Trailer Maintenance

This section is intended to provide the user with generic trailer service and maintenance information. The service and maintenance guidelines referenced in this section refer to a wide range of trailers.

Remember periodic inspection of the trailer will ensure safe towing of the generator and will prevent personal injury and damage to the equipment.

The definitions below describe some of the major components of a typical trailer that would be used with generator.

1.Fuel Cell — Provides an adequate amount of fuel for the equipment in use. Fuel cells must be empty when transporting equipment.

2.Braking System — System employed in stopping the trailer. Typical braking systems are electric, surge, hydraulic, hydraulic-surge and air.

3.GVWR — Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum number of pounds the trailer can carry, including the fuel cell (empty).

4.Frame Length — Measurement is from the ball hitch to the rear bumper (reflector).

5.Frame Width — Measurement is from fender to fender

6.Jack Stand — Trailer support device with maximum pound requirement from the tongue of the trailer.

7.Coupler — Type of hitch used on the trailer for towing.

8.Tire Size — Indicates the diameter of the tire in inches (10,12,14, etc.), and the width in millimeters (175,185,205, etc.). The tire diameter must match the diameter of the tire rim.

9.Tire Ply — The tire ply (layers) number is rated in letters; 2-ply,4-ply,6-ply, etc.

10.Wheel Hub — The wheel hub is connected to the trailer’s axle.

11.Tire Rim — Tires mounted on a tire rim. The tire rim must match the size of the tire.

12.Lug Nuts — Used to secure the wheel to the wheel hub. Always use a torque wrench to tighten down the lug nuts. See Table 18 and FigureFigure 61 for lug nut tightening and sequence.

13.Axle — Indicates the maximum weight the axle can support in pounds, and the diameter of the axle expressed in inches. Please note that some trailers have a double axle. This will be shown as 2-6000 lbs., meaning two axles with a total weight capacity of 6000 pounds.

14.Suspension — Protects the trailer chassis from shocks transmitted through the wheels. Types of suspension used are leaf, Q-flex, and air ride.

15.Electrical — Electrical connectors (looms) are provided with the trailer so the brake lights and turn signals can be connected to the towing vehicle.

16.Application — Indicates which units can be employed on a particular trailer.

page 40 — DCA70USI2 60 hz Generator • operation and parts manual — rev. #0 (06/28/11)