Bottom rail replacement at Utility Keystone Service
Schedule

08/01/2022 12:06PM

Replacing a Bottom Rail on a Semi-Trailer

You’re an owner-operator with the knowledge and the equipment to make the needed repairs on your semi-trailer.

You understand the importance of using the right part for the job and that cutting corners could mean trouble down the road, cost more money later, and shorten the life of your trailer.

But some major trailer repair projects require more people, tools, and expertise to get the job done right. 

Replacing a bottom rail is one example of a repair that requires a team of about ten trailer technicians working together to properly replace a damaged bottom rail on a dry van trailer. Utility Keystone knows the job very well. 

Watch our expert technicians demonstrate the Four Phases of Replacing a Bottom Rail on a Semi-Trailer.

[Also watch: Episode 1 | 5th Wheel Repair and Replacment

Four Phases of Replacing a Bottom Rail

Drilling out rivets to replace bottom rail at Utility Keystone

PHASE 1: Prep and Demo

  1. Level the trailer
  2. Remove E-track and molding from the inside liner
  3. Remove the liner and wearband
  4. Support ceiling with load bars
  5. Drill out the bottom rail and sheet rivets
  6. Remove the bottom rail 
  7. Remove foam
  8. Inspect/repair cross members, joiner strip, and scuff
Reinstalling bottom rail at Utility Keystone

PHASE 2: Install Bottom Rail

  1. Cut bottom rail to size and install mylar tape
  2. Install the bottom rail
  3. Adjust ceiling height if needed
  4. Mark the post locations
  5. Drill holes and install rivets, nuts, and bolts
  6. Refoam the trailer and shave it flat
Utility service technicians reinstalling liner after bottom rail replacement.

PHASE 3: Reinstall Liner

  1. Scrape foam from liner and wearband
  2. Apply glue to the liner
  3. Install the wearband
  4. Install the liner
  5. Reinstall E-track if necessary
  6. Seal the entire perimeter of the trailer with caulk
Final inspection of bottom rail replacement at Utility Service shop.

PHASE 4: Inspect and Test

  1. Reinstall any wiring previously removed
  2. Ensure everything is in proper working order
  3. Inspect the entire trailer

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