Advertisement

operator's manual
for van and platform trailers
d r i v e a w a y w i t h mor e

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Great Dane 42101203

  • Page 1 operator’s manual for van and platform trailers d r i v e a w a y w i t h mor e...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    table of contents Operator’s Instructions ..........1 Tire Loads ............33 Controlled-Temperature Trailers ......2 Spare Tire.............34 Coupling and Uncoupling ........3-7 Rims and Wheels ...........35-40 Proper Use of Steps and Handholds ....8-9 Hubs..............41 Normal Use ............10 Axle Alignment.............42 Weight Distribution for Van Trailers....11-14 Leaf-Spring Suspension ........42 Weight Distribution for Platform Trailers..15-16 Air-Spring Suspension.........42...
  • Page 3: Operator's Instructions

    It is important that owners and drivers of controlled-temperature trailers be well informed about the are built into Great Dane trailers. It is essential that this trailer receives periodic inspections, maintenance, trailers limitations and to operate such trailers within their limitations to ensure safety and profitability and service parts replacement.
  • Page 4: Coupling And Uncoupling

    coupling and uncoupling Knowing how to couple and uncouple correctly is basic to the safe operation of combination vehicles. Step 5: Secure Tractor Step 8: Supply Air to Trailer General coupling and uncoupling steps are listed below. There are differences between various combinations •...
  • Page 5 OUPLING Continued Step 10: Back Under Trailer • Check that the locking lever is in the • With the front of the trailer supported by – Check that there is adequate clearance “lock” position. the tractor, between the top of the tractor tires and the •...
  • Page 6: Proper Use Of Steps And Handholds

    UN OUPLING Continued proper use of steps and handholds Step 4: Disconnect Air Lines and Step 6: Pull Tractor Partially Clear of Trailer Use all steps and handholds with extreme caution. Such components are subject to wear, damage and Electrical Cable environmental conditions.
  • Page 7: Normal Use

    Do Not Attempt Access To The Trailer Steps From The Tractor. Use “Access From The This Great Dane trailer was designed for operation within legal highway speed limits on reasonable Ground” method. If the tractor is properly equipped with steps, handholds and a deck plate and the road surfaces in accordance with the following: tractor is coupled and locked to the trailer, it is most important that the tractor be in a partial “jackknife”...
  • Page 8: Weight Distribution For Van Trailers

    weight distribution for van trailers warning: FIGURE 1. PREVENT TRAILER ROLLOVER THESE INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED TO MAXIMIZE TRAILER STABILITY AND MINIMIZE ROLLOVER HAZARD WITH SUSPENDED MEAT CARGO. ANY CARGO MOVEMENT UNDER ADVERSE HANDLING CONDITIONS, SUCH AS AN ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE MANEUVER, MAY CAUSE VEHICLE INSTABILITY AND RESULT IN ROLLOVER LOADING 1.
  • Page 9 weight distribution for van trailers Continued Loading heavy concentrated loads not occupying full trailer floor area FIGURE 3. WRONG WRONG RIGHT RIGHT Use a skid of adequate length and construction to [ This page intentionally left blank ] properly distribute weight front to rear.
  • Page 10: Weight Distribution For Platform Trailers

    weight distribution for platform trailers Loading heavy concentrated loads not occupying full trailer floor area FIGURE 1. FIGURE 3. WRONG WRONG Use a skid of adequate length and construction to properly distribute weight front to rear. Trailers are designed for uniform load distribution as shown. The load should be distributed uniformly from front to rear.
  • Page 11: Closing Extendable Trailers

    extending and closing extendable trailers warning: Stay clear of open area while extending and closing. To Extend the Trailer: 5. Operate the handle on the locking pin 1. Charge the brake system actuator to move the pins into the locking NOTES: 2.
  • Page 12: Pre-Trip Inspection

    pre-trip inspection Inspection procedure Approaching vehicle before each trip Look for oil, water, or fuel leaks. Inside cab Even though the responsibility for checks and adjustments of a vehicle may belong to the shop or mechanical department, an operator should never take the condition of a tractor or trailer for granted.
  • Page 13 Leave cab (engine running) & walk toward rear 1. Make sure the fuel tank cap is tightly 2. Examine rear tractor wheels, wheel nuts 3. Make sure fifth wheel is locked. 9. Where applicable, inspect sliding tandem lock. 7. Where applicable, check for proper placard and shipping papers. secured, no leaks.
  • Page 14 Rear of trailer Front of tractor 1. See if all lights are working properly, and clean as required. 2. Make sure all doors are secured. 1. Inspect front tires, wheels and wheel nuts. 2. Inspect headlamps, clearance lights, identification lights, flashers, and turn signals.
  • Page 15: Electrical System

    See Connector Wiring Change caution inside front cover. GREEN BROWN BROWN GREEN WHITE The electrical system on every Great Dane trailer Use only a 12-volt DC battery for checking lamps BROWN WHITE meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements or antilock brake systems. Never use battery in effect at the time of manufacture.
  • Page 16: Fifth Wheel And Kingpin Engagement

    fifth wheel slider for van trailers and kingpin engagement 1. If your trailer has a sliding undercarriage, visually inspect to see that all four locking pins have fully penetrated the upper slide rails and locked before The slider likely will be equipped with a moving the trailer.
  • Page 17: Qwik Release

    slider for Qwik Release ® platform trailers Many sliding running gear assemblies are equipped with spring-loaded Qwik Release 1. If your trailer has a sliding undercarriage, visually device to retract the pins locking the inspect to see that all four locking pins have fully slider frame to the upper rails.
  • Page 18: Tires

    check brake operation Care and Adjustment of Brakes The trailer brake systems will perform safely and with a Trailer Preventive Maintenance Program. Before entering traffic, check the operation of the and hand valve to assure brake application and efficiently only as long as you maintain them proper- Out-of-adjustment brakes can cause increased trailer brakes to be sure they are in good working release in each instance.
  • Page 19: Tire Loads

    To remove the spare tire from the carrier, Great Dane Trailers, as required by the safety been changed or altered since the trailer was follow these steps: regulations of the National Highway Traffic Safety manufactured, the GAWR may have changed.
  • Page 20: Rims And Wheels

    Do not tighten them fully, however. This is essential to safe, economical, trouble-free procedure will permit the uniform seating of PART NO. 42100753 GREAT DANE LTD service. Use only the specified sizes of studs, nuts and insure the even face-to-face contact SD83410 nuts, and clamps.
  • Page 21 lubrication of flange nuts & studs nut tightening procedure To maintain the desired torque/tension relationship, it is necessary to renew the lubricant on the A key to successful performance of the hub-piloted wheel, threads and between the nut body and flange. Relubrications should be done any time wheels are hub and drum mounting system is proper installation of the removed for tire repair or replacement, brake service, etc.
  • Page 22 Rim and wheel inspection and maintenance 1. Check all metal surfaces thoroughly, including area between duals and on inboard side of wheel. Watch for: a. Excessive rust or corrosion buildup b. Cracks in metal c. Bent flanges, resulting from road obstructions d.
  • Page 23: Hubs

    hubs axle alignment Axle alignment must be checked at regular intervals. If the trailer is not tracking properly, this should be warning: Cracked wheels, loose nuts, or missing studs are extremely hazardous reported to the Maintenance Department. conditions that are likely to cause accidents or breakdowns. leaf-spring suspension Check hub gaskets and seals for leaks before the hub cap.
  • Page 24: Exhaust (Dump) Valve Operation

    exhaust ( dump ) valve operation supports ( landing gear ) In many cases trailers that are equipped with air To Inflate 1. Always raise support legs completely before suspensions also incorporate valving that allows moving the trailer. 1. Couple the tractor and trailer. the suspensions’...
  • Page 25: Parking Brakes

    To manually release parking brake actuators: Each actuator is separated into two units. The warning 1. Always position wheel chocks at both front GREAT DANE LTD PART NO. 42100749 base unit applies the service brakes. The top unit and rear of tires before manually releasing...
  • Page 26: Rear, Side And Vent Doors

    rear, side and vent doors 1. Check rear, side, vent, and any accessory doors. To assure safe, reliable, and continuous operation, 7. Perform regular inspection and maintenance Bulkheads Secure them open or closed as required. the following precautions and maintenance on the listed items: instructions must be observed.
  • Page 27: Reporting Claims And Safety Defects

    National Highway Traffic Safety or death, you should immediately inform NHTSA Administration (NHTSA) safety standards. in addition to notifying Great Dane Limited Customer Service Department Great Dane Limited Partnership warrants this Partnership. Great Dane Limited Partnership vehicle to be free from defects in materials and P.O.
  • Page 28: Service Record

    service record service record DATE MILEAGE DESCRIPTION DATE MILEAGE DESCRIPTION...
  • Page 29 notes notes...
  • Page 30: Notes

    procedure.
  • Page 31 Part No. 42101203 www greatdanetrailers com...

Table of Contents