Recommendations for establishing a maintenance schedule for flatbed trailers

May 12, 2017
Some general guidance.

Like any other vehicle, flatbed trailers need regular preventive maintenance to ensure safe operation and reliability.

Here are some maintenance suggestions from two dealers for Vanguard National Trailer Corporation. The company is a leading manufacturer of dry freight and refrigerated semitrailer vans for the North American transportation industry.

Vanguard recently introduced its new Flatbed Trailer Division and its first trailer design, a 48’ all-aluminum flatbed.

Chris Cotton, Director, Maintenance, Star Leasing Company – a one-source solution for all semitrailer needs, Columbus, OH

Cotton recommends performing the following inspections, keeping in mind that the frequency may need to be adjusted – depending on the application, and letting the equipment wear/failures dictate the inspection process.

Always pay special attention to any unscheduled maintenance to see how it could have been prevented from happening, he says.

- Check lug nuts every 25,000 miles.

- Check tire pressure after every drop/hook.

- Inspect hub oil level every 1,000 miles or drop/hook.

- Check brake adjustment semi-annually.

- Inspect camshaft, bushing and support brackets every 25,000 miles.

- Lubricate brake actuating components semi-annually.

- Inspect brake rollers, roller shafts, anchor pins and bushings annually.

- Inspect main beams and crossmembers annually.

Technician Tips

Cotton of Star Leasing provided these general safety cautions and tips for technicians performing flatbed trailer maintenance and repair work:

- Ensure all lifting apparatuses/stands are load rated properly, have sufficient capacity and are in proper working condition.

- Fall protection should be worn while working on any surface more than 4’ off the ground that has an unprotected side and edge.

- Always wear eye protection when working under a trailer or when working on the air system.

- Understand how a component or system works within the operation of the trailer. 

- Do not just change a part that is broken or worn without understanding the nature of the failure and how the repair is going to prevent it from occurring again.

- Always inspect tools prior to using for safe operation.

When it comes to maintenance management, Cotton stresses the importance of “understanding how it works before you repair it, and always inspect what you expect.”

Mike Rajsl, Service Manager, ILoca Services – a full service semitrailer dealer, Aurora, IL

Rajsl provided following flatbed maintenance suggestions:

- Perform Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Inspections once a year.

- Perform preventive maintenance inspections every three months, grease all fittings and note any concerns. Concerns should be attended to accordingly.

- Check axle endplay every 5,000 miles.

- Inspect coil area for cracks or signs of distress and check all bracing for cracks. Because flatbeds haul a lot of weight, he says they are more susceptible to structural failures.

- Check for irregular tire wear, especially on the front axle.

- As with any trailer, maintaining proper tire pressure is key. 

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance