DCA-180SSK — TRAILER-SAFETY GUIDELINES
CAUTION:
ALWAYS make sure the trailer is in good operating condition. Check the tires for proper inflation and wear. Also check the wheel lug nuts for proper tightness.
Explanation of Chart:
This section is intended to provide the user with trailer ser- vice and maintenance information. The service and main- tenance guidelines referenced in this section apply a wide range of trailers. Remember periodic inspection of the trailer will ensure safe towing of the equipment and will prevent damage to the equipment and personal injury.
It is the purpose of this section to cover the major mainte- nance components of the trailer. The following trailer com- ponents will be discussed in this section:
Brakes
Tires
Lug Nut Torquing
Suspension
Electrical
Brake Troubleshooting Tables
Use the following definitions while reading Table 1.
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, hy- draulic,
3.GVWR- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), is the maximum number of pounds the trailer can carry, in- cluding the fuel cell (empty).
4.Frame Length - This measurement is from the ball hitch to the rear bumper (reflector).
5.Frame Width - This 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;
10.Wheel Hub - The wheel hub is connected to the trailer’s axle.
11.Tire Rim - Tires are 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 4 and Figure 5 for lug nut tightening and sequence.
13.Axle - Indicates the maximum weight the axle can sup- port in pounds, and the diameter of the axle expressed in inches (see Table 3 on page 17). Please not that some trailers have a double axle. This will be shown as
14.Suspension - Protects the trailer chassis from shock transmitted through the wheels. Types of suspension used are leaf,
15.Electrical - Electrical connectors (looms) are provided with the trailer so the brake lights and turn signals can be connected to the towing vehicle. See page 16 for proper wiring connections.
16.Application - Indicates which units can be employed on a particular trailer.