Mechanical maintenance practices and checklists are an excellent way to ensure all trailers are kept in top operating condition between reservations or seasons. While not all systems apply to each trailer, any restroom trailer rental business should consider the following items as part of its regular mechanical maintenance program.
- Plumbing Systems: All trailers with integrated plumbing systems (Restroom Trailers, Laundry Trailers, & Shower Trailers) should be regularly inspected. All accessible pipes, fittings, or connection points should be visually inspected for possible leaks that can impact water pressure or the proper functioning of toilets, sinks, and showers. Leaks that are not addressed promptly can have serious detrimental effects on the functionality and longevity of your restroom trailer.
- HVAC/AC/Heating Systems: Many Lang Specialty Trailers include optional HVAC, AC, or heating systems. While the plumbing or electrical systems for these units may be inspected under other maintenance checklists, it is important to regularly test the function of these systems. We recommend allowing units to run at several settings to ensure that air is circulating throughout the system and that adequate heating or cooling levels are attainable.
- Electrical & Lighting Systems: The electrical infrastructure of a restroom trailer or other Lang Specialty Trailers is vital to the performance of the unit. Recommended regular inspection of both interior and exterior electrical components can include replacing lights or light bulbs, tightening electrical connection points, cleaning exterior lenses, and ensuring proper grounding of all electrical components to keep occupants safe during use.
- Trailer Frame, Tires, & Moving Parts: With continual exposure to environmental conditions and weather we strongly recommend that the trailer frame and mechanical components undergo a thorough inspection before and after each use. This inspection process should include a comprehensive evaluation of the tires on the trailer for any excess wear patterns, damage from unmaintained roadways, and proper PSI inflation levels. Tires should also be regularly rotated to encourage even wear. The trailer frame should also be visually inspected for rust, cracks, or any debris that can become lodged in the frame. Any moving parts like hinges or latches should be tested for proper functionality and regularly lubricated to prevent sticking or unwanted noise.
Furthermore, we strongly recommend that when your trailer is stored outside, always raise the front of the trailer higher than the back.
This will keep any water that is left over in the Waste Holding Tank or enters the Waste Holding Tank through the vent stack in the rear of the tank and away from the waste dump valve where it could freeze and rupture if temperatures were to drop below freezing causing costly repairs.
Additional Trailer Maintenance ResourcesMaintaining the exterior of your Lang Specialty Trailer is incredibly similar to caring for other outdoor recreation equipment like boats and RVs. Although we do not endorse any specific brand of cleaning products, we recommend using products specifically formulated for Gel Coated Fiberglass normally found in the RV/Marine section of most auto parts stores, Camping World, West Marine, Amazon, Etc. These products are designed to clean the fiberglass exterior and leave behind a high-gloss finish that keeps your trailer looking brand new for years to come.
Try to select a brand of product that you are familiar with, or feel comfortable with and follow the How to Use section located on the label.
Start by Spraying off the entire trailer including the roof and undercarriage with plenty of water to remove all the grit and grime from all surfaces of your trailer before hand washing. This should include any leaves, dirt, mud, sticks, small rocks, and dust that have accumulated during regular use. This pre-rinse will help remove grit and road debris that may become lodged in your sponge, rag, or brush which could scratch the surface when hand washing.
After the initial rinse, we recommend using gentle sponges or soft-bristle brushes to loosen any remaining material from the surface. Larger restroom trailers may require the use of a handheld washing machine to expedite the process. If this is the case, be sure to find a suitable cleaning solution for use in accessory devices.
More Exterior Maintenance Resources
The use of power washers, abrasives, or industrial cleaners possibly containing Xylene can damage and/or remove the gel coat layer and should never be used on any fiberglass surface.