TM 5-4930-244-14
h.
DRIVING AND PARKING (Refer to Figure 2-30.)
CAUTION
Sudden stops may cause the drawbar to bend or buckle.
(1)
When trailer is attached, always start and stop the towing vehicle slowly and gradually. Do this
whether or not the trailer is loaded.
(2)
Never exceed maximum highway speeds or 10 mph (16 kph) for cross country driving
(3)
When driving the towing vehicle with trailer attached, overall length of the unit must be kept in mind
when turning and passing other vehicles. Because the unit is hinged in the middle, turning and
backing are also affected. Heavier payloads will increase stopping distance and decrease off road
maneuverability.
(4)
When turning corners, allow for the fact that the trailer wheels turn Inside the turning radius of the
towing vehicle To make a right turn at a road intersection, drive the towing vehicle part way into the
intersection and then cut sharply to the right. This will allow for the turning radius of the trailer and
keep it off the curb
(5)
Always back the towing vehicle slowly and gradually. Whenever possible, the assistant driver or
another person will act as a ground guide to assist and direct the driver.
(6)
When backing, the rear of the trailer will move in the opposite direction In which the towing vehicle is
turned. When the towing vehicle has turned and backing in a straight line required, turn the towing
vehicle in the direction the trailer is moving. This will slowly bring the towing vehicle and trailer into a
straight line.
(7)
In normal operation the brakes of the towing vehicle and trailer are applied at the same time when the
driver steps on the brake pedal. Brake pressure must be applied gradually and smoothly. With some
towing vehicles the trailer brakes can be applied separately by using a brake control (refer to towing
vehicle operator manual). On steep grades or slippery surfaces, the trailer brakes should be applied
before the towing vehicle brakes, if possible. This will reduce the possibility of jackknifing the trailer.
(8)
When the towing vehicle and trailer are to be left unattended, set the towing vehicle parking brake,
turn off the engine and set the chock blocks.
(9)
After towing, lower the trailer front jack leg (1).
(10)
Position two chock blocks (2) behind or in front of wheels of trailer, dictated by direction of slope.
(11)
Disconnect either 12 Vdc connector (3) or 24 Vdc connector (4) from towing vehicle.
WARNING
Trailer wheels must be chocked even if parking brake is applied The parking brake
will release within 1 1/2 hours and if not correctly chocked, the trailer may roll
causing severe personal injury or death
(12)
Apply parking brake by pulling knob on parking brake control valve (5).
(13)
Disconnect both service brake (7) and emergency brake (6) hose assemblies from the towing vehicle.
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