Simple Tips on Keeping Your Truck’s Rear Rolling Door in an Ideal State

Unlike conventional cargo vans, box trucks are equipped with roll-up doors which require plenty of maintenance to prevent them from getting misaligned prematurely or getting corroded. There are many different ways to maintain roll-up doors in order to maximise their longevity. Neglecting them would cause panels, rollers or hinges to break, which can make the truck and the door a security and safety issue.

The key to maintaining the rear door is to apply a quality lubricant to the rear door hinge, rollers, and tracks. If the door gets damaged, you should have it repaired immediately at an expert box truck repair shop to ensure it functions properly again, as the door is your first line of defense against robberies. To ensure proper maintenance of the roll-up door, refer to the owner’s manual. If you don’t have one, here’s what you need to pay attention to.

The Hinges and Rollers

As I just mentioned, proper lubrication of the rear door hinge and rollers is essential. There are many quality lubricants available nowadays that will keep the rollers running smoothly along their tracks. However, you shouldn’t apply too much lubricant, as it can collect dust that can cause a blockage which can get the rollers stuck. Further, make sure the door is always down and latched securely before going anywhere. Rear doors aren’t designed to be left open and driven (duh). When the door lays flat in the “open” position, that causes the weight of the panels to bow in the center, which can deform the panels. This stresses and ultimately damages the hinges. Keep in mind that hinges and rollers are damaged every time the truck stops, so the faster the acceleration or stop, the more damage.

Overall Cleaning and Care

The door and its surrounding area should be kept clean. The tracks and the mechanical components of the door need special attention, and once a week cleansing can help prevent the accumulation of debris and dust, which are the two main causes for failure. Avoid using force when closing or opening the door, as that just means there’s something wrong with it, and by using force, you’re basically aggravating the problem or causing more permanent damage to it.

Regular Checks

If you notice the door behaving weirdly, it’s best you take it to a competent truck repair mechanic as soon as possible. They have the equipment, skills and most importantly – experience, to analyze your door and tell if it needs repairs or not. Your truck’s rear door keeps your items safe from the elements and theft, so you should make sure it’s in proper working shape at all times to avoid safety and security issues, unnecessary delays and loss of items.