13 Apr Industrial Tank Trailer Maintenance & Cleaning Guide

Why Preventive Maintenance Matters for Tanker Trucks

If you want to get the longest life out of your company tanker trailer, it's essential to keep up with the preventive maintenance. Tanker trucks are major assets for your business, and you want to get the most out of yours.

As we go through these requirements for maintenance and explain how to give your truck tank a wash, keep in mind this is a high-level guide – always follow your manufacturer's instructions for a comprehensive maintenance plan.

Truck Tank Wash

Exterior and interior tank trailer cleaning are essential. You want to clean off road salt and other contaminants before they harm the finish to the outside of your tank.

As to the interior, when you're hauling fuel and other potentially hazardous substances from one place to another in these vehicles, you're exposing the load to different weather conditions that can take a toll on your tanker truck.

Also, contents like deicing chemicals, for example, may damage parts and electrical connections — and crude oil can harm aluminum.

With a little help from your pressure washer, truck wash detergent and water, you can help to prevent a costly repair before it occurs.

Clean the Manhole Gaskets

Mud and grime accumulate quickly on manhole gaskets. If you don't keep up with removing this residue, you'll face problems with your fuel tank trailers sooner rather than later. For example, you may experience leaks or cross-contamination with your fuel. To clean the gaskets, remove the outside and inside sealing valves and wash them thoroughly. If you're only hauling one type of fluid, cleaning the manhole gaskets is something you should do once a year. If you're hauling different materials, you should clean the gaskets between loads.

Check the Tires

Your tank trailer uses low-rolling-resistance tires along with a tire pressure system or an automatic tire inflation system. These systems are in place to ensure your tanker truck can carry the necessary weight of your cargo safely and securely. Your tanker truck's tires require maintenance to prevent a rollover. Keep an eye on the tread, too. Maintaining proper traction on the road is crucial, especially in challenging weather conditions.

Inspect Your Tanker Truck's Valves

Your tanker truck is equipped with safety, vacuum, hydraulic and pressure valves that must function properly to ensure a safe trip. Sometimes cold temperatures can cause your valves to freeze and break. To prevent this, you need to lubricate all your valves properly. It's also important to inspect the valves daily to make sure you don't have any residue or corrosion. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge, as well.

Tanker Truck Body Work

It's a good idea to do a visual inspection and look for any problem spots on the tanker truck's surface, including:

Tighten the Bolts

Make sure all bolts are attached securely. This includes the lug nuts on your tanker truck's tires. Any loose screws should be tightened or replaced as needed.

And if you regularly give your tank truck a wash, it removes debris that can harm the surface.

Every three weeks, it's recommended that you inspect these truck tank parts and lubricate any components, as necessary:

For in-depth preventive maintenance, follow the guidelines provided by your tanker truck's manufacturer. And rely on Dragon Products for any pumping equipment or replacement parts for your tank trailer.