The hydraulic dump trailer will not go down. Dump trailers use hydraulics to lift the trailer bed from the frame, which makes it easier to unload hauls.
Hydraulic dump trailers are known to be the most efficient hydraulic trailers that you can get.
However, while operating a hydraulic dump, it is common to end up experiencing difficulties at some point.
For instance, one common problem that we have heard many users have been that the hydraulic dump trailer will not go down. If you have also been facing a similar issue, here is what you need to know!
Solve Hydraulic Dump Trailer Will Not Go Down
- Air in the System
There are a few reasons your hydraulic dump trailer may not go down. The most common reason is that there is air in the system.
When there is air in the system, it prevents the proper flow of hydraulic fluid, resulting in the trailer being unable to go down.
To avoid this problem, ensuring no air in the system is essential. You can do this by bleeding the air out of the system.
Here is a quick guide if you are unfamiliar with bleeding air out of a hydraulic system. First, you will need to locate the bleeder valve.
The bleeder valve is usually located on the side of the cylinder. Once you have found the bleeder valve, open it up and operate the trailer in the down position. Doing this will allow any air in the system to be purged out.
- Bad Check Valve
Another common reason your hydraulic dump trailer will not go down is a bad check valve. The check valve prevents hydraulic fluid from flowing back into the pump when the trailer is raised.
However, if the check valve is not working correctly, it can result in hydraulic fluid flowing back into the pump, which will then cause the trailer not to go down. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the check valve.
To replace the valve:
- Remove the old valve from the system.
- Once the old valve has been removed, take the new valve and install it in its place.
- Ensure you install the new valve in the same orientation as the old one.
- After the new valve has been installed, operate the trailer in the down position to bleed any air that may be present in the system.
- Worn Out Packing
The packing is responsible for sealing the piston rod as it goes up and down. Over time, the packing can become worn out, which will then cause hydraulic fluid to leak.
When hydraulic fluid leaks, it will reduce the pressure applied to the piston, resulting in the trailer being unable to go down. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the packing.
To replace the packing:
- Remove the old packing from the system.
- Once the old packing has been removed, take the new packing and install it in its place.
- Ensure you install the new packing in the same orientation as the old one.
- After the new packing has been installed, operate the trailer in the down position to bleed any air that may be present in the system.
4. Low Hydraulic Fluid Level
Another common reason your hydraulic dump trailer will not go down is a low hydraulic fluid level. When the hydraulic fluid level is low, it can cause the pump to run dry, resulting in the trailer being unable to go down.
To avoid this problem, it is essential to check the hydraulic fluid level regularly and top it off when necessary.
5. Faulty Hydraulic Pump
A faulty hydraulic pump is the last common reason your hydraulic dump trailer will not go down. If the pump is not working correctly, it can prevent the proper flow of hydraulic fluid, resulting in the trailer being unable to go down.
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the hydraulic pump. If you are having difficulty finding a replacement hydraulic pump, you may be able to find one at your local auto parts store.
Once you have found a replacement pump, install it in the system and then operate the trailer in the down position to bleed any air that may be present in the system.
If you followed all of the above steps and your hydraulic dump trailer still will not go down, there is likely a problem with the cylinder.
If this is the case, you will need to take the trailer to a qualified technician who can properly diagnose and repair the problem.
6. Checking the Connections
The first thing you can do if you notice the trailer hydraulics not going down is to check all the connections. There might be a chance that some sort of loose connection is causing the issue in the first place.
But just to be sure, check all the connections that lead to the hydraulics. If you note a broken connection, we recommend fixing it as soon as possible. To test the wiring, we suggest using an ohmmeter.
7. Making Sure It’s Been Maintained
One common reason for the hydraulics to start acting up all of a sudden is due to not being maintained for an extended period of time. If you have never performed any maintenance on the dump trailer, that could be it.
The first thing you should do is check all of the fluid levels. This will include the hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
If any of these are low, it could be causing problems. It is most likely that there is corrosion built up inside the hydraulics.
In that case, you will have to apply proper maintenance using lube and ensure that the trailer’s adequately taken care of.
Another thing to check is the hoses and connections’ condition. Hydraulic hoses can deteriorate over time, so checking them for cracks or leaks is essential. If you find any, they will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the condition of the cylinder and seals. If there is any wear and tear, it will need to be fixed before using the trailer again.
Once you have performed all necessary maintenance, the hydraulics should work correctly again. If they’re still not, then there may be a more severe problem that will need to be addressed by a professional.
- Possible Damage
The last thing that could be causing the trailer not to go down is that there is some kind of damage.
If that is the case, then you will most probably have to get the broken parts replaced. However, before you are entirely sure of anything, we strongly advise taking a good look at the trailer yourself.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help you in any way we can!
There are a few things that could be causing the trailer not to go down. One possibility is that there is some kind of damage.
If this is the case, then you will likely have to get the broken parts replaced. However, before you are entirely sure of anything, we strongly advise taking a good look at the trailer yourself.
Spot any damage or irregularity in the hydraulics, wiring, or even the main components, including the fuse and solenoid.
If you notice anything unusual, you must apply the fix accordingly. Alternatively, you can get help from a professional, especially if you don’t know much about troubleshooting.
Why do we recommend getting in touch with a professional?
Because they’ll know the ins and outs of your specific model and can give you the best solution for your problem, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
We would be happy to help you in any way we can!
If there is damage causing the trailer not to go down, it will likely need to be repaired or replaced.
Before taking any action, carefully inspect the trailer for signs of damage, including hydraulics, wiring, and principal components like the fuse and solenoid. If anything looks out of place, you need to act accordingly.
The Bottom Line:
Hydraulic dump trailers will not go down is a prevalent issue you might run into. It should be pretty straightforward to resolve the issue under most circumstances. All you have to do is to follow the set of instructions that are mentioned right above.