Box trucks generally feature roll-up doors on the cargo section, unlike other cargo vans that may have more standard vehicle doors. Over time, the mechanical elements of these doors can wear out, so it is important for you to practice good preventative maintenance to keep the doors from getting misaligned, corroded or otherwise damaged or impaired.
A failure to properly inspect and maintain your roll-up doors could result in the tracks coming misaligned, or certain parts breaking, such as hinges, rollers and panels. A malfunctioning roll-up door quickly becomes a security problem, as the contents of the truck could be accessed by would-be intruders.
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will likely have information about recommended box truck maintenance tips in Ocala, FL, including tips pertaining to the roll-up door, but here’s a quick overview of some of the steps you should take to keep the door in good working order:
- Regularly clean the doors: Clean all the mechanical elements of the roll-up door on a regular basis to ensure smooth operation. It’s especially important to clean the tracks and other parts that actually allow the door to roll up. Do this once a week or so, and you’ll be able to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris that might otherwise collect and get the door stuck.
- Lubricate rollers: In addition to cleaning the rollers and other mechanical components of the roll-up door, you should make sure you use a high-quality lubricant and keep those rollers greased up. Doing so will make it easier for the rollers to run smoothly along the tracks, making the door easier to operate so you don’t have to use any unnecessary force to get it unstuck.
- Be gentle: You shouldn’t have to use a whole lot of force to move the door up or down its track. If the door does not open or close correctly without your having to push or tug with a lot of power, then there’s a problem you need to correct somewhere in the system. Using force is only likely to worsen the problem, or cause damage that will result in you needing to repair parts or the entire door.
- Always latch the door before moving: One of the simplest ways to keep your door in good condition is to make sure it’s actually latched before you drive away. You’d be amazed at how easy it can be to forget to perform this one simple task. The roll-up door is not designed to be left in the up position when you drive, and if left up, the weight of the door panels will start to bow and deform while you drive, causing failure in the hinges and rollers. Never drive with the back open or with the door unlatched.
- Secure your cargo: Make sure your cargo is properly secured in place, otherwise you run the risk of it moving around in the back and slamming into the door, which could cause some significant damage to the door panels.
For more box truck maintenance tips in Ocala, FL, contact J & M Trailer Repair or visit our truck repair shop today!