Trailer Inspection Checklist: Signs Your Trailer Needs Repair
A pre-trip walk-around for semi, reefer and utility trailers, from Fast & Furious Trailer Repair in Phoenix.
Quick answer: Walk around your trailer before every trip and look at the wheel ends, axles and suspension, brakes and air lines, lights and wiring, doors and latches, and the frame and rear beam. Hot or leaking hubs, air leaks, cracks in welds or beams, and doors that will not latch are signs the trailer needs repair before it rolls.
A quick walk-around catches small problems before they turn into a breakdown on I-10 or a rejected load. Use it along with your company inspection requirements. Fast & Furious Trailer Repair works on semi trailers, including dry vans, reefers and flatbeds, plus utility, car hauler and equipment trailers, at the shop on W Fulton St in Phoenix.
1. Wheel ends: hubs, bearings and seals
- Grease or oil on the inside of the wheel or tire can mean a leaking hub seal.
- A hub that is much hotter than the others after a run, or grinding and humming noises, can point to bearing trouble.
- Wobble or play in a wheel is a reason to stop and get it checked.
Hubs, bearings and seals are replaced as well as complete axles. See axles, hubs and bearings.
2. Axles and suspension
Look for a bent or damaged axle, uneven tire wear, a trailer that sits lower on one side, and worn or leaking air bags. Related suspension and air-bag issues are part of getting a trailer safe to roll again.
3. Brakes and air lines
Listen for air leaks with the system charged, check gladhands and lines for cracks or rubbing, and pay attention to brakes that drag or pull. Brakes and air lines are part of semi and reefer trailer repair; see semi and reefer trailer repair.
4. Lights and wiring
Check every marker, clearance, brake and turn light, and look for loose plugs, corroded connections or wiring that hangs or rubs. Lights and wiring are repaired on semi, reefer and utility trailers.
5. Doors, latches and hinges
Open and close the doors. Watch for bent hinges, latches that will not lock, and seals that are torn or loose, especially on reefers. Doors, latches and hinges are fixed so you can deliver, and drivers passing through Phoenix have been helped quickly. See doors, latches and hinges.
6. Frame, rear beam and cross members
Look underneath for cracked welds, bent cross members and damage to the rear beam, and check ramp gates on equipment trailers. Rear beams and cross members are common welding and frame repairs. Send photos for a faster estimate. See trailer welding and frame repair.
7. Reefer and food-grade trailers
If you haul food, look at the floor, walls and door seals as closely as the running gear. Fast & Furious works on reefer trailers, including food-grade trailers. One customer's trailer was made food-grade ready after being rejected twice.
8. Utility, car hauler and equipment trailers
Smaller trailers need the same walk-around: tires, hubs, lights, the tongue and coupler area, ramps and the frame. See utility and equipment trailers.
9. Tires
Check every tire for low pressure, cuts, bulges and uneven wear, and make sure valve caps and lug nuts are in place. Uneven wear on one axle can be a clue to axle, bearing or suspension trouble behind it.
What to tell the shop when you call
- Your trailer type: dry van, reefer, flatbed, utility, car hauler or equipment trailer
- What you are seeing or hearing: a hot hub, an air leak, a door that will not latch, a crack in a beam
- Where you are: passing through Phoenix on I-10 or based in the West Valley
- Photos: pictures of the damage help with a faster estimate
Found a problem?
Call or text (623) 707-9373 and Freddy will tell you when to bring the trailer in. Repairs are often available the next day. The shop is at 6639 W Fulton St, Phoenix, AZ 85043, off 67th Avenue south of Buckeye Road. Call or text before you come so the shop can plan for your trailer. You can also use the contact page or read reviews.
Still have a question?
Call or text (623) 707-9373 and ask.