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RUNNING GEAR ASSEMBLY —
PLATFORM AND CURTAINSIDE
TRAILERS
MOVEABLE SUSPENSIONS
1
. Always check the condition of the locking holes
in the main beam. Holes that are badly worn or
elongated will result in undue slack in the slider
unit, causing excessive wear and suspension
misalignment.
2. Always check to see that the hold-down brackets,
denoted as (A) in the diagram below, are in good
repair and have not been damaged. Trailers should
not be operated if any of these brackets are not in
proper position.
3. Check the pin cage assembly bolts for tightness
after each year of service. Re-torque to 380 lb-ft.
FIXED SUSPENSIONS
1. If the trailer is equipped with a fixed suspension,
visually inspect all connections at regular intervals
to be sure there are no weld or fatigue cracks.
2. All cracks must be properly repaired and then
re-welded.
ALTERATIONS TO THE TRAILER
MINOR ALTERATIONS
These should be made in accordance with good shop
practices. Normally, minor alterations will not alter the
rating shown on the trailer certification plate. A possible
exception is the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
The GAWR is the structural capability of the lowest-
rated member of the running gear components, sus-
pension and spring system, hubs, wheels and drums,
rims, bearings, brakes, axles, or tires.
If components are substituted that are of equal or
greater capacity than those used at the time of
manufacture, then the GAWR need not be altered.
I
f components are substituted that have less capacity
than those used at the time of manufacture, the GAWR
on the certification plate must be lowered to a corre-
sponding lower capacity.
MAJOR ALTERATIONS
No major alteration of a Great Dane trailer should ever
be made without first consulting the Great Dane factory.
Major alterations can affect the structural integrity
of the trailer, and can alter the GVWR and void the
trailer’s warranty coverage.
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY
There are many regulations that govern the use and
safe loading of motor vehicles. These are user
requirements; therefore, they are your responsibility.
If information regarding these requirements is not
known to you or you need assistance, contact:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Department of Transportation
Room 4223
400 – 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20591
or
the various states’ departments of transportation.
DURING EACH ANNUAL FMCSA VEHICLE
INSPECTION
It’s a requirement that all trailer structures be inspected
for weld or fatigue cracks and/or loose fasteners and
corrected to O.E.M. specifications before they are
returned to service. Upper slide rail to crossmember
attaching welds and pintle hook assembly welds must
be included during inspection.
26
LOCKING PINSHOWN
WITH PROPERPIN
E
NGAGEMENT
SLIDE PAD
HOLD-DOWN
BRACKET
MAIN BEAM
(A)
D
etail (A)
LOCKING PINAND HOLD-DOWNASSEMBLY