Replacing a Bottom Rail on a Semi-Trailer

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 Replacement

Four Phases of Replacing a Bottom Rail

Four-Phases-of-Replacing-Bottom-Rail-on-semi-trailer-utility-keystone-trailers-paPHASE 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
Four-Phases-of-Replacing-Bottom-Rail-on-semi-trailer-utility-keystone-trailers-pa
PHASE 2: Install Bottom Rail
  1. Cut the 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
PHASE 3: Reinstall Liner
  1. Four-Phases-of-Replacing-Bottom-Rail-on-semi-trailer-utility-keystone-trailers-pa

    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
PHASE 4: Inspect and Test
  1. Four-Phases-of-Replacing-Bottom-Rail-on-semi-trailer-utility-keystone-trailers-paReinstall any wiring previously removed
  2. Ensure everything is in proper working order
  3. Inspect the entire trailer