OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3-7
2. Activate the TRAILER TILT lever “DOWN” until the
semitrailer is fully lowered (See “Trailer Tilt Lever”
on page 3-9.) Hold semitrailer tilt lever in the down
position until hydraulic system works against the
bottomed out Hydraulic Tilt Cylinders.
3. Determine that the traveling undercarriage is
completely slid back to transport position. Hold AXLE
CONTROL lever in the transport position until
hydraulic system works against the fully extended
hydraulic axle (See “Axle Control Lever” on
page 3-9.) Check to make sure the undercarriage is
all the way down into road position and the indicator
lock placard is in the lock position. If the
undercarriage is sitting on the undercarriage lock
pins, the trailer will need to be raised with the lift
cylinders so the weight is off the lock pins. The “Lock
Off” on the remote needs to be activated to retract
the lock pins with the air valves. The indicator lock
placard will be in it’s position closest to web of trailer
to indicate the unlock position. Lower the trailer until
undercarriage is in road position. Activate the “Lock
On” on remote. The indicator lock placard will be in
the out position to indicate the undercarriage is
locked in. Shut off hydraulic power.
4. Check the operation of all lights and signals on the
semitrailer for proper response to switch positions
(stop, right turn, left turn, and clearance).
5. Check tire inflation, adjust as needed to the pressure
listed on the semitrailer VIN plate, located on the
front of the semitrailer.
6. Check tractor/semitrailer rig for air leaks. If air
leakage is found, repair the defect before
transporting.
7. Check the oil in each hub for proper level and
freedom from contamination. If hubs are
contaminated with water, dirt or some other foreign
material, clean before transporting.
8. Check tractor air pressure. Pressure must not fall
below 90 psi, even after activating brakes a couple of
times. Set parking brake and carefully remove all
wheel chocks. Set emergency brake and try pulling
forward. The semitrailer wheels must not rotate. If
semitrailer brakes do not apply, DO NOT transport
until defect, or defects, are repaired.
Towing the Semitrailer
Driving the towing vehicle with the semitrailer coupled
behind requires constant attention to the overall length of
the combination. The “hinged-in-the-middle”
configuration of the tractor and semitrailer, load, and
weight effect performance. Turning, passing,
acceleration, braking, stopping, and backup require
special considerations. When executing steep grades or
turning tight curves, the semitrailer must not be allowed
to push the towing vehicle, or jack knifing the semitrailer
with the towing vehicle may result. Application of the
semitrailer brakes to keep the semitrailer in tow will help
prevent this pushing. Braking should begin before
descending a hill or attempting a curve, to assure control.
1. Make a moving test of the semitrailer brakes at low,
and medium speeds before traveling at highway
speed.
a. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) warning
lamp mounted at left rear side of the semitrailer
should come on when power is supplied to the
ABS by turning the tractor keyswitch on. The
warning lamp should go off once the semitrailer
exceeds 4 mph. If the warning lamp does not go
off, a fault exists in the semitrailer ABS. Once the
vehicle speed exceeds 4 mph, the light should
remain off unless a fault occurs or the keyswitch
is turned off, then on again.
Always check behind and under the truck and
semitrailer for persons or objects before moving.
Failure to check can lead to serious personal
injury or death to others, or damage to property.
If a fault exists in the semitrailer ABS, normal
braking will occur, but wheels may lock. Service
the ABS as soon as possible.