Your truck body is one of the hardest-working assets in your fleet. Day after day it carries heavy loads, sits out in the weather and takes the wear and tear of the road, and like any piece of equipment it needs regular attention to stay in good condition. We have seen a lot of trucks come through our Melbourne workshop over the past 20 years at VN Truck Bodies, and we know that catching problems early saves operators a great deal of time and money.
These are the five most common signs that your truck body needs professional repairs, along with what you can do about each one.
1. Visible rust or corrosion
Surface rust can look like a cosmetic problem, but if it is left untreated, corrosion can weaken the structure of your truck body. Keep a close eye on the floor panels, the corners and the weld joints, because these are the most vulnerable spots. If you notice rust spreading or flaking, it is time to bring the truck in for an assessment, and our team can treat, repair and re-coat the affected areas to stop further damage.
2. Damaged or misaligned doors and tailgates
Doors or tailgates that stick, do not close properly or leave visible gaps are more than an inconvenience, because they can be a safety hazard and may not comply with road regulations. Misalignment often points to a problem with the body frame itself. Our truck body repairers in Melbourne can realign or rehang the doors and gates, or replace the hardware, so they work properly again.
3. Cracks or deformation in the body panels
Cracks in steel or aluminium panels should never be ignored, whether they come from an impact, from overloading or from metal fatigue. Even a hairline crack can grow quickly under load and vibration. If you see any deformation, dents or cracking in the panels, have them inspected by a professional truck body builder, because an early repair is always far cheaper than a full replacement.
4. Worn or broken hydraulic systems (tippers and tautliners)
On a tipper, the hydraulic system is critical to safe operation, so slow raises, uneven lifts or unusual noises while tipping are all warning signs. In the same way, tautliner curtain systems that are torn, stuck or no longer sealing properly affect both the security of the cargo and its protection from the weather. VN Truck Bodies repairs hydraulic tipping systems and every part of a curtainsider.
5. Loose or missing fittings and hardware
Loose toolboxes, broken tie-down points, missing grab handles and worn rub rails can seem minor, but they can quickly turn into compliance or safety problems. A regular walk-around inspection will help you spot them early, and our team can fabricate and fit replacement hardware to keep your truck body compliant and working as it should.
Acting early saves money
The best approach to truck body maintenance is to stay ahead of it, by booking regular inspections and fixing small problems before they turn into major repairs. At VN Truck Bodies we service and repair all types of truck bodies across Melbourne and the surrounding areas, from flat trays and tippers to curtainsiders and refrigerated vans.
If you have noticed any of these warning signs, contact our team for a free assessment, and we will help you keep your fleet on the road and working.