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It’s Trailer Safety Week 2024! This dedicated time, June 2nd- 8th, is critical for raising awareness and educating trailer owners on the importance of regular maintenance and safety practices. Ensuring your trailer's safety protects your investment and keeps you and others safe on the road. Let’s dive into some key aspects of trailer safety, focusing on inspection routines and proper waste tank maintenance for restroom trailers.
Regular Inspections: A Must for Trailer Safety!
Electrical and DOT Lighting Systems
The electrical infrastructure is vital to the performance of your trailer. Regular inspections should include checking and replacing light bulbs, tightening electrical connections, cleaning exterior lenses, and ensuring proper grounding. These steps are essential to maintain DOT light safety and functionality.
Trailer Frame, Tires, and Moving Parts
Environmental conditions and weather exposure can take a toll on your trailer’s frame and mechanical components. Conduct thorough inspections before and after each use. Check for tire wear, damage, and proper PSI inflation levels. Rotate tires regularly to ensure even wear. Also, inspect the trailer frame for rust, cracks, or debris that could cause issues.
HVAC/AC/Heating Systems
If your trailer includes HVAC, AC, or heating systems, testing these units regularly is important. Run the systems at various settings to ensure proper air circulation and adequate heating or cooling levels. Regular testing can help identify issues before they become major problems.
Pipes, Fittings, and Connections
Regularly inspect all accessible pipes, fittings, and connection points for possible leaks. Leaks can significantly impact water pressure and the functionality of your trailer’s amenities like toilets, sinks, and showers. Ignoring leaks can lead to serious structural damage and shorten your trailer's lifespan.
Guide to Proper Waste Tank Maintenance: Safety First!
Maintaining the waste tank of a restroom trailer is critical for ensuring both proper functionality and a pleasant user experience. With Trailer Safety Week upon us, it's the perfect time to highlight waste tank safety and best practices for restroom trailers. Regular maintenance ensures that your trailers are always ready for the next job site or application. Here’s a detailed guide to waste tank maintenance of Lang restroom trailers, focusing on safety and efficiency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Waste Tank Maintenance for Lang Restroom Trailers
Getting Started
Maintaining the waste tanks of restroom trailers is crucial for their proper function and to prevent unwelcome odors. Before each rental or application, the waste holding tank must be "charged" by covering the bottom with approximately 10% of its capacity in fresh water and adding deodorizing packets. These packets typically follow the recommendation of one packet per toilet.
Charging the Waste Tank
Prepare the Trailer: Set the restroom trailer in place at the event or job site. Ensure it is leveled and blocked securely.
Open Freshwater Tank: Open the lid of the freshwater tank located in the mechanical room.
Connect Water Supply: Insert a garden hose into the tank or connect to the city water supply. Open Valve 3 (Fresh Water Fill).
Check Valves: Ensure all valves at the bottom of the tank are closed.
Fill Freshwater Tank: Turn on the water supply and fill the tank to the desired level according to the charge scale:
· 200 gallons = 20 gallons water
· 300 gallons = 30 gallons water
· 350 gallons = 35 gallons water
· 480 gallons = 50 gallons water
· 520 gallons = 50 gallons water
· 750 gallons = 75 gallons water
· 1,000 gallons = 100 gallons water
Transfer Water to Waste Tank: Once filled, turn off the water supply. Open the main tank and Drain to the Waste Tank valve to transfer the measured water into the waste holding tank.
Close Valves: When the freshwater tank is empty, close the Drain to the Waste Tank valve.
Add Deodorizers: Drop the recommended number of deodorizer packets into the toilets (one per toilet). The waste tank is now charged and ready for use.
Emptying the Waste Tank
Tip the Trailer: Lower the front of the trailer by raising the front stairs and both front stabilizer jacks, allowing the nose of the trailer to go lower with the tongue jack. This ensures liquids flow towards the waste valve.
Drain Freshwater Tank: If there is water in the freshwater tank, open the valves labeled Drain to Waste Tank or Drain Fresh Water to Ground.
Pump the Waste Tank:
· Connect the pump vacuum hose to the dump valve.
· Begin evacuating the waste tank.
· Lower the nose of the trailer as low as possible with the tongue jack to help waste run toward the front.
· After evacuation, close the dump valve, remove the hose, and raise the trailer to the proper towing height.
Cleaning the Waste Tank
Connect Wash-Down Gun: After emptying the waste tank and before disconnecting the evacuation hose, connect a hose from a freshwater source to the tank wash-down gun.
Insert Gun into Toilet: Step on the flush pedal to open the flush ball on the toilet and insert the gun into the tank.
Clean the Tank: Turn on the wash-down gun and rotate it in a fan motion to spray all four walls of the tank. This loosens any adhered material.
Flush the Tank: Repeat the process several times to ensure thorough cleaning.
Performing these steps regularly, and at least once a month for cleaning, will keep your restroom trailer waste tank in optimal condition and odor-free.
Conclusion
Trailer Safety Week serves as a vital reminder of the importance of regular trailer maintenance. By performing routine inspections and maintenance, you ensure the longevity and safety of your trailer. Stay safe, keep your trailer in top shape, and enjoy your time on the road! Remember, a well-maintained trailer means a safer journey for everyone. The whole team at Lang wishes you a safe and enriching Trailer Safety Week!
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