Back on the Road in No Time: 3 Expert Trailer Body Repair Solutions

Your haul is on a tight schedule. 

You have to deliver on time and within budget—otherwise you could not only lose profits, but you could also damage your reputation.

No one wants to work with a company that is unreliable. 

We know that reliability starts with your trailer. When you’re off the road, you can’t make those important hauls. Often, these situations can be resolved by some simple and straightforward trailer body repairs. 

Fortunately, our experienced service team understands how downtime can spell disaster for you, which is why we’re dedicated to getting you back on the road as soon as possible. We have more than $2 million in parts in stock, making us one of the largest part centers in the Southeast. If we don’t have what you need, we can get it within 24 hours. Learn more about how our service team excels.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common trailer body repairs that we see in our service area and how we address them. We’ll also examine some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

3 Expert Trailer Body Repair Solutions

There are several instances where you may need trailer body repair—and we go into detail further in this article—but we’ll look at three solutions that our experts use to address some of the most common issues we see.

1. Panel Replacement or Repair

Sometimes, we are able to repair or patch the panel instead of requiring a complete replacement. If we do need to replace, you can have peace of mind because we use precision-fit panels and are well-versed at working on all the major trailer manufacturers.

2. Structural Issue Repair

Sometimes, your trailer may be simply misaligned, and a basic correction is all that is needed. Sometimes, heavy loads or long-haul projects can cause high stress on your trailer. We can reinforce those areas to prevent repeat damage so they won’t have to be replaced.

3. Preventative Measures

Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. If you’re proactive, you can have reinforcement upgrades to help extend your trailer’s lifespan. 

What Are the Most Common Types of Trailer Damage?

If you’re solely looking at the body of the trailer and not the mechanical operation, most repairs are due to:

• Rust
• Sagging floors
• Panel damage like punctures or bowing
• Roof leaks and other issues
  • Most roof problems are overlooked until the cargo is damaged.
• Misaligned doors
• Frame damage
• Undercarriage issues
  • These may be symptomatic of deeper problems

There’s also the likelihood of damage that can be caused by heavy loads—primarily dents, scratches and cracked lights or windshields. 

When you work with our expert, highly-trained service team, we’ll help you determine which types of damage are purely cosmetic and which ones can affect your trailer’s overall structure and performance. 

What Are Common Causes for Trailer Body Damage in Specific Industries?

We’ll examine these industries one at a time and take a closer look at the types of damage many owners can experience.

Long-Haul Industry

Tight yard maneuvering can cause dings if you make contact with the dock, and improper load securing can contribute to the wear and tear trailers often experience with high mileage. 

Food and Beverage Industry

Moisture is the primary culprit when it comes to this industry. It can lead to corrosion or rot. In addition to requiring frequent washdowns, the temperature-related expansion and contraction month after month can gradually take its toll on the structural integrity of the trailer. 

Construction Industry

This is one of the most demanding industries on your trailer, and something as “minor” as uneven weight distribution can prompt the need for repairs later. Your trailer is more susceptible to damage due to rough terrain, job site conditions and even possible impact damage caused by equipment and materials. 

How to Assess the Severity of Trailer Body Damage

It’s not always obvious how severe the damage is or how extensive trailer body repairs will have to be. That’s why it’s always critical to get an expert’s assessment. Failure to do so means you could be overlooking a problem that will cost significantly more in repairs later. 

That being said, here are some basic steps you can take to get a preliminary idea of the severity of your damage:

• Look for the difference between dents that merely affect the surface and damage that causes deep creasing.
• Examine cracks and holes that could expose insulation.
• Watch for misaligned doors or panels, as well as any signs of frame distortion.
• Check to see if there is water damage that could make you susceptible to corrosion and rot.

You also have to evaluate your risk in view of strict DOT requirements. Would you risk getting a violation and the extensive fees that could be involved? Are any of these signs of damage compromising your safety in any way? Have you also considered the liability involved in operating a trailer that needs trailer body repair? 

In addition, failure to address these issues in a timely manner could cause them to get significantly worse over time. 

If there is any question about the safety or integrity of your trailer, we urge you to bring it in for an accurate, no-hassle estimate on repairs.

When Is It More Cost-Effective to Replace a Trailer?

We get asked this a lot. In many cases, our leading service techs can help and get you back on the road as soon as possible with minimal hassle. But occasionally, you need to take a hard look at what you’re spending on repairs vs. the cost of a new trailer. Extensive and repeated trailer body repairs are an indicator that it’s time to switch gears.

Not sure which trailer is right for you? Don’t worry. Our rental program means you’ll not only have access to a trailer if you’re in the shop, but you’ll get an opportunity to see if new jobs are appropriate for you. We invite you to learn more about our rental program.

When You Need the Right Trailer, for the Right Haul, Right Now, Trust Pinnacle Trailers for Quality and Service

Need a lowboy rental? 

How about another trailer to add to your fleet?

We believe you need to get the exact trailer you need so you can get the jobs you want with no stress, no hassle.

For decades, we’ve demonstrated our dedication to stellar customer service. We don’t succeed unless you succeed. Learn more about our rentals, new and used trailers, and what sets us apart from the competition. Contact us at one of our many locations today.