When it comes to roll-off trailers, safety is paramount. The way you load or haul your vehicle matters. For safe towing, maintenance should be done regularly. Thus, it’s imperative to devise effective maintenance strategies for your trailer to achieve optimal safety and performance. Check your roll off trailer sliding suspension system regularly. Here are general guidelines to help you operate your trailer safely.
Maintenance
Make sure the trailer is well-maintained. Stick to regular maintenance schedules. Grease the bearings to minimize friction and corrosion. Check if the wheel lug nuts are properly tightened. Inspect the tire pressure, brakes, electronic brake controller, as well as, the emergency break-away switch.
Remember, towing exerts a lot of pressure on the vehicle. As such, it would be a great idea to take the trailer to an experienced technician for servicing after work.
Weight Distribution
Make sure the load is evenly distributed. This will help in reducing wear and tear. Don’t overload your trailer. Always adhere to the maximum payload rating. Going beyond this weight can cause the vehicle to flip when you speed.
Tow Ball
Ensure that the tow ball is correctly set and firmly hooked to the latch. You may also want to consider crisscrossing a safety chain between the trailer and the vehicle being towed. Make sure the ball mount is moveable for easy maneuverability.
Wheel Alignment
When your trailer’s wheels are correctly aligned, you’ll enjoy a smooth driving experience. Poorly maintained wheels can cause the trailer to lean in one direction. And this can make it difficult for you to drive safely. You’ll keep adjusting the steering to keep the vehicle balanced.
However, if the wheels are properly aligned, you won’t have trouble keeping the vehicle balanced. And this will go a long way in reducing operator fatigue. Every trip will be filled with fun and enjoyment.
Lug Nuts
After fixing the tire pressure, go ahead and inspect the wheels for other forms of damage. The trailer might have struck a curb and caused damage to the rims. Replace any damaged rims. Even if the damage is slight, be sure to get it fixed right away.
Lug nuts are also highly prone to loosening. Once the wheel is mounted on the hub, be sure to inspect them thoroughly. When driving your roll-off trailer on a remounted wheel, make sure the lug nuts are tight. Don’t forget to inspect your bolts as well. Keep them as tight as possible.
Key Takeaway
Proper maintenance can decrease your fuel costs. When combined with misaligned tires, poor lubrication can reduce your trailer’s fuel efficiency by ten percent. Trailers are the heaviest consumers of fuel. And you don’t want anything that’ll further increase your fuel costs. A well-maintained trailer is more economical.
The Bottom-Line
If you own a roll-off trailer, make sure you operate it safely. It’s important to adhere to standard safety procedures to prevent injuries, as well as, other tragedies when moving loads. Inspect the tires, rims, bolts, brakes, lug nuts, as well as, tow balls.
