Prevention costs less than repair
In the transport industry, an equipment failure costs more than the repair bill. It costs you time, and it can cost you contracts and your reputation as well. Most truck body failures build up gradually and give plenty of warning, which means a consistent maintenance routine will prevent the majority of them. The fleet managers who run the tightest operations in Melbourne do not wait for something to break before they act. These are five maintenance habits that we have seen make a real difference.
1. Inspect the floorboards and decking regularly
Floorboards take an enormous beating from forklifts, pallet jacks and heavy loads. Timber decking can rot from moisture, and steel flooring can corrode or crack after repeated impacts. We suggest checking the floor planks every three to six months and replacing individual boards before they turn into a safety hazard. A rotten or cracked floor is also a compliance problem, so it is far better to find it yourself than to have it picked up at a roadside inspection.
2. Check for corrosion and treat it early
Rust does a lot of damage to truck bodies before anyone notices it. In Melbourne, with sea air, road salt and plenty of moisture, corrosion can spread quickly. Inspect the undercarriage, the crossmembers and any spots where water sits after rain. Treat surface rust straight away with a rust converter and protective paint, before it works its way into the structural steel. A small amount spent now saves you from a major structural repair later on.
3. Service the hinges, locks and curtain systems
Doors, tailgates and curtain tracking systems wear quickly, and they are easy to overlook until they fail. Lubricate the hinges and door mechanisms every six months and check the curtain slides and buckles for wear. On tippers, inspect the hydraulic cylinders and hose connections for leaks. These moving parts are the ones most likely to cause a breakdown on the road or a compliance issue.
4. Check the lights and reflective markings
Side marker lights, brake lights, reverse lights and reflective tape are legal requirements, and they are also important safety equipment. Check them regularly and replace any faulty lights before they cause you to fail a roadworthiness inspection. Make sure the reflective tape is intact and easy to see, particularly on the rear and sides of the body.
5. Book a professional inspection once a year
Even if your own maintenance routine is thorough, it is worth having qualified truck body builders inspect the body properly. An annual check by our team at VN Truck Bodies can pick up hidden structural issues, compliance gaps and problems that are starting to develop, well before they turn into expensive failures. It works much like a regular service on the truck itself, and it usually pays for itself many times over.
Booking a maintenance check with us
VN Truck Bodies offers inspection and maintenance services for every type of truck body. Our experienced team looks after fleet operators across Melbourne and Victoria from our workshop in Keysborough.
You can call us on 0447 452 222 or drop in to 17 Cambria Road, Keysborough, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:15pm.