Dump Trailer Tire Maintenance Tips
As a dump trailer owner or operator, you know the importance of keeping your rig in top-notch condition. One of the most critical aspects of dump trailer maintenance is tire care. Proper tire maintenance not only improves the trailer's performance but also extends the life of your tires and ensures your safety on the road. We have provided essential tips for dump trailer tire maintenance that you should keep in mind, so read on to learn more!
Read the Owner’s Manual
The first step is to find the owner’s manual for your dump trailer. While we can give you some great general tips, your manual knows the specifics of how your trailer’s tires are supposed to look. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, head over to the dump trailer manufacturer’s website. More often than not, you can download a copy of the manual from there.
Check the Inflation and Tread
Like with any vehicle, the tires of a dump trailer need to be properly inflated to work their best. If the tires don’t have the correct pressure, they’ll have a more difficult time distributing weight and coping with the road. This can make them wear out faster, impact your fuel economy, and lead to blow-outs and faster replacements. Start by using an air pressure gauge to see what the psi is like in your tires — we recommend doing this in the morning when a cooler temperature won’t impact your readings as much. Compare this to the measurement recommended in your owner’s manual and adjust as required.
Your tire’s tread is just as important. Make sure all four tires have the tread depth recommended in your owner’s manual, especially if you start to notice some skidding that might indicate poor traction. Also, ensure that all four tires are wearing down their tread at equal rates. If some dump trailer tires are losing their tread faster than others, there may be an alignment problem.
Axle Health
The axles are vital to making sure that your dump trailer rolls smoothly. Bent axles are common maintenance troubles for trailers that see regular use. If you notice uneven treads on your tires and can’t find any other explanation, the axle is likely to blame. This issue will require a service department visit and professional maintenance, so you’ll want to address it as soon as possible.
Tire Type
Not all tires are created equal, and not all of them are designed for the same tasks. Make sure you’re using the right tires for your dump trailer, which you can verify in your owner’s manual. Radial tires are a popular choice, and for good reason. They optimize efficiency, improve traction, and have a long lifespan!
We hope that you found these tips helpful. If you’ve any questions or want to check out the dump trailers we have in stock, stop by APC Trailers in Tucson, AZ. We proudly serve all those in Phoenix and Casa Grande.