Tech Support and Instruction
Technical Support
Top Shelf is committed to providing not only robust and reliable trailers but also comprehensive technical support for our customers. We understand that maintaining your trailer in optimal condition is crucial for your operations, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.Check out some of our guides & resource information below
Hydraulic Pump Diagnostics
Before testing the wiring and controls, ensure your dump trailer’s battery is charged to at least 12 volts DC. If you don’t have a battery load tester to test the battery, at least depress the test button on the battery charger to check the battery charge state. You will need a DC voltmeter, 12-volt test light, or power probe to test your dump trailer properly. We provide a detailed step-by-step guide to diagnosing issues with the hydraulic pump.
If Pump Runs, But Box Does Not Go Up Or Down, Start Here
WARNING: A Low or under-charged battery will allow the pump to run and SOUND NORMAL but will not allow enough power to activate fluid solenoids to enable them to open up and down valves properly. If the Battery Voltage is low, the trailer will go up but will not come down even with the pump motor running. Recheck the battery state of charge before assuming the pump on your dump trailer is bad.
1. Check all small wires and ensure they are connected to the small fluid control solenoids. Also, check the small grey cables leading away from the two-fluid solenoids and ensure they attach to a solid ground point.
2. While pushing the up button, probe the solenoid at the red wire; if the light is on, the solenoid is getting power.
3. While pushing the Down button, probe the terminal where the green wire attaches to the dump trailer fluid solenoid; it should light up.
Please call us for further assistance if both wires are lighting up and the box still does not go up or down.
Hydraulic Fluid Identification
The hydraulic fluid in your dump trailer can either be ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or conventional hydraulic fluid. If the fluid is red or pink, it is ATF. If it is tan or clear, it is a conventional hydraulic fluid. AW32 is the most commonly used hydraulic fluid.
If the Pump Does Not Run, Start Here
1. Start by connecting the ground clamp of your test light to the negative battery post and touch the point to the positive post to make sure the test light lights up.
2. Now touch the test light to the dump trailer solenoid positive battery cable light should be on.
3. The pump motor should run when you push the up or down button while touching the Small White wire at the motor solenoid. If the light does not light up on one or both buttons, the controller input voltage (usually the black wire) is missing, or the push controller is bad.
4. If the above tests are okay, touch the large terminal opposite the positive battery terminal on the motor solenoid if the test light lights and the motor still does not run, and you are sure the battery voltage is normal, the pump motor has lost its ground or the pump motor itself is bad.
