Dump Trailer Maintenance Tips
Specialized equipment like a dump trailer can be difficult to get used to, especially when it comes to providing proper maintenance. This can often come down to just a lack of familiarity, since most probably didn’t grow up around this kind of equipment. That’s why we here at Mountain West Trailers have put together this short guide with some tips and tricks to taking care of your dump trailer. Read on for more information or head into our location in Heber City, Utah. We proudly serve Provo, Wasatch, Salt Lake City, and all of Summit County.
Before You Begin
Your owner’s manual will be the best source of specific information about your dump trailer. WIth it you can ensure you get the right supplies and pay attention to the mechanical operations that might be more precise than some of the other components we’re going to talk about.
Battery
Dump trailers often have with their own battery so they can operate independent of the tow vehicle. This means you’ll want to exercise all the normal battery maintenance practices. It’ll need to be checked and charged periodically. If you do need to charge the battery using a trickle charge, we recommend doing so over a weekend rather than overnight. The battery is generally stored in the same area where the hydraulics system is located. If your battery starts leaking (often because it’s not fully charged), it’s going to affect all parts of your dump truck’s control center. If you notice the bed isn’t lifting correctly, start by checking for excess fluid in this area.
Tires
Tires are vital part of safe and efficient mobility for your dump trailer, so making sure they’re functioning properly is a must. Start by checking the air pressure. You’ll want the PSI reading to match what’s recommended in your owner’s manual. While you’re down checking the tire pressure, look for any damage or uneven or excessive wear. Never travel with compromised tires. If you’re worried that you might need to replace one or more of your tires, bring in your dump trailer right away.
The Hydraulic System
The hydraulics used to raise and lower a dump trailer bed are perhaps the most difficult part to deal with. As we mentioned, a leak is often a sign that the battery isn’t fully charged. If you notice your system is leaking, we recommend starting there. When the hoist of your dump trailer is stuck in the up position, look for a square shaped coil and round shaped coil on the pump. By loosening the nuts of each coil and then switching them, you might be able to lower the bed so you can get the trailer inspected by a professional.
Keep in mind, this is only a temporary fix, and we don’t recommend permanently operating the lift using this method. If you ever need to fill the tank, say after you get it repaired, you should only need automatic transmission fluid.
This covers some of the basics, but dump trailers can be complicated. When you’re not pressed for time or not performing regular, at-home maintenance, we recommend contacting your local service department here at Mountain West Trailers so we can help you resolve any issues you may be running into. We proudly serve Heber City, Provo, Wasatch, Salt Lake City, and all of Summit County, Utah. Come by today and let our team of courteous professionals answer all your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.