Flatbed Trailer – an open-air trailer with a bed at the same height as the trailer. Lowboy Trailer is a flatbed trailer that can drop low to ground to transport heavy, high freight. Drop Trailer - A flatbed trailer with two beds that can be used to transport heavy freight or equipment. Refrigerated – These trailers can transport anything between -22 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also used for pharmaceutical and food products. The Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN) - Similar to a lowboy trailer but with the ability to drop the bed to make a ramp. This is useful for heavy machinery shipping and can carry more weight. The most popular type of trailer, Dry Vans are enclosed and protect goods from theft, damage, and weather. Tank - for bulk goods such as food, chemicals, cement, and plastics. These semi-trailers can be used in different ways, but they often have similar maintenance problems. Here are some of the most common problems semi-trailers encounter while being hauled across the country.
COMMON SEMITRAILER ISSUES. Faulty brake lines & pads. Missing or damaged gladhand connectors are a common problem when hooking up your trailer. Air can leak from the seal and stop air from flowing down the line to each wheel's piston.
The gladhand can be connected to the tank with a tight seal so that the brakes engage, but not the same force as the wheels. The reserve tank may not have enough pressure to keep the brakes engaged. The piston that presses against the drum with the brake pad cannot be moved if there is not enough air pressure.