Great Dane recently shared six best practices for fleets and operators forced to store their trailers in response to fluctuations in freight demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These tips, intended to protect the longevity of trailer assets, are intended for operators storing a single trailer for a couple of weeks, or for those parking an entire fleet for longer than a month, the trailer manufacturer said.
Before putting a trailer in storage, first take these simple steps:
- Complete an FHWA inspection: An FHWA inspection can catch any repairs needed, so when the trailer is ready to come out of storage, it’s that much closer to hitting the road.
- Maintain insurance: Keep insurance on the trailer against damage, even when not in use.
- Assign responsibility: Identify who will be responsible for the storage and maintenance of the trailer: fleet or lot owner.
Communication is key to prevent issues and maintain proper storage. Once the first three steps are completed, follow these six best practices:
1. Move stored trailers monthly
Many adverse, costly consequences can be avoided by simply moving trailers around the yard every month. Just like cars, trailers were designed to move, and shifting a trailer’s location helps preserve these components:
- Tires: Disuse is a leading cause of tire dry rot. Once a tire has advanced dry rot, it cannot be repaired. Sunlight, chemicals, and fluctuating temperatures can all increase the chances of a tire breaking down more quickly. Moving the tires may not prevent tires from naturally breaking down, but it prevents one area from breaking down faster than the rest of the tire.
- Wheel seals (oil applications): Wheel seals keep water, dirt and other debris out of a hub assembly. They also keep wheel bearings lubricated. In oil applications, when wheel seals are left in one position for too long, lubrication is unevenly distributed. This can cause rust to develop, eventually causing leaks and the potential breakdown of an entire wheel end system.
- Brake shoes: The easiest way to prevent brake shoes from rusting to the brake drum is to move the trailer.
- Harnesses and reefer unit wiring: Rodents will do anything to find shelter. Moving the trailer can help disrupt and deter rodents from nesting or chewing through wiring harnesses.
2. Run trailer units occasionally
The batteries on cooling units and lift gates are susceptible to “sulfation”—the process by which lead sulfate crystals build up within the battery cell. Sulfation will occur in every battery throughout its lifetime, but extended storage can cause rapid sulfation. Overcharging or undercharging a battery can also accelerate sulfation.
The best way to deter this destructive process is to start and run trailer units occasionally. The use of AGM or deep cell batteries can also reduce this problem.
3. Park stored trailers close together
A sitting trailer is tempting for thieves. The first things to go will be the wheels and tires. Prevent theft by making them inaccessible. Park trailers close together so people can’t easily walk between them. Trailers also can be parked near fences or walls to help prevent access.
4. Protect gladhands
Insects love to get into gladhands, blocking up the system and potentially causing damage or corrosion.
Use gladhand covers or seals with mesh inserts to keep systems protected.
5. Park on solid ground
Landing gear isn’t meant to support a trailer on soft ground. Prevent trailers from getting stuck by parking on stable ground.
Great Dane also recommends using an 18-inch-by-18-inch square of ½-inch plywood under each foot of the landing gear. If the trailer is loaded, use a larger piece of plywood so the weight is distributed further. This piece of advice can eliminate the hard work of yanking a trailer out of the mud.
6. Lock up trailers and trailer storage
This one is a pretty obvious tip, but it’s important. Great Dane always recommends lot protection, but if a trailer is stored without general protection, this step is even more important. Protect the trailer and its components by using:
- A king pin lock
- A gladhand lock
- A rear door lock
For more practical and actionable advice on trailer storage, check out Great Dane’s recent webinar, hosted by the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), which provides in-depth coverage of these practices.
