Commercial trailer doors are the backbone of truck transportation fleets. They’re heavily used, can be expensive and require regular maintenance. When conducting inspections and general maintenance, there are plenty of things that you should be looking out for.
Subpar Installations, Damage and Heavy Use Can Cause Misalignment
One of the most frequent problems with truck trailer doors is misalignment. This occurs when the door is not properly aligned with the door frame, which can cause difficulty in opening and closing the door. There are several reasons why commercial trailer doors may become misaligned. One of the most common causes is uneven wear and tear on the door’s hinges and latches. Over time, the hinges and latches may become loose or worn out, which can cause the door to shift and become misaligned. Another common cause of misalignment is damage to the door frame. Bending and warping can occur due to an accident, collision or from heavy use. Improper installation of the door can also cause misalignment.
Over Time, Trailer Door Seals Can Deteriorate
Another common problem is a damaged door seal. This can occur due to exposure to the elements, such as sun and rain, or from heavy use. A damaged seal can lead to leaks, which can damage the cargo and cause temperature-sensitive goods to spoil. To fix this problem, the seal needs to be replaced or repaired. If a door seal is damaged, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage. This can typically be done by patching up any cracks or tears with a sealant. However, it’s important to note that this is a temporary solution, and the seal will eventually need to be replaced. If the seal is worn out or damaged beyond repair, it’s best to replace it with a new one. This will ensure that the door is properly sealed and will prevent any leaks from occurring.
Keeping up With Your Security Lock Maintenance is Paramount
A key issue that you’ll commonly encounter is a malfunctioning door lock. This can occur due to wear and tear, or due to damage caused by attempts to break into the trailer. If a door lock is malfunctioning, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to ensure the security of the cargo. The lock mechanism needs to be repaired or replaced. If the damage to the lock is not extensive, it may be possible to repair the door. This can typically be done by replacing worn out parts or by adjusting the mechanism.
General Use Wears Down Your Hinges and Latches Over Time
Worn out hinges and latches are also commonly found in commercial trailer doors. They are critical components of the door system, and they are responsible for keeping the door securely attached to the frame. This can cause difficulty in opening and closing the door and can also lead to misalignment. If the hinges and latches are worn out, it’s best to replace them with new ones. This will ensure that the door is securely attached to the frame and will prevent any difficulty in opening and closing the door.
Commercial Trailer Doors Are a Magnet for Rust
Rust is a common problem in a truck fleet’s doors. Rust can occur due to exposure to water and salt, weakening the door’s structure. To fix this problem, the rust needs to be removed immediately. To remove rust, the door needs to be sanded down to remove the rust and any loose or flaking paint. After the rust has been removed, the door needs to be cleaned and then treated with a rust inhibitor to prevent rust from forming again. After the rust has been removed, the door needs to be repainted to protect it from further rusting. This will not only improve the appearance of the door but also protect it from the elements.
Keep Up Your Trailer Fleet’s Door Maintenance and Inspections
Commercial doors go through heavy wear as part of your daily operations. Keeping your business’ truck doors operating smoothly keeps your team operating smoothly and can be achieved with minimal cost. All these issues can be caught early and dealt with just by conducting regular maintenance. Dealing with problems early keeps your costs down, consistent and your productivity up. The cost of repairs, replacement and the downtime required will always be worse than the costs of maintenance.