Main causes of failures in truck trailers and how to prevent them
When a trailer starts to malfunction, it almost never happens overnight. There are signs, small anomalies, and symptoms that become more evident… until the truck finally breaks down, the cargo is delayed, and the business loses valuable time.
In this article, we'll show you the most common causes of trailer failures and how to prevent them. We'll also explain why many of these failures can be avoided with proper inspections and professional maintenance at specialized workshops like ours in Brandon, Tampa, FL. Stay with us until the end: understanding these points can save you thousands of dollars in emergency repairs.
1. Problems with the braking system
Brakes are one of the systems that most frequently experience failures in commercial trailers, especially in units that travel long distances or transport heavy loads.
Most Frequent Causes:
Excessive wear of brake shoes and drums.
Air line leaks.
Damaged brake chambers.
Poor calibration or lack of regular maintenance.
How to Prevent It:
Weekly visual inspections.
Air system leak testing.
Scheduled replacement of critical components.
Professional inspection at each preventive maintenance service.
At Brothers Truck Trailer Repair and Welding Corp, we carry certified parts from reputable brands, ideal for safe and long-lasting replacements.
2. Malfunctions in the trailer's electrical system
The electrical system is one of the first to show symptoms: lights that go out, weak connections, loose contacts... The problem is that many drivers overlook these issues until the malfunction affects road safety.
Common Causes:
Corroded connectors.
Main wiring harness damaged by moisture or vibrations.
Blown fuses.
Grounding system problems.
How to Prevent It:
Lubricate and protect electrical connections.
Inspect the entire wiring harness.
Replace broken or exposed wires.
At our workshop, we perform a complete electrical diagnostic, ideal before long trips or inspections.
3. Structural damage to the chassis and body
Impacts, wear and tear, and corrosion affect the trailer's structure. Often, this damage starts as small cracks or deformations... and ends up compromising the safety of the entire unit.
Main Causes:
Frequent overloading.
Corrosion due to moisture.
Impacts on ramps, docks, or uneven roads.
Poor quality previous welds.
How to Prevent It:
Inspect critical points of the chassis.
Keep the trailer free of moisture buildup.
Have professional welding performed when a crack is detected.
At Brothers Truck Trailer Repair and Welding Corp, we offer aluminum and steel welding services, meeting professional workshop standards.
4. Leaks and damage in the hydraulic system (in specialized trailers)
In units such as Walking Floor trailers, liftgates, or mobile platforms, hydraulic failures are very common if they are not addressed promptly.
Main Causes:
Worn hoses.
Leaking hydraulic cylinders.
Pump operating at low pressure.
Lack of maintenance and fluid changes.
How to Prevent It:
Monthly system inspections.
Immediate replacement of aging hoses.
Checking the level and quality of the hydraulic fluid.
Our workshop handles complete repairs for hydraulic systems, ideal for companies with active fleets.
5. Problems in the suspension system
The suspension maintains the trailer's stability, protects the cargo, and reduces wear and tear. When it fails, the entire trailer is affected.
Most Common Causes:
Broken air springs.
Faulty leveling valves.
Worn axle mechanisms.
How to Prevent It:
Regular inspection of air springs.
Replacement of damaged components.
Inspection of axle alignment.
6. Why are these failures preventable?
Because most of them develop gradually. The real problem is not the failure itself, but failing to detect it in time.
At Brothers Truck Trailer Repair and Welding Corp, we offer:
Comprehensive preventive inspections.
Scheduled maintenance for fleets.
Certified repairs.
A catalog of high-quality replacement parts, ideal for any type of trailer or commercial truck.
All from our physical location in Brandon, Tampa, Florida, where we serve customers daily with both urgent and planned needs.
Preventing breakdowns is more cost-effective than repairing them
Each of the failures mentioned can be avoided with proper inspections, certified parts, and a specialized workshop. If your trailer is already showing signs of wear or you want to avoid an unexpected breakdown, we are ready to help. We invite you to follow our blog, where every week we share guides, tips, concepts, and key recommendations for trailer and truck maintenance. And if you need an urgent repair, a scheduled service, or a complete inspection, contact us or visit us in Brandon, Tampa, FL. At Brothers Truck Trailer Repair and Welding Corp, we are ready to keep your fleet running at 100%.