Dump Trailer - Maintenance
A dump trailer is one of the most useful trailer types around, letting you move heavy cargo or piles of debris and material with ease. But these machines aren’t invincible, and they still rely on you to keep them in good shape. We here at APC Trailers know that sounds intimidating, so we’ve put together a basic maintenance guide to get you started. To learn more, or to see the dump trailers we have for sale, contact our store in Tucson, Arizona, today!
Check The Owner’s Manual
Your first step is always to read through the owner’s manual. We have some pretty solid general advice, but your manual is written for your specific make and model’s needs. It will include a recommended maintenance schedule, preferred products, and much more. If you can’t find the manual, look on the manufacturer’s website for a version you can download or print for yourself.
Battery
Dump trailers are one of the few trailer types to have their own battery. While that’s necessary and even useful, it means more maintenance. That includes checking and charging it when you can. If you have to store the trailer for more than a few days, we recommend hooking it up to a trickle charger to prevent it from dying.
Remember that your dump trailer battery is near the hydraulics system, for obvious reasons, so if it’s low on charge, it may leak. That will negatively impact all of your dump trailer’s primary functions. If the bed won’t lift properly, check the area for excess fluid and the battery for charge.
Tires
Your trailer’s tires are one of the most important parts for normal function—after all, without them, it’s not going anywhere. Make sure the tire pressure matches your manual’s recommended psi, and note how often they need to be filled to ensure they don’t have a leak.
You’ll also want to check the sidewalls for damage and the tread for excessive wear. Avoid using the trailer if the tires are degraded or damaged, since it’s both inefficient and incredibly unsafe.
Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is the whole reason for having a dump trailer at all, so you’ll want to pay close attention to it. Again, check the battery if you have fluid in the hydraulics.
Your bed might also get stuck in the lifted position. One temporary fix is to find the square-shaped coil and the round one on the pump. Loosen the nuts on both coils and switch them out, which may allow you to lower the bed enough to move the trailer safely. But remember, this is a temporary solution. Your dump trailer will require professional assistance as soon as possible to ensure a permanent fix.
Not sure where to take it? Contact us at APC Trailers for maintenance assistance, or if you’re on the market for a new dump trailer altogether. We proudly serve the people of Phoenix and Casa Grande, Arizona—let us serve you today!