre wear, resulting in tyres being removed prematurely.

The need for preventative maintenance

Saving on a trailer service merely results in the need to replace tyres. Key maintenance focus areas include:

Pressure: Check pressure with a reliable gauge, inflating to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cold inflation pressure is recommended.
Brakes: A qualified mechanic should inspect and service trailer brakes annually. Brake linings and brake drums must be checked regularly.
Suspension: Look for signs of wear on shock absorbers or leaf springs. Check the suspension system if you notice any bouncing or swaying whilst towing.
Weight distribution: Ensure proper weight distribution to prevent overloading the trailer’s axles and the towing vehicle’s capacity.
Securing cargo: Use appropriate tie-downs and straps to secure your cargo within the trailer, preventing it from shifting during transport.

Neglecting trailer and tyre care compromises the safety of the cargo and the individuals involved. “Accordingly, regular inspections and proactive maintenance are critical in the heavy-duty vehicle industry,” concludes Phelps.