Coupling Replacements by Experienced Engineers
Well-maintained and secure couplings are critical to safety, not to mention the safety of everyone else on the road. When it comes to couplings, drivers need to know their components are in good condition, well-fitted and ready for the road.
At Felk, our experts can assess your existing coupling to ensure there are no broken sections, weaknesses created from standard wear and tear, rust, or loose springs within the coupling itself. If we identify a problem, we can arrange for a replacement coupling to get you safely back on the road as soon as possible.
Override couplings are a mechanical braking system designed to apply the brakes on a trailer when the towing vehicle begins to slow or come to a stop. So when you ease off the brakes the force being transferred is less due to a large heavy-duty spring in the body of the coupling which holds back the weight of the trailer, therefore, releasing some of the braking pressure applied.
A loose or worn spring (spragged) in an override coupling, will cause the brakes to apply more frequently when not necessarily required, and will lead to premature brake pad wear & shunting of the trailer.
Why replace couplings and not repair them?
At Felk we don’t repair couplings. If there’s something wrong with your coupling, replacing it completely is the safest and cheapest possible outcome. This is primarily because a coupling is a cast unit. This means it is created from molten malleable steel which is poured into a mold and set. It’s then zinc-plated for extra protection against corrosion.
Repairs such as welding would automatically create a weakness within the coupling, which could ultimately cause the unit to break when under pressure. Rather than solving the problem, the welding essentially creates a hard spot that can contribute to further cracking. For that reason, replacement is the best option.
About Coupling Replacements
If you’re not sure about the safety of your coupling, it’s time to get it looked at by an expert. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Timeframes for replacement: Coupling replacement is a straightforward job and, in most cases, it will be completed and ready for a next-day pickup.
- There are different types of couplings: Couplings have the same basic profile, but there are variations that impact which is coupling is suitable for you. For example, there are heavy-duty couplings suitable for offroad and heavy haulage eg. Whether you’re concerned about weight ratings, looking at pintle hooks for mine work or off-roading upgrades, our experts can answer all your questions. Couplings are suited to the individual trailers GVM – (gross vehicle mass – how much a trailer weighs plus rated load capacity).
- Maintenance and care: Caring for your coupling is important and in some cases, we would recommend keeping the shaft greased (with regular cleans to avoid corrosion). For more information on how to best maintain your couplings, come in and speak to our expert fitters.
Coupling replacement is a quick and easy job and ensures your safety on the road. For an assessment of your existing coupling, or to speak with an expert about an upgrade, come in and see us at Felk today.