skip to content

As the owner of heavy-hauling vehicle trailers, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of regular maintenance and repair to ensure their long-term functionality. If you rely on these trailers for your business, transporting equipment to and from construction sites, neglecting proper maintenance can lead to breakdowns.

If you’re in need of heavy-hauling trailer repair, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Van Raden Industries, we’ll discuss the key indicators that signal your trailer requires repair. If you’re keen to learn more, read on below.

Heavy-hauling trailers are designed to carry substantial loads across various terrains, enduring challenging conditions, particularly on rugged roads.

Despite their durability, trailers are not immune to wear and tear, and they can develop issues or sustain damage that necessitates professional repair, such as the services offered by Van Raden Industries. It’s imperative to keep your trailer in excellent condition to ensure its long-term functionality.

Why Is Trailer Repair Important?

Trailer maintenance and repair hold immense importance, as they are essential for ensuring the longevity of your trailer. Often, critical repairs are not immediately evident, such as slow fuel leaks, making regular maintenance even more vital. Keeping your trailer in optimal condition allows you to use it for extended periods, reliably transporting equipment to various locations. This, in turn, promotes safety for both your workers and drivers whenever they operate the trailer.

Before embarking on any hauling tasks, a thorough inspection of your trailer is imperative. Ensuring that all its components are road-ready and safe to use is a fundamental step. Worn-out or damaged parts can compromise the trailer’s control, leading to accidents and injuries. If you suspect any issues with your trailer, it’s essential to seek professional inspection and necessary repairs.

For a secure and efficient trailer operation, regular assessments, proper maintenance, and prompt repairs are non-negotiable. When it comes to trailer repair in Washington, you can trust Van Raden Industries to provide the assistance you need.

What Are the Tell-Tale Signs That Your Trailer Needs to be Repaired?

Durable heavy haul custom trailers by Van Raden for maximum load and ROI.

Trailer maintenance and repair are necessary to ensure the longevity of your heavy-hauling vehicle trailer. Check out the following signs that your heavy-hauling vehicle trailer needs repair.

Unusual Sounds and Noises 

Unusual sounds and noises emanating from your trailer are clear warning signs that something might be amiss and should not be overlooked. If your trailer is producing odd clicking sounds or other unusual noises during operation, it’s crucial to investigate the issue promptly. Such sounds can often indicate loose parts that require tightening or securing. However, they might also signal more severe problems, such as issues within the trailer’s braking system or complications with its suspension and axle.

These signs should never be left unaddressed for an extended period, as they can potentially endanger your drivers and employees. Seeking professional assistance is vital in diagnosing and rectifying any underlying problems.

It’s important to conduct regular visual inspections of your trailer to check for any visible damage, cracks, corrosion, or damaged spindles. If any of these issues are detected, it’s imperative to address them promptly. Neglecting these problems can lead to further damage and complications.

Trailers are particularly susceptible to axle damage, making regular inspections essential to identify any issues early on. A professional mechanic can assist in replacing or repairing damaged axles. Additionally, if your trailer has been involved in an accident, it is imperative to have the axles examined immediately.

Driving a heavy-hauling trailer in need of repair not only risks further damage to your vehicle and equipment but also poses a safety hazard to your driver and workers. Prioritizing timely maintenance and repairs ensures the safe and efficient operation of your trailer.

Lighting Problems

If you encounter issues with the lighting on your heavy-hauling trailer, it’s essential to address them promptly. While operating the trailer, carefully inspect the lights to ensure they are functioning correctly. If you notice flickering lights or find that some lights are not working at all, this could indicate several underlying issues. These problems might range from a blown fuse or loose wiring connections to faulty wiring or more serious electrical concerns.

Fluid Leakage

Any signs of fluid leakage from your trailer should be treated as a matter of urgency. This type of issue can signal problems with seals or gaskets, which often occur in older trailers with corroded or worn metal components.

Ignoring fluid leaks can exacerbate the problem and is also environmentally hazardous. If you detect any fluid leaks from your heavy-hauling trailer, it is imperative to consult with a professional immediately to arrange for the necessary repairs.

Limited Handling

Proper handling and maneuverability of your trailer are crucial for safe operation. When the trailer’s axle experiences issues, it can make turning and maneuvering difficult. Thoroughly inspect the trailer, starting with the axles and their connections to other parts of the vehicle.

Components susceptible to damage include the connecting switch, axle, or even the engine. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly is essential for ensuring the trailer’s safe and efficient operation.

The brakes of the trailer are also prone to damage. They are frequently used and carry heavy weight. It can also cause the limited maneuverability of the trailer. If the brakes are lagging or not functioning properly, they must be checked by a professional so they can be repaired accordingly. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Trailers

Trailer brake system repairs by Van Raden Industries in Vancouver, WA.

1. What is the typical lifespan of a trailer?

The lifespan of a trailer can vary depending on factors such as the model, frequency of use, and maintenance practices. In general, trailers can last for approximately 10 to 15 years if they are properly maintained. Timely repairs of any issues that arise are essential for extending their lifespan.

2. How often should I maintain my trailer?

To ensure the longevity and safe operation of your trailer, it should be maintained and inspected every six months. Regular inspections by a professional can help detect and address any issues promptly, keeping your trailer in optimal working condition.

3. How frequently should I inspect the trailer brakes?

The trailer brakes should undergo inspection and maintenance every three months or after every 3,000 miles of use. Routine brake inspections can identify any problems, and if replacements or repairs are necessary, they should be carried out promptly to maintain the trailer’s safety and performance.

Do you own a heavy-hauling vehicle trailer? If it’s in need of repair and you’re located in Washington, you can count on Van Raden Industries. We specialize in custom heavy-hauling trailers and offer expert repair services for heavy-hauling vehicle trailers as well. If you’re interested in learning more about our services and products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

You can reach us at 800-522-0099 or 360-314-4965, or send us an email at wvanraden@aol.com. When it comes to the repair of your heavy-hauling vehicle trailers, make the choice to trust Van Raden Industries. What are you waiting for? Contact us today! We’ll respond promptly to your inquiry.