Quality cable support is important because low hanging air and electrical cables are susceptible to damage, leading to safety issues and/or DOT violations—which also become a CSA issue.
The most common method for supporting cables between a tractor and trailer is the use of a sliding tender spring. A sliding tender spring is made up of three basic components: the clip or ring that attaches the kit to the sliding tracker bar, the spring that stretches to accommodate for the movement of the cables as the truck turns and pivots and the clamp or hose holder that grips the cables to the spring. However, a sliding tender spring is only as good as its spring, making the spring the most important element of the cable support system. Fitted with a good quality spring, the life and performance of a tracker spring kit can be extended.
Features of a quality spring
Look for the following in spring when selecting a tender spring kit:
- Large Gauge: A larger gauges means a thicker wire with better durability. If the gauge of the spring’s wire is thin, the spring will wear out quickly, losing its elasticity and the ability to recoil properly.
- Wire Type: Pre-galvanized hard drawn wire protects the spring from corrosion. “Pre” indicates that the wire was galvanized before the spring was fabricated, to ensure that the entire surface of the spring wiring is coated. If the springs are not galvanized it is highly likely they will rust and deteriorate the integrity of the spring. If any type of non-corrosive coating is applied to a spring, it should also be done before the spring is fabricated.
This timely tip was contributed by Phillips Industries.
Check out the rest of the July digital edition of Fleet Equipment here.
