Tips for Maintaining Tanker Trailers
Tanker trailers are used for hauling food, petroleum, liquid chemicals, and dry bulk products. This piece of equipment is a huge asset and can extend into many years of use if properly taken care of, more so than other types of vehicles. Tankers serve as an important service to companies when it comes to time and money.
Periodic Cleaning and Maintenance
In general, 4 to 6 weeks is the recommended time period for cleaning and maintaining tanker trailers. They are on the road as much as possible and are exposed to the dirt and debris of highways. It is hard to see if there has been any damage after thousands of miles so setting up a good cleaning and maintenance appointment with a complete semi-trailer service company is a must.
Interior Cleaning
The interior core of tank trailers can easily become neglected without a maintenance schedule to adhere to. A tanker can look great on the outside, but always get an inspection on the inside from a qualified tank trailer technician that is certified to perform specific repairs and inspections.
Build up of chemicals or different products can leave dangerous residue for new cargo. It is important to clean the inside of a tanker after each load and further have it checked for damage on your routine servicing inspection.
Brake Maintenance
Almost 30% of all large truck accidents are due to faulty brakes. Brake maintenance is not just limited to regular servicing but is required from drivers as well. Air pressure readings must be between 100 psi and 125 psi before heading on the road. Any reading that falls below 60 psi points to immediate servicing. Other areas include:
- Check brake linings and hoses
- Grease slack adjusters
- Inspect and lubricate S cams
- Inspect wheel and brake chambers
If your regular servicing points to new brake shoes or other parts, do not put off the work. It is imperative to keep brakes in perfect condition on the road.
Prevent Tire Blowouts
Constantly check the tire pressure of each tire on your tank trailers. Not only will this advice extend the life of your tires, but it also will:
- Improve fuel economy
- Improve resistance of aggression on the road surface
- Prevent low-rolling resistance
- Avoid blowouts
The shape of tankers has been designed for a reason. Everything is made to include balance, weight, and extended wear for maneuverability and safety. According to experts at Hale Trailer, “Trailer dimension restrictions may vary by state,” as well.
Aluminum and stainless steel are the commonly used material for hauling corrosive and highly refined products. Multiple compartments and baffles further keep liquids from uncontrolled sloshing.
Read Our Blog: DTP Services
Tanker trailers are a specialized type of transiting liquids like oil, crude oil, gasoline, and milk and dry bulk products like plastic pellets, flour, and concrete. Each product has a specific federal requirement to ensure no impurities. When you want to buy tanker trailers, make it a point to rely only on seasoned providers in the trailer industry because they have the knowledge and expertise to sell, service, or recondition your tank equipment whenever needed.