PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

To insure a long and useful life for your new Kentucky trailer, we recommend the following minimum maintenance schedule

SPOKE &  DISC WHEELS
After the first 50 to 100 miles of operation, recheck the torque level of the rim clamp nuts and retighten to the appropriate torque level. Recommended torque dry 450-500 ft. lbs. Maintain nut torque at the recommended level through planned, periodic checks.

AIR RIDE SUSPENSION
Suspension should be serviced and inspected in accordance with suspension manufacturer’s Maintenance Manual furnished with each trailer.

GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

I. Trip Safety Inspection
It is recommended that complete inspection be performed before each trip. Items such as lights, brakes, tires, oil level in hubs, and landing gear operation should be checked as a pre-trip inspection.

II. Minor Trailer Preventive Maintenance Inspection
Normal operation requires preventive maintenance be performed at regular intervals.

A. Perform Trip Safety Inspection

B. Understructure and Running Gear

  1. Inspect for broken springs
  2. Inspect hangers for excessive wear
  3. Check air bags and shock absorbers
  4. Inspect all other parts for excessive wear, looseness, or damage

C. Brakes

Inspect brake operating parts for wear, damage, and air leaks,

D. Frame

  1. Inspect subframe body rails and crossmembers for damage, loose fasteners, or cracks
  2. Inspect upper 5th wheel plate and kingpin for excessive wear or damage

E. Body

    1. Inspect roof for leaks or damage (light or water test
    2. Inspect interior or exterior panels for damage
    3. Inspect for loose or missing rivets
    4. Inspect doors and hardware (including holdbacks) for operation, etc., and damage
    5. Inspect door seals. If door seals are torn or damaged, they should be repaired or replaced.
    6. Inspect floors for abuse, damage, and/or deterioration.
    7. Check Undercoating — Should undercoating show signs of pitting from road gravel and debris, or show signs of wear and/or cracking, undercoating should be touched up to prevent moisture from entering floor boards.
    8. Paint — Exterior of trailer should be washed regularly. Commercially available primers and top coats of polyurethane enamel should be used for touch-up.

F. Lubricate

    1. Lubricate all fittings and hinges
    2. Fill wheel oil reservoirs to proper level

G. Record Inspection Date

 

III. Major Trailer Preventive Maintenance Inspection
In normal over-the-road operation it is recommended that this preventive maintenance inspection be performed at 50,000-mile intervals. Scheduled inspection will vary according to use in other operations, city delivery, short haul, off road, etc.

A. Perform Trip Safety Inspection

B. Perform Minor Safety Inspection

C. Axles and Brakes

  1. Oil lubricated axles (with wheels removed)
  2. Inspect all brake parts, linings, drums, etc. for wear and damage
  3. Clean and inspect bearings, wheels and hubs
  4. replace oil seals and refill to proper level
  5. Check axles for alignment
  6. Tighten all "U" or Spring bolts to proper torque
  7. Reinstall all wheels and adjust bearings
  8. Adjust brakes
  9. Service air ride suspension in accordance with suspension manufacturers Maintenance Manual

D. Floor undercoating

Entire floor undercoating should be checked and renewed yearly. Severe conditions could require more frequent inspection and re-application. If any undercoating is peeling, it should be scrapped off, entire floor cleaned, and new undercoating applied.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations spell out in detail inspection and maintenance procedures which must be observed.

While primary responsibility for checks and adjustments may rest with the shop or mechanical department in most operations, a driver, for his/her own safety and safety of others, never takes the condition of their tractor or trailer for granted. Accordingly, every driver should make thorough pre-trip inspections and on-the-road observations.