Jack Style Load Bars

Hey, all my fellow Primeates..... do any of you have any experience / advice about repairing those load bars that we are required to have ? I'm not talking about the cheap truck stop "cam style" locks, but the jack type. I've kept mine pretty well lubricated, but I always seem to swap trailers with someone that doesn't, and the load bars always either will not retract, or will not extend to tightly fit.

Any maintenance / rebuild ideas?

Take a hammer with 2 points at the other end and stick one of the points into the handle end opening. Use that as leverage to tighten the load lock as tight as you need it. There's also a "pin" that's on the loadlock on the bottom of the handle (where handle meets bar), remove it.

With both those tricks you can tighten the load lock until it literally goes through the wall. Obviously you don't want to overtighten and damage the sidewall but its also nice to not open the trailer doors only to see fallen load locks.

Also, if you are hauling a refrigerated load below freezing temperature, before you seal the trailer install the load locks and pour a small amount of water on the ends of the load lock (where load lock makes contact with trailer wall). The water will freeze and help act as "glue" to help keep the load lock in place.

I realize I didn't exactly answer your question. Load locks are tough to actually fix. Be sure to inform your DM when you lose a good load lock for a bad one, usually they can work with you on a reimbursement.

Outside of PB Blaster there isn't much you can do to fix a load lock.

I realize I didn't exactly answer your question. Load locks are tough to actually fix. Be sure to inform your DM when you lose a good load lock for a bad one, usually they can work with you on a reimbursement.

Thanks Daniel. The problem I'm having is that it won't release. I've sprayed the heck out it with lubricant, but it still gets stuck.

The problem I'm having is that it won't release. I've sprayed the heck out it with lubricant, but it still gets stuck.

I'm thinking the issue is because when not in use, they are out in the elements and that is the root cause of failures. Unfortunately because as drivers (yes, even the company drivers) here at Prime, we have to buy our own equipment, it's up to us to keep our equipment in good working order.

So far, I haven't found a way to prevent the failure of this style of load lock. When I do, I'll try and remember to share that knowledge.

Ernie