Fleet Maintenance Management Will Cut Costs, Improve Productivity, & Boost ROI
Mainline Team • October 18, 2021
As a truck fleet manager, you have a lot of responsibilities - you need to keep your vehicles running properly, keep your drivers safe, and see loads delivered on time. There's a lot to do, and great fleet maintenance
management makes it a lot easier!
The trick is to be proactive. If you stay on top of preventative maintenance and stop issues from happening before they become big problems, you'll save a lot of money in the long run - and have happier and more productive drivers as well.
Six Tips for More Effective Fleet Maintenance Management
Certain elements of preventative maintenance are obvious: trucks need regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections. However, not all such issues are as easy to spot. Elements of your trucks, such as the suspension or the gearbox, might be nearing their end-of-life and, as such, could potentially begin to fail at any time.
If you keep track of your components and their expected lifespans, such as in a spreadsheet, these issues won't be a surprise. If you know an important component is only rated for (X) years or (Y) miles, don't wait for it to fail. Once it's nearing end-of-life, go ahead and have it replaced in a planned way so that there are no unexpected disruptions... or accidents.
2 - Plan your purchases carefully based on expected usage
When buying a new vehicle, there's really no such thing as too much planning. The more thought is put into its intended usage in the field, the more closely you'll be able to match that usage to the vehicle you purchase.
Otherwise, you may end up with a vehicle being pressed into service it wasn't designed for. This will inevitably result in more maintenance issues, lowered performance, and potentially dangerous situations.3 - Have clearly defined fleet maintenance policies and procedures
Your drivers and maintenance crews should never have any doubt about when, where, and how maintenance is happening. Every aspect of a vehicle's upkeep
should be clearly outlined in documentation which your workforce can refer to whenever needed.
This should include the schedule for upcoming maintenance, repair guides, safety matters, and procedures to follow in case of an unexpected breakdown. That way there's never any question of what to do, even if something goes wrong.
4 - Closely maintain tire pressure
Even though it's just one element of truck maintenance, tire pressure is important enough to warrant a close watch. Tires with low pressure will deliver worse gas milage, while significantly increasing wear and tear on the treads. In some situations, poor tire pressure can even affect the handling and make it more difficult for drivers to control the vehicle - especially in adverse conditions.
Keeping your tires properly pressurized, based on manufacturer specs and intended usage, is one of the single best ways to improve performance and prevent costly breakdowns.
5 - Keep tabs on your total cost of ownership
A good fleet manager is keeping detailed logs of all the costs and expenses related to their vehicle management. This isn't only important in terms of bookkeeping; it can actually serve as a vital early warning system. Older vehicles, or those with deeper underlying maintenance problems, are going to tend to become more expensive to keep up. Even something as basic as seeing average fuel costs go up unexpectedly can clue you in that there are problems with the vehicle. These are exactly the sort of warning signs that, if heeded, will allow you to extend the lifespan of your fleet and reduce overhead.
Also, keep a watch on the vehicle's blue book value. If it's well-maintained, it could potentially be a sellable asset in bad times.
6 - Partner with a fleet maintenance provider
If you want the easiest way to keep your vehicles well-maintained and well-documented, that's to bring experienced fleet maintenance providers to regularly services your vehicles. They can work with you to create a predictable schedule of inspections, maintenance, and upgrades. Having these dates set in stone allows you to schedule work around maintenance and repairs, without unexpectedly disrupting work.
Get Fleet Maintenance & More
Mainline RV & Truck Service
is one of ohio's premier sources for top-quality fleet vehicle maintenance. We'll help you create a regular maintenance schedule that keeps your trucks and other working vehicles in top condition.
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Safe stopping is as vital as engine power when towing a heavy load. Many truck owners overlook trailer brakes until an issue arises. At Mainline RV & Truck Service , we handle various towing setups, primarily electric and surge brakes. Both systems stop a trailer safely, but they operate differently and require separate trailer maintenance approaches. Understanding these differences is essential for road safety. We offer an expert comparison, including specific maintenance needs. Understanding the Fundamental Differences Before discussing what keeps them running smoothly, we should look at how the two systems operate. Electric brakes get their power from an electrical signal sent from the tow vehicle. Pressing the truck’s brake pedal tells the brake controller to send electricity to powerful electromagnets inside the trailer’s drum brakes. These magnets engage an armature plate, which then forces the brake shoes out against the inside of the drum. Surge brakes use hydraulics and work on their own, independent of the truck’s electrical system. Their operation is based on inertia. When the truck begins to slow down, the trailer pushes forward into the hitch. That physical pressure compresses a master cylinder built into the trailer coupler, which then pumps hydraulic fluid to the brake cylinders or calipers. Because one system is powered by electricity and the other by fluid pressure, their weak points and overall maintenance needs are very different. Electric Brakes: Fine-Tuning and Electrical Integrity Electric brakes are standard equipment for nearly all travel trailers and large, heavy-duty flatbed trailers. Since they depend on a good connection between the truck and the trailer, maintenance starts right at the hitch and extends all the way to the brake shoes. Adjusting the "Gain" on Your Brake Controller A key part of operating electric brakes is a setting that you control from inside the truck’s cab, not on the trailer itself. The “Gain” value on your brake controller sets the amount of electrical power sent to the trailer brakes. If the gain is set too low, the truck does all the braking work, which leads to your truck’s rotors getting too hot and your stopping distance increasing. Setting the gain too high means the trailer brakes will lock up easily. Routine truck trailer repair and safety checks involve resetting the gain any time the weight of your load changes significantly. A carefully adjusted gain ensures the truck and trailer brake together, preventing unnecessary stress on either vehicle. Troubleshooting "Grabby" or Locking Brakes A common complaint is that the trailer brakes feel “grabby,” meaning they engage too suddenly or violently with only a little pedal pressure. Often, something is causing a maintenance issue. Common reasons include: Corrosion on the electromagnets: If the trailer has been sitting unused, rust can form and cause the magnets to stick when engaged. Incorrect Gain settings: As mentioned earlier, improper calibration is a frequent culprit. Grease on the shoes: A failed wheel seal can let grease leak onto the brake components, leading to unpredictable braking action. During a professional trailer repair inspection, mechanics remove the drums to check that the magnets are wearing evenly and confirm that no oil or debris is contaminating the friction surfaces. Surge Brakes: Hydraulic Health and Fluid Management Surge brakes are most frequently seen on boat trailers (where electrical parts and water do not mix well) and on rental trailers (because the tow vehicle does not need a specialized controller). Checking Fluid Levels for Surge Couplers Surge brakes primarily fail due to low hydraulic fluid. As the master cylinder in the trailer's tongue or coupler is exposed to constant movement, seals wear, and moisture can enter the system. Routine maintenance requires checking the master cylinder reservoir fluid level; dark or cloudy fluid indicates moisture contamination, necessitating a full flush and replacement. Without sufficient, clean fluid, the surge coupler cannot generate the force required to activate the brakes, leaving the trailer brakeless. Inspecting the Moving Parts of the Coupler Since surge brakes work by the physical “sliding” movement of the coupler mechanism, that sliding part must be kept lubricated and clean. If the coupler rusts or jams up, the brakes might stay applied even when you are driving, or they may completely fail to engage when you slow down. The Common Ground: Shoe Adjustment and Wear The way the brake shoes are moved might be different, electricity for one, hydraulics for the other, but the shoes themselves need manual upkeep in both systems. Shoe Adjustment Intervals for Heavy-Duty Trailer Repair While some newer trailers feature self-adjusting brakes, many heavy-duty models still need manual adjustment. As the friction material on the brake shoes wears away, the space between the shoe and the drum increases. The result is a noticeable delay in braking response. For dependable safety, we advise having your brake shoes inspected and adjusted every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. During a trailer maintenance appointment, a technician uses a “star wheel” adjuster to move the shoes closer to the drum. This ensures that the trailer brakes immediately when you press the pedal. Which System is More Maintenance-Intensive? Surge brakes demand hands-on maintenance (checking fluid/grease). Electric brakes risk less obvious electrical failures (wiring, fuses, ground). For heavy loads, electric brakes offer a manual override for sway correction, but require electrical knowledge for troubleshooting. Surge brakes are simpler for the driver but need constant hydraulic system vigilance to prevent failure. Summary Checklist for Trailer Safety Keep your trailer operating at its best by following these simple guidelines: Annual Inspections: Have a certified professional examine your brakes and wheel bearings at least once a year, regardless of how many miles you have driven. Test Before You Tow: Always perform a quick “tug test” to confirm the brakes are working before you get out on the road. Watch for Corrosion: Check the 7-way electrical plug (for electric brakes) or your brake fluid lines (for surge brakes) for any signs of rust or damage. Listen: Squeaking, grinding, or clicking sounds are the most immediate indicators that truck trailer repair is necessary. Contact Mainline RV & Truck Service for Trailer Repair & More! Taking care of your trailer brakes is about more than just protecting your equipment; it directly impacts the safety of everyone sharing the road. If you are struggling with a malfunctioning brake controller, a leaking surge master cylinder, or you simply need a routine adjustment of your brake shoes, the experts at Mainline RV & Truck Service are ready to assist. We specialize in comprehensive trailer maintenance, truck trailer repair, and heavy-duty trailer repair services. Don't leave your stopping power to chance. Contact us online today .
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