General handling of Trailers

Driving with a trailer is not that easy and safety measures are to be observed at all times. Make sure that your truck and your trailer are on the right condition and checked before you drive off the road. Here are some safety tips when driving a trailer.

1.       Check your truck and trailer before going off the road

Since we’re going for a ride, checking the truck and the trailer is the first step when it comes to safety.

2.       Drive at a moderate speed

·         Driving your trailer and your truck off the road needs to be on a moderate speed. Moderate speed gives you control on the trailer and avoid unwanted accidents. Also, driving moderately saves you gasoline over time.

Moderation on speed will put less strain on your trailer or tow vehicle.

3.       Take it slow when it comes to bumpy roads

·         If we are traveling and we encounter bumpy or rocky roads, always make sure that you slow down. It will help your trailer maintain its balance and avoid falling down.

Brakes

1.       Check your brakes

·         Road accidents sometimes happen when your brakes are defective and not working. Always make sure to check your brakes before heading out.

2.       Anticipate timing when slowing down

·         If we are to stop, make sure to anticipate the right timing to slow down because it gives you more control of your trailer. Reduce the speed by shifting to a lower gear and gently press your brakes.

·         Consider also the best distance to use your brakes

Other Tips to Remember

Always Check the Weather and Road Conditions

·         Driving on different weather conditions can be rough and we need to be ready when driving a trailer. If the weather conditions are bad, it’s better to re-schedule your trip.

·         When driving on hot or warm days, it’s better to stay in low gear and avoiding uphill roads to avoid engine overheating

·         Rainy or snowy days can be dangerous. Always check on your brakes and lights to avoid accidents. Be sure to drive your trailer on slow pace.

·         Before heading out, make sure to know the traffic and road conditions to apply countermeasures and route change to your destinations.

Trailer Essentials Part 2

Trailer Brake System

For our next article, we’re going to discuss the brake system of the trailer. Here’s what  you should know!

In any type of vehicle, the brake system is considered as a very important component. With this in mind, it is important to note that even trailers need to have a reliable break system especially as it is frequently used to haul cargo. But what are the common brake system installed in trailers, let’s find out.

There are two kinds of brake system usually installed in trailers, namely drum and disc brakes. The common and most reliable for now is the drum brake. Drum brakes have been tried and tested since the early years of automotive. It can also be installed in trailers. Between the two brake system options, drum brakes are also more affordable than the disc brake. However, the downside of drum brakes is the maintenance.

Disc brakes are more expensive up front, why? As trailer experts, we can say that disk brakes are easier and more affordable to maintain in the long run. It is also becoming widely more popular among trailer owners. Through custom modification, we can replace the drum brake in most braking system.  We have come across a growing number of trailer owners’ switch to disc brakes because of quite a few advantages over the drum brake. This includes more powerful stopping power, less maintenance (fewer parts) and more resistant to fading during a descent.

As reliable custom trailer makers in Melbourne, we encourage trailer owners to get regular brake checkups, ideally every 6 months to 1 year of usage especially those who are using their trailers almost every day for work and hauling purposes. We also perform trailer repairs in Melbourne. If you need any Trailer Alterations, repairs or you are looking to embark on a trailer customisation project, please don’t hesitate to contact Titan Engineering for a free quote and we’ll see you on our next blog series!

Trailer Essentials Part 1

To keep your trailer going, you need to check and maintain your trailer once in a while. Today, we’re going to give you some tips on how to properly check and maintain your trailer. First off, we’re going to start with Tyre pressure and Wheel bearing grease. Checking your trailer’s tyre pressure and wheel bearing should be part of your regular trailer maintenance to keep it running well.

Tyre Pressure

Tip: Always check your tyre pressure before you drive with your trailer.

Insufficient tyre pressure can cause your trailer tyres to blow out, so it is essential to check this before going out with your trailer, especially with heavy loads. You should always check your manufacturer’s specifications for the correct tyre pressure. The pressure will vary according to the load.  Essentially, the heavier the load, the more tyre pressure is needed.  A good quality pressure gauge can be invaluable to assist you to determine your tyre pressure before you hit the road.

Tip: High pressure racing gauges are typically more accurate. Also, you may need a compressor to inflate your tyres. Spare tyres are also important for trailers.  If you do get a flat tyre you are stuck without one.

Uneven weight distribution of your load inside the trailer can also cause issues for the tyres. Each tyre has their own gross rating and a maximum weight it can handle. Uneven load distribution can cause a single tyre to underperform if it is bearing a heavier load than the others. This can also cause accidents like fishtailing.

Wheel Bearing Grease

Dirty wheel bearings can cause friction and wear. It is important for trailer owners to clean their wheel bearings and apply grease as often as every month, depending on how much you use your trailer. Lubrication lets the trailer move smoothly and prevents friction, which causes heat. It is better to check the amount of grease before you go out with your trailer.

Also, choosing the right grease is important for trailer owners. Check the manufacturer’s manual to determine the best grease to use.  

It is important to maintain your trailer to keep it in good shape and able to perform its functions.   If you need some assistance, call us at Titan Engineering. We have the tools and the experience to attend to all your trailer needs. We’ll see you on our next blog series. 

Box Trailer Maintenance

Owning a box trailer is not easy as other people think especially if you are looking for the right kind of trailer to use. Depending on the different types of trailer such as cargo trailer, boat trailer, motorcycle trailer, machinery trailer, etc. you need to be sure that the trailer you purchase will suit all your needs.

There are so many trailer manufacturers in the market, as a buyer, you might be confused as to the type of trailer you choose. We have provided a guide to help you pick the trailer that suits your preferences.

·         Before making any trips, you need to ensure that the trailer and the vehicle are made for the road meaning that the tyres are properly inflated, check the trailer bearings, suspensions and brakes. Also make sure to check that your vehicle lights are working as well as the safety chain.

·         In every trip, make sure that the coupling and load is tightly secured and that the tyres are inflated and not rubbing on the bodywork and suspension.

·         Make sure the paint does not coat the hinges especially inside as well as the coupling. It is recommended that you spray WD40 on these sections. WD40 is used to prevent metals from rusting and protects against moisture and other rusted parts.

·         Make sure to check the plugs and wiring on your trailer to make sure that the lights are working in order.

·         Double check to make sure that your tyres are in good condition rims and the wheel nuts are bolted properly and tightly.

·         Drive according to the road conditions.

·         You need to operate the vehicle and trailer based on the road rules and legal traffic requirements.

·         Make sure that the trailer can carry the load and road conditions make sure it is equipped with the road you are travelling plus your load weight.

·         Make sure that the safety chains and light leads are not dragging on the road while moving, keep them tight and secure for the road travel.

·         Check to make sure that the jockey wheels, gates and ramps are secured and stashed for travel.

·         On every trip, double-check your lights if they are working properly especially if you are travelling at night.

·         Don’t overload your trailer.

·         Do not drive when tired or sleepy to prevent any road accidents.

·         Do not drive under the influence of any alcohol or drugs.

·         Keep driving within the speed limit of the vehicle or towing vehicle.

·         Never leave your towing vehicle unattended.

We highly recommend that you maintain your trailer at least every 6 months or have it checked for problems.

Tradesman Trailer

There is some point in time when a tradesman does need something bigger than a toolbox. As a tradesman, a tool box doesn’t deliver the options and space for the expanding list of projects around town and space for additional and heavier equipment. Additionally, a versatile craftsman always seeks to offer a flexible service where productivity isn’t affected by limitations in space or capacity. In other words, we need room to conduct more business and driving back to the workshop getting a certain tool is time consuming. A single toolbox that has wheels, drawers, shelves where we can put our equipment is a better choice. Tradesman trailers are built to answer that issue. Built with heavy-duty steel, we design products that are made to carry and protect your equipment. Numerous split level racks to deliver extra storage options and that handy provision to load up larger gear and hit the road with tools.

A tradesman trailer is roadworthy and a great investment. A tradesman can hook it to the rear of a vehicle and driven to a designated worksite. A single-axle configuration is the most common model found on some trailer workshops but rare examples of double-axle models are around. The increase in when offers more stability when carrying heavy load and jouncing along roads with higher speed limits. Other small businesses stick with single-axle trailers stocking the supported storage area with bounty of tools. The important thing is that trailers should have solid suspension, good tyres, disc brakes and regulation vehicle lights.

A heavy duty designed trailers relies on strength coupled with versatile storage. Security of tools is taken cared by locking handles and protection from elements is provided by close fitting seals and enameled panels that defeat dampness. The trailer should also be equipped with racks that lock tools and materials in place. The same racks should have the carrying capacity and tensile strength to transport metal sheeting, ladders, compressors and other oversized tools.
A tradesman trailer provides a level of convenience for a tradesman. Make sure that you don’t forget to service the trailer to keep it ticking along and protecting your tools with ease. Visit us at Titan Engineering today!

Caged Trailers

A caged trailer that is uniquely fabricated to hold cargo while still allowing an owner easy access. These trailer are usually designed high-sided and traditionally open-topped. This means oversized cargo can be added on the trailer with ease. The mesh sides can also be used to further strap down items so that they don’t move while driving with the trailer. The open top makes a popular choice for businesses like landscaping. For instances, shrubs and small trees can be loaded at the caged trailer, open to the air and they are towed easily. Others use the trailer to put inside machinery or tools that can’t be transported without an open top when it comes to trailers.

These custom made trailers are perfect for any type of use. Our previous clients are in the business of transporting goods from one place to another. These trailers are rugged but exposed, versatile but rigid, making our caged trailers a powerful tool for dozen of application. For others, they rent caged trailers to transport their household appliances and furniture from different places.

The mode of operation usually entails either lowering or pivoting the rear mesh panel downward. This panel receives additional reinforcement, turning the lowered section into an angular ramp. Use the ramp to load the trailer, lifting it back into place afterward. Look for a sturdy build when shopping for caged trailers. The common sizes found for rental and purchase are defined by their length and width, but inspect the height of the meshed walls for rigidity. Dimensions vary through 7 x 4 feet, 8 x 5 feet, and larger sizes will likely opt for a switch from single-axis to double-axis manufacture, complete with mechanical suspension, brakes, and heavy-duty wheels capable of absorbing light impact on varying road surfaces.

Carrying tall loads or shifting garden waste, moving house or just building a small business, users need caged trailers to manage all kinds of load transportation projects.

Designing Tilt Trailers that are Efficient and Safe

Our customized Tilt Trailers offers a fascinating mix of fully loaded features and simple loading. Our aim is to get the load up the angled tail with the edge of minimum fuss. The center of gravity of the trailer aids in this movement since hydraulic tilting isn’t typically feature in this type of trailer. These trailer is built as a general purpose trailer or designed to accommodate heavy loads. The dipping angle where trailer edge meets ground is critical in manufacturing the right tilt deck for the right purpose. A series of knife edged tails installed over the grounded edge of the trailer will ease any transitional movement as the load wheels upward. A custom wielded flatbed section of wide, durable steel then hold the mass of the cargo.

The Stability and the safety of the transported cargo is important. Again, this is where we customize the trailer to eliminate hazardous issues. Heavy graded steel is what we use for decking when heavy loads are part of the design specifications and indented metal is added to the deck to stop wheeled cargo from shifting (ex. Machinery). The steel tread plate also acts as an additional grip when the load is being wheeled up the tilted surface. Additional anti-slip textures and gritty coatings are sprayed or added into the deck for the cargo. Movement is usually caused by rain, ice, leakages, etc inside the trailer.

The density of the steel decking couples supports struts and surfaces covering to ensure the weight of the cargo on the tilt trailer. Additional to that is we install an addition of a minimal hydraulic system rounds on the trailer. A single hydraulic piston and small reservoir can be employed to cushion the tilt. It is a passive system but it could prevent injury if there are tilt trailers repairs or mechanism slips. The integration of radial tyres and frame design that promotes low deck height implementation is sure to reduce stress and strain when loading expensive and weighty equipment.

Thus far we’ve covered weight distribution on an anti-slip surface, tightly knit support struts supporting a steel deck, and mechanisms dedicated to easing the transition from the ground to the deck, but it’s time to focus on actual towing scenarios. An adjustable coupler is the bridge between the towing engine and the tilt trailer, a mechanism that, if customized, is altered to lend the coupling added strength and height versatility. It’s the linchpin of the operation. Coming a close second, is combinations for braking and suspension. Weight is the contributing factor here, but the terrain being navigated also plays a significant role in the smoothness of a trip. Check out options for air brakes and drum brakes, for hydraulic suspension or spring suspension, discussing maximum weight to be carried and the type of road the vehicle is bouncing along.