Trailer Door Repair in 9 steps
At CANVEC, we believe that a well-maintained truck or trailer means more time on the road — and fewer surprises.
In this CANVEC Academy guide, our technicians walk you through how to repair a trailer door safely and efficiently, step by step.
Required Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the following on hand:
Vise-grip
Tension bar (for spring adjustment)
Hammer
Utility knife
7/16 wrench
Repair Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Install the door cable | Secure the door cable before handling the mechanism. |
| 2. Lock the cable securely | Insert the clevis pin and cotter pin to hold the cable in the bracket. Make sure the cable is firmly attached before continuing. |
| 3. Open and stabilize the door | Open the door and install ratchet straps on both sides to keep it steady. |
| 4. Inspect the spring | Check if the spring is broken, loose, or jammed. If necessary, gently free it with a hammer. |
| 5. Thread the cable and apply tension | Pass the cable through the pulley, then apply roughly three turns of tension using the tension bars. |
| 6. Lock the spring | Lock every other section of the spring to stabilize the system. |
| 7. Tighten the mechanism | Make four complete turns to secure everything properly. |
| 8. Remove the ratchets | Once the tension is set, remove the ratchet straps. |
| 9. Test the door | Open and close the door to ensure it moves smoothly and evenly. |
Pro Tips from CANVEC Technicians
Always check the spring’s condition before putting the door back into service.
Avoid over-tightening — three to four turns are usually enough.
Lubricate friction points after each repair.
When in doubt, contact our 24/7 roadside assistance team.
About CANVEC
Founded in 1990, CANVEC specializes in truck and trailer rentals, 24/7 roadside service, and the sale and service of liftgates and parts. Led by President and CEO Danny Lefebvre, the company has been a trusted name in the industry for more than 35 years. With over 1,200 rental units, 24/7 roadside service, and a team of qualified technicians, CANVEC helps you get back on the road faster.
ON THE ROAD FAST. BECAUSE EVERY MINUTE COUNTS.
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