Keeping Up With Your Dump Trailer’s Maintenance
Dump trailers can be incredibly useful for any number of projects and jobs, allowing the easy transportation and placement of loose material, debris, and refuse. But even as durable as these machines are, they still rely on you to help them stay in top condition. We here at Countryside Trailer Sales want to help you get the most out of your equipment, so we’ve put together some tips for staying on top of dump trailer maintenance, below. To learn more, or to see the dump trailers we have for sale, contact our store in Spring, Texas, today!
Owner’s Manual
In any maintenance endeavor, your first step should be checking your owner’s manual. While we can provide good generalized advice and information, your owner’s manual is written for your specific make and model. It will have a recommended maintenance schedule, preferred products, and even a maintenance log to help you keep track of repairs.
Battery
There aren’t many trailer types out there with their own battery, but dump trailers are among them. Unfortunately, that unique feature means more maintenance. Make sure to check and charge the battery when you can, and if the trailer’s going into storage for more than a few days, remove the battery and hook it to a trickle charger. That will keep it charged and healthy.
Also remember that the battery is, for obvious reasons, near the hydraulic system. As necessary as that is, if the battery has a low charge, it may leak into the hydraulic system and impact its performance. If you’re having trouble lifting the bed, check that area for excess fluid and check the battery’s charge level.
Tires
Obvious as it sounds, your dump trailer relies on healthy tires more than most other parts. Always check the tire pressure before and after every trip to make sure it’s at the psi recommended in your owner’s manual. You should also note how often they need filling to see if there’s a leak.
Check the sidewalls for damage regularly and the tread for excessive wear, as well. If the tires are damaged or degrading, the trailer may not be safe to use.
Hydraulic System
Finally, the other unique system in a dump trailer requires some special care. Like we mentioned, if there’s fluid in the hydraulic system or the bed won’t lift, check the battery.
Of course, the opposite problem can also occur—the bed can get stuck in the lifted position. A temporary fix is to find the square-shaped coil and the round one on the pimp. Loosen the nuts on both coils and switch them, which may help the bed lower enough to be moved safely. Just remember this is a temporary solution and you’ll need a pro to help you find and fix the root problem.
For help getting your dump trailer in shape, or to see our dump trailer inventory, contact us at Countryside Trailer Sales. We proudly serve Houston and the Woodlands, Texas—let us serve you today!