Edmonton, known as the “Gateway to the North,” is no stranger to extreme temperatures. From agriculture to construction, businesses in every sector should ensure their gooseneck trailers are prepared for any climate.
Weather-proofing your trailer is essential to ensure long-term use and durability, no matter the rain, sleet, or snow. Keep reading to uncover several weather-related maintenance tips from Kingpin Trailers for Edmonton trailer owners.
Check For Rust
Like any vehicle, gooseneck trailers are susceptible to rust, especially in the winter.
Road salt, commonly used to melt away slippery ice in the winter, doesn’t mix well with metal vehicle parts. Excessive exposure to road salt accelerates oxidation, leading to rust in trailers.
Regularly inspect your gooseneck trailer during the wintertime for rust, keeping an extra close eye on these metal components:
- Undercarriage
- Wheel Wells
- Landing Gear
- Axles
- Hitch
These vehicle parts are most vulnerable to de-icing salt, which is kicked up while driving, making them especially susceptible to corrosion and rust. Ensure you’re washing your gooseneck trailer frequently to remove spots of road salt before oxidation begins.
Lubricate Trailer Joints
The cold, dry weather in Edmonton can cause the metal parts of gooseneck trailers to seize, leading to loading delays, repair costs, and even road accidents. To prevent this, ensure trailer parts are well lubricated during the winter.
It’s essential to check and relubricate the following parts of your gooseneck trailer as needed to keep your vehicle in proper working order:
- Wheel bearings
- Joints
- Hitch
- Landing gear
- Door latches
Apply Sealant to Wood Deck
Leaving room for moisture on the wood deck of your gooseneck trailer can significantly decrease its lifespan. Moisture doesn’t just sit on top of wood decks. It penetrates through and can cause warping, swelling, and shrinking. Mold and mildew can also grow. If this happens, your trailer will no longer be able to carry its full capacity, which can be costly in the long term.
You can prevent this problem by reapplying sealant to your gooseneck trailer wood deck several times a year. These coatings create a layer of protection against moisture, making your wood deck last longer.
Use a Tarp
Tarps provide a physical barrier for owners looking to protect their gooseneck trailers and valuable cargo from harsh Edmonton elements. However, due to the complex design of these hydraulic trailers, not all tarps are suitable.
Kingpin proudly offers Eagle Tarp Systems from our partner, Verduyn Tarps. These patented tarps utilize a waterproof tie-down sliding rail system, eliminating the need for hooks, bolts, and chains. The Eagle Tarp System opens and closes within seconds, saving drivers time with every trip. Eagle Tarp Systems are also fully customizable, allowing businesses to display commercial graphics and colours prominently.
Your One-Stop Trailer Shop
Kingpin Trailers is dedicated to helping you maintain your trailer year-round.
We have everything you need to weatherproof your trailer so you’ll never be caught in the rain or snow. Our warehouse proudly stocks parts from leading trailer manufacturers, including Hyundai Translead, Doonan, XL Specialized trailers, and more. Contact us today to learn why Canadian haulers have trusted us for over 15 years.
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