Charge cards are accepted at time of reservation and are accepted for payment at time of equipment return or at the end of the billing cycle. Acceptable forms of payment are: Visa, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and ACH. Due to ongoing issues with the St. Louis mail system we are no longer able to accept company checks via mail.
In addition to the pre-trip daily inspection, your Palmer trailer must have maintenance service at regular intervals for keeping your trailer in peak operating condition. Required Trailer Maintenance • Each 30,000-miles or six-months (Whichever comes first) - Bring trailer to Palmer Leasing (3 Union Seventy Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63120) for regular maintenance. NOTE: All maintenance periods are recommendations based on average operating conditions. A trailer may require maintenance more frequently depending on how it is used, environment or other factors.
Keeping your trailer on the road starts with identifying small issues before they lead to major downtime. The following troubleshooting tips can help you recognize common problems involving brakes, tires, landing gear, lights, and hydraulic systems.
Begin with basic checks such as confirming air-line and electrical connections, verifying adequate air pressure, checking tire inflation, inspecting for loose or damaged components, and making sure hydraulic fluid levels are sufficient. Some issues may be corrected through routine adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, or replacing a fuse, hose, valve, or damaged wire.
Common warning signs include:
Observe recommended day-to-day maintenance practices and use only lubricants and replacement parts that meet the trailer manufacturer’s specifications. Repairs involving damaged brake assemblies, axles, bearings, pumps, structural components, or other major systems should be completed by a qualified technician.
To help keep your trailer on the road and reduce unnecessary downtime, use this guide to identify common trailer problems, possible causes, and recommended remedies. Observe routine care and maintenance recommendations, watch for the symptoms described below, and contact Palmer Leasing when professional service is required.
Use only recommended lubricants and replacement parts that meet the trailer manufacturer’s specifications. Never attempt a repair that you are not trained or equipped to complete safely.
Low air pressure
Check the air-line connections and verify that there is sufficient air pressure in the tank.
Brake shoes bound up at the cams
Lubricate the brake operating components.
Restricted brake hoses
Replace the affected hoses.
Brakes out of adjustment
Adjust the brakes.
Damaged brake assembly
Bring the trailer to Palmer Leasing for repair.
Air supply shut off at the tractor
Push the tractor control valve in.
Low brake-line pressure
Check the tractor’s air-pressure gauge and inspect the compressor.
Brake lines between the tractor and trailer are not properly connected
Reconnect and properly couple the brake lines.
Reservoir drain cock is open
Close the drain cock.
Lack of lubrication
Lubricate the brake operating components.
Excessive travel in the brake chamber
Adjust the brakes.
Restriction in a hose or line
Replace the affected brake hose or line.
Defective brake valve
Replace the brake valve.
Foreign material on the brake lining
Reline the brakes.
Brakes out of adjustment
Adjust the brakes.
Brake drum is out of round
Replace the brake drum.
Damaged brake chamber or internal assembly
Bring the trailer to Palmer Leasing for repair.
Leaking or broken hose between the relay valve and brake chamber
Repair or replace the hose as required.
Brakes out of adjustment
Adjust the brakes.
Binding cam, anchor pins, or chamber-rod-end pin
Lubricate and free the affected components.
Damaged brake assembly or out-of-round brake drum
Replace the damaged component.
Broken or cracked spring
Replace the complete spring.
Weak spring
Replace the complete spring.
Axle out of alignment
Align the axles.
Trailer tracks to one side or has excessive tire wear
Align the axles.
Tire wobble caused by uneven rim clamping
Torque and tighten all rim clamps.
Burned, worn, or damaged wheel bearings
Replace the bearings.
Bent wheel or rim
Replace the wheel or rim.
Bent axle
Straighten or replace the axle.
Leaking oil
Replace the wheel seals.
Broken leaf spring
Replace the complete spring.
Bent axle
Straighten or replace the axle.
Axles out of alignment
Align the axles.
Punctured tire
Repair or replace the tire.
Faulty valve or valve core
Replace the valve assembly or core.
Overinflation or underinflation
Inflate the tires to the proper pressure.
Loose wheel-stud nuts or clamps
Tighten the wheel-stud nuts or clamps.
Loose or overly tight wheel-bearing adjustment
Adjust the bearings.
Bent or misaligned axle
Straighten, align, or replace the axle.
Tires are not properly matched
Install properly matched tires.
Improper brake actuation
Correct the brakes as required.
Frequent rapid stopping
Apply the brakes more gradually when approaching a stop.
High-speed driving through turns
Reduce speed when turning.
Bent crankshaft
Straighten or replace the shaft.
Bent cross shaft
Replace the shaft.
Insufficient or incorrect lubricant
Lubricate the landing gear according to the manufacturer’s lubrication chart.
Damaged gears or components
Free or replace the damaged components.
Jackscrew nut is jammed
Replace the inner leg assembly.
Circuit breaker repeatedly trips
Locate and correct the short. Splice or repair the affected wiring.
Burned wires
Replace the damaged wiring.
Dirty or corroded contact points
Remove the lamp unit and clean the contact points.
Loss of ground at the bulb
Repair the ground connection as necessary.
Broken main wiring harness
Repair or replace the wire or harness.
Blown fuse or tripped breaker
Replace the fuse or reset or replace the breaker as appropriate.
Broken ground lead between the tractor and trailer
Check, repair, or replace the jumper cable, if equipped.
Loose or corroded connection in the ground lead
Repair or replace the connection.
Tractor battery is not sufficiently charged
Charge or service the tractor battery.
Damaged wire in the jumper cable
Repair or replace the wire.
Dirty or corroded contact blades
Clean the contact blades.
Loose electrical connection
Repair the connection as necessary.
Poor ground at the socket
Repair the ground connection as necessary.
Insufficient oil level
Fill the reservoir to the proper level.
Restricted oil flow
Locate and remove the restriction.
Worn pump
Repair or replace the pump.
Hydraulic hose is not connected
Connect the hose securely.
Restricted control linkage
Inspect and repair the linkage.
Broken key or keyway in the drive
Repair or replace the key or keyway.
Air in the hydraulic system
Bleed the system by cycling it several times.
Valve-control lever is not in the hold position
Inspect and repair the linkage.
Worn control valve
Repair or replace the valve.
Worn pump
Repair or replace the pump.
Air in the hydraulic system
Bleed the air from the system.
Restricted oil flow
Drain the tank and remove the restriction.
Insufficient oil supply
Fill the reservoir to the proper level.
PTO operating at excessive RPM
Lower the PTO speed.
Water in the hydraulic oil
Drain the system and replace the oil.
Dirty or contaminated oil
Drain the system and replace the oil.
Incorrect oil viscosity or oil type
Drain the system and refill it with the manufacturer-recommended oil.
Worn or damaged pump
Replace the pump.
Some conditions can be resolved through routine inspections, lubrication, adjustments, or replacement of minor components. Problems involving damaged brake assemblies, structural parts, bearings, axles, hydraulic pumps, or other major systems should be handled by a qualified technician.
Contact Palmer Leasing for service assistance:
service@palmerleasing.com
314-389-4400
Palmer Leasing offers professional and convenient trailer delivery and pickup service through an experienced third-party transportation provider. Drivers are skilled in positioning and locating trailers with precision to help ensure efficient placement at your site.
Delivery and pickup are available at $100 per hour, plus a fuel surcharge. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required so we can secure a driver. Requested service times are subject to driver availability and are not confirmed until approved by Palmer Leasing.
Customers are responsible for ensuring the site is safe, accessible, and ready for the trailer at the scheduled time. Additional charges may apply for extended wait times, restricted access, after-hours service, or other conditions that delay delivery or pickup.
For loaded trailers that need to be moved or re-spotted, Palmer Leasing works closely with reputable drayage and cartage companies and can help coordinate the appropriate service.
For any repair service needed during our Normal Business Hours (7:00 am thru 4:00 pm M-F, CT), please contact (314) 389-4400 or service@palmerleasing.com.
For Emergency after-hours related service, please contact Fleetnet at (800) 972-8872. Please have the following information available for the customer service agent when calling:
Please note: Palmer Leasing will not pay any unauthorized work or parts appearing on an invoice filled in connection with a repair.
Customer must obtain approval number from a Palmer Leasing service representative for any repairs.
All work must be performed at the location designated or approved by Palmer Leasing service representative; and Palmer Leasing is not responsible for damages and charges resulting from damages will be charged back to customer; and maintenance must be performed at Palmer Leasing’s facility in St. Louis unless otherwise agreed to.
The following are the elements of our 80-Point Inspection procedure. This procedure helps ensure that your Palmer Leasing equipment has been inspected and when required repaired to our exacting standards.
Palmer Leasing covers normal wear and tear and will replace worn tires at any time at our facility in St. Louis. Palmer Leasing maintains a (Trailer Maintenance Schedule) where customers are provided the opportunity to bring the equipment in for maintenance where we will replace worn tires and perform maintenance at no cost to the customer.
If you notice a tire issue at any time during the lease, please notify Palmer Leasing as soon as possible.
Should a tire become unserviceable while on the road from a condition, other than those listed in the exclusion section below, the customer can make a claim to have Palmer Leasing cover the replacement of the tire.
Palmer Leasing will not pay any unauthorized work or parts appearing on an invoice filled in connection with a repair.
The same quality lights and reflectors must be present and in good working order.
Replacement brakes need to be same quality as those installed on the unit at lease inception. Palmer Leasing replaces breaks where at approximately ¼” brake lining remaining. If brakes are run below ¼” break shoe remaining, damage from exposed brake shoe rivets may occur. If brake drums are damaged due to lack of regular maintenance you may incur unnecessary costs associated with replacing break drums.
We encourage you to contact Palmer Leasing to schedule a service appointment when brakes are approaching ¼” of brake lining. This service provided under the terms of your lease.
Replacement tires should be of the comparable quality, tread pattern and depth to those installed on the unit at lease inception. If a tire is a fist line tire (virgin casing), it needs to be replaced with a first line tire, if the trailer has re-caps, then a recap is acceptable.
Should a first run tire be replaced with a re-cap, the original first run casings must be returned. If the original first run casings are not returned, there will be a charge for missing casings.
As part of our maintenance program, Palmer Leasing replaces tires on road and cartage units when they reach 4/32″ tread depth. If tires are run below 2/32″ of tread remaining, a fee to recover any damage to the casing may apply.
Please inform Palmer Leasing when tires are approaching 4/32″ tread depth to schedule an appointment for tire replacement. This service provided under the terms of your lease.
Replacement wheels/rims need to be of comparable quality, color and finish to the components installed at lease inception.
Cross members can be straightened as long as:
When installing cross members, end clips must be welded and Mylar tape must be used between any dissimilar metals.
Minor bends may be straightened. Any other damaged pieces must be replaced. All replacement parts should be painted to match and reflective tape replaced.
Mud flaps with tears, cuts, holes, or cracks must be replaced with anti sail flaps. Bent mud flap brackets must be straightened or replaced.
Bent or damaged legs need to be replaced with the same type of leg. Minor bends in braces can be straightened, however braces that have a kink must be replaced. Wing and support plates must be welded to the cross members.
All suspension areas must be straightened or replaced as necessary to be in good working order. Axles must be replaced if they are bent or have spindle damage or groves. No spindles are to be replaced. Worn bushings must be replaced.
Minor scrapes/gouges in the floor are considered normal wear and tear. Should these scrapes/gouges substantially weaken the floor a floor repair is required.
Section repairs/patches in trailer floors/decks are acceptable when;
Aluminum roofs:
We allow for roof patches as long as the size of the patches does not exceed 3′ x 3′. Patches need for aluminum roofs need to be of the same material and affixed to the roof with buck rivets at 1″ spacing along the perimeter of the repair. Roof sealer must be used to cover the sectioned area.
Fiberglass roofs:
Aluminum roof sections – If the hole requires a patch that exceeds 3′ x 3′ or should there be more than two patches in a 6′ section of their roof, a roof section is required. A roof section must start from the front or rear of the trailer and cover less than 50% of the length of the trailer. Sections for aluminum roofs need to be of the same material and affixed to the roof with buck rivets at 1″ spacing along the perimeter of the repair. Appropriate caulking and roof sealer should also be applied to ensure the roof is watertight.
Fiberglass roof sections – If the hole requires a patch that exceeds 3′ x 3′ or should there be more than two patches in a 6′ section of their roof, a roof section is required. A roof section must start from the front or rear of the trailer and cover less than 50% of the length of the trailer. Sections for fiberglass roofs need to be of the same material with aluminum framing at the joints affixed with buck rivets at 1″ spacing along the perimeter of the repair. Appropriate caulking and roof sealer should also be applied to ensure the roof is watertight.
In all cases, should over 50% of the roof require repair, then the whole roof needs to be replaced.
Straightening roof bows is acceptable if:
If the roof bows cannot be repaired under these terms, they need to be replaced.
Sectioning the complete width of the panel and buck riveting with hard buck rivets must repair holes in side panels. A section must start from the top or bottom of the panel, be less than 50% of the panel, and only one section per panel. If these conditions cannot be met, the panel must be replaced. Caulking or sealant should be put between the panel pieces prior to assembly; not bordering around the section after assembly. Only buck rivets will be accepted, no pull rivets of any kind.
No more than three panels on the side of a trailer can be sectioned. If more than three panels require repair then the entire panel(s) must be replaced.
Posts must be straightened to their original shape and be free of cuts, otherwise they must be replaced.
Rail sections are acceptable as long as the section starts from the front or rear of the trailer. Only one section per rail is allowed; sections on opposing rails or two rails on the same side are not allowed. If two rails are sectioned the section must be staggered at least 6 foot. All sections must be reinforced. Bottom rail reinforcements must be at least 4″ x 1/8″ flat stock iron extending three cross members on each side of the splice. Top rail reinforcements must be at least 3″ x 3/16″ flat stock aluminum extending 18″ on each side of the splice.
Dents and bends in rails should be straightened. If the rail has been bent ½” or more in either direction it must also be reinforced. Reinforcements must be at least 4″ x 1/8″ flat stock iron extending two cross members beyond each side of the damaged area. Mylar tape must be used between any dissimilar metals.
Body panel, post, and rail damage on trailers less than one year old may be required to be returned to like-new condition.
Door molding must be repaired if it is cut, broken, if the door core is exposed, or if the door does not fully seal. Door molding can be sectioned as long as the door core is watertight and the splice fully seals when the door is closed.
Minor cuts less than 2″ in the door skin can be sealed with white silicone. Any damage where the door core is broken or is no longer watertight, require door replacement. No door sections will be accepted.
All customer paint, affixed signs and decals including decal adhesive must be removed and the trailer restored to like condition. Overspray or other materials that affix to the trailer must be removed and the trailer returned to like condition.
We recognize damages are a fact of life, dealing with them in a way that is both understanding of the reality of the use of the equipment. We take great care to maintain a quality fleet of equipment and meeting the next customer’s expectations with regard to quality and maintenance is an integral part of our business. We seek to be “easy to do business with” and over the years we have found when a trailer is returned with damage it is best to quickly notify the customer and provide them with information regarding the severity of damage and estimated costs associated with repair. We believe a defined process that uses transparent cost measures for damages and trailer repair standards to ensure quality are important components of supporting a smooth transaction. To this end we have developed a trailer repair cost guide to precisely determine costs for common trailer repairs and a trailer repair standards guide to define how repairs should be made to maintain fleet quality and consistency.
Common normal wear items:
– Minor bends (less than 20 degrees) will be repaired at no cost.
– Tires that require replacement due to wear or age are the responsibility of Palmer Leasing. Tires that need to be replaced due to damage, improper inflation or misuse are not considered to be normal wear.
– Minor dents, bruises and scratches to the trailer will be accepted as long as the trailer remains structurally sound and water tight
– Minor dents and scratches to the doors are acceptable. Doors must be operational, watertight and free of breaks.
– Damage to the liner is generally accepted – holes larger than 4″ in diameter may cause replacement.
Any damage resulting from overloading, caustic materials or anything that is not aligned with manufacturers guidelines for use is not normal wear and tear and therefore may result in repair or replacement charges to the customer. Please treat the equipment as you would your own.
Don't hesitate. Our team has worked in this industry for decades.
When you describe what you need, you are talking to someone who understands trailer specifications, lease structures,
and the operational demands of your business, not a call center reading from a script.