Break-In - Midland SIDE DUMP GRAVEL TRAILER Operator's Manual

4.3

BREAK-IN

Break-in is the most important time in a Trailer's life.
It is critical that the unit be checked frequently during
the first 5000 miles to be sure that all components
and systems are properly adjusted and performing as
required.
The following inspection schedule is provided as a
guide for normal operating conditions. More frequent
inspections are recommended in severe or extreme
conditions.
Inspect at:
50-100 miles, 1-2 hours
500 miles, 8-10 hours
1500 miles, 25-30 hours
5000 miles, 100 hours:
1. Brakes
It takes a few weeks of operation for the brake
shoes to mate with the drum contour and burnish
the surface. During this period of time, the
operator should check the brakes every day.
After the first month, inspection of the brakes
before each trip or every 10,000 miles is required.
Check the function and adjustment of the brakes
on each axle. All brakes should apply evenly. No
shoes should drag on the drum when the brakes
are not applied.
2. Tires
Tires are designed to provide maximum life and
performance when maintained at their specified
inflation pressure. Although the tires are inflated
to their specified pressure at the factory, the
pressure can change and should be checked
before going into service. Always use an
accurate gauge to check the pressure when the
tire is cold.
3. Wheels/Rims
Although lug bolts and rim fasteners are always
tightened to their specified torque at the factory,
it is normal for them to lose some of their torque
during the first few miles of operation. Always
retorque lug bolts and rim fasteners to be sure
that they stay tight. Then go to the retorquing
interval defined in the Maintenance section of
every 25,000 miles or more often if necessary.
Keep all fasteners tightened to their specified
torque to prevent damaging any components.
Whenever a wheel is removed from an axle, the
above retorquing procedure must be followed
to be sure that the wheel is secured to the axle.
If any component is damaged due to loose
fasteners, it will have to be replaced.
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4. Axles
Each wheel bearing is assembled at the factory
with the required pre-load (refer to Section
5.2.4). This pre-load should be checked to insure
proper axle and bearing function. Check the
temperature of the hub by hand after 10 to 15
miles (15 to 25 km) during the first trip. A hot
hub must have the bearing pre-load reset before
continuing.
Jack the axle up and support it on a stand. Turn
the wheel by hand. The wheel should turn freely.
If it does not, check if the brakes are dragging or
if the bearing has too much pre-load. If either of
these conditions exist, correct before proceeding.
Move the wheel laterally on the axle shaft. If the
wheel wobbles, the bearing has lost its pre-
load. Tighten bearing and set pre-load before
continuing.
5. Hub Oil Levels:
Oil bath hubs are used on all trailers and are filled
at the factory. Check hubs frequently (at least
daily) during the first few weeks of operation.
Always check when the oil is cold and the trailer
is on the level. Use the level mark on the hub
face when checking oil level. Replace seals and
gaskets if hub has an oil leak. Do not operate
without oil in the hub.