Basically, you need to treat the trailers the same as you do power units. Th e only real diff erence is that trailers have fewer components, which makes the process a little easier. START WITH THE OEM To begin the process, contact the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and ask for the recommended service items and service intervals for the trailer. If the trailer has an auxiliary engine of some type – such as on a refrigerated trailer or a detachable lowboy trailer, you will need to remember to get information specifi c to the engine and attached system. Th e information provided by the OEM provides your “baseline” when it comes to establishing | Heavy Duty Treat trailers like power units By Tom Bray, Lead Editor, Transport Management, J. J. Keller & Associates Establish fi tting maintenance schedules and checklists When it comes to establishing and following a systematic maintenance program, it is all too easy to forget about the trailers. Th e problem with that is other people – the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, offi cers on the road and maintenance schedules – both the interval and the items to be checked. Th is baseline needs plaintiff s’ attorneys – have reasons to become concerned about to be adjusted based on your use of the trailer the eff ectiveness of your trailer maintenance program. (i.e., whether it is more severe than the manufac- An effective trailer management preventive maintenance program should be patterned after those for power units. The big difference is that trailers have fewer components than trucks, and that makes the process a little simpler. Photo courtesy of DK Communications 18 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ OCTOBER 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com
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