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21
PINTLE HOOK
1
. Clean and check for proper operation. This should
be done at each TPM.
2. Inspect for worn, damaged or missing parts.
Replace only with compatible replacement
c
omponents.
3. Regularly lubricate the latch and lock pivots with a
light-oil lubricant. On models equipped with a grease
fitting, apply a small quantity of grease through the
grease zerk fitting.
4. Check mounting bolts for proper torque. For 3/4"
bolts with dry threads use 275-325 lb-ft for grade
5 bolts and 400-450 lb-ft for grade 8 bolts.
5. Check air plunger adjustment. Refer to the
recommendations of the pintle hook manufacturer.
6. The structural mounting assembly must be inspected
at each TPM to insure against fatigue problems.
SUPPORT GEAR
The support gear and brace system is designed to
support a fully loaded trailer at its rated GVWR when
parked on a solid level surface. The brace system and
the mounting bolts should be maintained as manufac-
tured to provide a safe operating condition. Damaged
components must be replaced before the vehicle is
reloaded.
SUPPORT GEAR LUBRICATION
1. Lubrication quantity and recommended intervals
vary according to the conditions in which the support
gears are operated. It is good preventive mainte-
nance to lubricate the support gear one time during
the first six months of use and every twelve months
thereafter.
2. In severe cold-temperature operations, many fleets
completely fill the top head and gear box with a
high-quality, low-temperature lubricant.
REAR IMPACT GUARD
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for rear
impact guards require the proper maintenance and
repair of trailer guards. Trailer guards are subjected to
impacts and stress in docking and loading operations.
T
hese impacts, as well as the stresses applied by the
use of dock restraint equipment, if excessive, can
damage any rear guard. A damaged guard may not
satisfy the performance requirements now mandated
by NHTSA and FMCSA, and may not be as strong as
originally designed and manufactured by Great Dane.
Great Dane cannot be responsible for a guard that has
been damaged, or for one that is not repaired in
accordance with Great Dane’s design and
manufacturing specifications.
Rear impact guards clearly now have attained the
status of safety equipment and are as important as
lighting and reflector systems or braking systems,
which are also regulated by NHTSA, FMCSA and most
state departments of transportation. Pre-trip inspec-
tions have for years included the DOT bumper. Now
the integrity of rear impact guards must be maintained
to meet NHTSA standards. Broken welds, bent compo-
nents, missing or loose fasteners, excessive corrosion
or other damage to any trailer guard will likely affect its
performance in the event of a rear-end collision. For
these reasons, detailed guard inspection, service and
repair records should be maintained on all guards for
your protection. Repairs must be made in accordance
with the guard’s original design specifications. Any
question regarding the repair of a Great Dane guard
should be directed to one of Great Dane’s Distributors
or Branch Parts and Service facilities, which are avail-
able to discuss any proposed repair with its customers.
Where possible, Great Dane recommends that all
guard repairs be made at one of Great Dane’s service
facilities.
PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE
In the unfortunate event that a Great Dane trailer is
impacted by another vehicle in a rear-end collision, it is
essential for the protection of both you and Great Dane
that the condition of the guard and its attachments be
documented immediately. If possible, photographs
should be taken before the vehicles are separated.
Photographs should also be taken after separation,
including photographs showing the trailer under-struc-
ture and all guard attachment components. These pho-
tographs should be taken before any repair is made.
Moreover, any guard components that are removed as
part of a repair should be labeled and saved until all
claims arising out of the accident have been resolved.
If you have any questions about these instructions,
please contact Great Dane’s Customer Service
Department.