Correct tire pressure check ensures safe movement of a trailer generator set.

Last summer I was called to a road construction site where a crew was panicking their trailer generator set had veered off a dirt road and gotten stuck in a ditch during transport. When I arrived I found the two rear tires of the trailer were completely flat and the front tires were bulging dangerously. The crew told me they had loaded the trailer generator set that morning without checking the tires assuming they were fine after sitting idle for a month. I pulled out our company’s digital tire pressure gauge designed specifically for heavy duty trailer generator set applications and checked the specs on the trailer’s manual. The correct pressure for their unit was 80 psi but the rear tires were at 22 psi and the front at 95 psi. After inflating the tires to the exact recommended pressure using our portable air compressor we safely pulled the trailer generator set out of the ditch and it made the rest of the trip to the new job site without incident. This experience taught me that a quick tire pressure check is the single most important step before moving any trailer generator set and our tools make this critical safety task fast and accurate.

A trailer generator set is a heavy piece of equipment with most units weighing over 1000 pounds and the tires bear the full brunt of that weight during transport. Incorrect tire pressure creates two major risks for a trailer generator set underinflated tires cause excessive flexing which generates heat and can lead to blowouts at high speeds a disaster when pulling a heavy trailer generator set. Overinflated tires are stiff and lose traction making the trailer generator set prone to skidding on wet or uneven roads and harder to control when stopping. Proper tire pressure ensures the tire’s contact patch with the road is optimal distributing the weight of the trailer generator set evenly across the tread. This even distribution prevents uneven wear on the tires and keeps the trailer stable whether you are moving the trailer generator set on highways or rough job site roads. Our trailer generator set models come with clearly marked tire pressure specifications on the frame and heavy duty tires rated for the unit’s exact weight eliminating guesswork for operators.

Mike Thompson a certified commercial vehicle safety inspector with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has inspected thousands of trailer mounted equipment including trailer generator set units for 30 years. He states that tire pressure checks for a trailer generator set should be a non negotiable pre trip routine regardless of how short the move is. In his official inspection manual he mandates that pressure must be checked when the tires are cold as driving even a short distance heats the air inside and gives false readings. Mr Thompson recommends checking pressure at least once a week for a trailer generator set that is in regular use and before every move for units that sit idle. He specifically approves of our trailer generator set tire pressure kits noting that our digital gauges are calibrated to meet industry accuracy standards and our pressure specs are aligned with his safety recommendations. He warns that neglecting this step is the leading cause of trailer generator set transport accidents on job sites and highways alike.

Our trailer generator set is engineered with user safety and convenience in mind featuring design elements that make tire pressure checks and maintenance easier than ever. First every trailer generator set we produce has a dedicated pressure check station on the tongue of the trailer with a clear plastic cover protecting a reference chart that lists the exact cold tire pressure for both empty and loaded conditions of the trailer generator set. This means operators never have to search for the manual or guess the right number. Second we equip our trailer generator set with premium heavy duty radial tires that have reinforced sidewalls to handle the constant weight of the generator and resist punctures on rough terrain. These tires hold pressure longer than standard trailer tires reducing the frequency of top ups for the trailer generator set. Third our higher end trailer generator set models include an optional tire pressure monitoring system that displays real time pressure for all four tires on the generator’s control panel alerting operators to drops before they become dangerous. These features make our trailer generator set the safest choice for frequent transport.

Based on our service team’s decades of experience we have created a simple step by step process to ensure safe movement of your trailer generator set through proper tire pressure checks. First park the trailer generator set on a level surface and make sure the tires are cold meaning the unit has not been driven for at least three hours. Second gather our digital tire pressure gauge and a portable air compressor if needed for your trailer generator set. Third remove the valve cap from one tire press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem and read the pressure displayed on the screen. Fourth compare the reading to the spec listed on the trailer generator set’s reference chart add air if low or release a small amount if high to match the exact number. Fifth repeat this process for all four tires of the trailer generator set do not skip the spare tire as it may be needed in an emergency. Sixth replace all valve caps to prevent air loss and dirt buildup. Finally do a quick visual inspection of the tires for cuts or bulges before moving the trailer generator set. Following this simple routine every time you move your trailer generator set will keep you safe and extend the life of your tires for years to come.