Livestock Trailer Maintenance Tips
A livestock trailer is a great way to get your beloved animals to another destination, such as a vet clinic or a show. However, if you're new to using a livestock trailer, you'll want to take proactive steps to keep it in top shape. That’s why Flat Rock Trailers has provided a guide to some basic trailer maintenance tasks that you’ll want to know about. If you experience a maintenance issue beyond your ability, bring it to the service department at our dealership in Hewitt, Texas.
Read the Manual
Remember that it’s best to review the owner’s manual properly before you begin any maintenance task. While generalized tips work for most trailers, there may be specific information about your model in the manual that you should be aware of. This could include recommended products, a trailer service schedule, and anything else that might only apply to your model.
Cleaning
One of the keys to keeping your livestock trailer as clean as possible is to keep up with regular maintenance. When you return from a long trip, remove any dirt, dropped feed, and manure. Clear it out of any junk to prevent rotting and contributing to a bigger mess. If you neglect this, it’s going to soak into the floor and lead to damage.
An easy way to do this is to place a garbage container near your parked trailer. When you have some time to spare, hose down the floor. Finally, you’ll want to take out any food that’s going to eventually spoil.
Tires
No matter what livestock trailer you have, make sure to inspect your tires before every trip. Look for any signs of damage or poor tire pressure. To measure the exact psi levels and adjust as needed, you can use a tire pressure gauge. To know the recommendations, check your owner’s manual. Of course, at some point, you’ll probably just need to replace a damaged tire or a tread that’s worn out too much.
Brakes
Always remember to thoroughly inspect your livestock trailer’s brakes before you hit the road. Check every part of the braking system and look for signs of damage on the drums, shoes, shoe return springs, and hardware. When comparing both sides of the braking system, you might find the brakes to be wearing unevenly, which means there might be an issue that needs immediate attention. This could either be a sign that you’re not loading your trailer correctly or there’s something wrong with the hitch.
If your unit has an independent braking system, get rolling slowly and apply the brakes. If you hear a screeching or grinding noise, or if the trailer pulls to one side or the other, you know you have a problem. Check the wiring harness on your trailer and make sure that the brake and turning lights are bright and strong, not flickering or dull.
We hope that you found these tips helpful! If you want to check out some quality livestock trailers for sale, visit Flat Rock Trailers. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect model for your budget and needs. We are located in Hewitt, TX, and we proudly serve all those in Waco and Killeen, so stop by today.