TM 9-2330-271-14&P
CHAPTER 2
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
If equipment fails to operate, refer to troubleshooting procedure in Chapter 3.
Section I. OPERATING PROCEDURES
(1) Build up air pressure on towing vehicle to
2-1. General
65 psi. Visually inspect for proper air spring inflation.
This section describes, locates, and illustrates the
Check to see that semitrailer is level when air springs are
semitrailer operating controls. It also provides the
fully inflated.
operator with sufficient information to use the various
(2) Tow semitrailer at operating speeds and
controls for operation of the semitrailer under normal
conditions.
Operation under unusual conditions is
(3) Park towing vehicle and shut down
described in section III of this chapter.
engine. Air springs should slowly deflate in a level
condition.
2-2. Coupling Semitrailer to Towing Vehicle
(4) Check and have tightened nuts, bolts, and
a. Connect Kingpin to Fifth Wheel.
air connections as required.
2-3. Uncoupling Semitrailer from Towing Vehicle.
raise or lower semitrailer until the kingpin is slightly
a. Block semitrailer wheels with the wheel
higher than the rear of fifth wheel plate on towing vehicle.
chocks.
(2) Slowly back towing vehicle until kingpin
b. Lower landing gear legs until they support the
slides into notch on fifth wheel plate and locks into catch.
(3) Raise landing gear legs.
c. Disconnect air brake hoses from towing
b. Connect Air Brake Hoses.
vehicle.
d. Disconnect 24-volt power supply cable from
semitrailer and place in their supports.
semitrailer.
(2) Connect coupling marked SERVICE on
e. Release kingpin lock on the fifth wheel and
towing vehicle air hose to coupling marked SERVICE on
drive towing vehicle away from van body.
semitrailer.
(3) Connect coupling marked EMERGENCY
2-4. Preparing Semitrailer for Operation.
on towing vehicle air hose to coupling marked
a. Preliminary Steps
EMERGENCY on semitrailer.
(1) Disconnect
from
towing
vehicle
c. Open Air Shutoff Valve.
(1) Make certain air reservoir drain cock is
b. Check-Out Procedures.
(2) Open two air shutoff valves on towing
(1) Doors Open and close all doors to check
vehicle to pressurize semitrailer air system.
operation of hinges and latching mechanism.
d. Connect Electrical Cable.
(2) Ladders. Remove boarding ladders from
(1) Plug intervehicular 24-volt electrical cable
ladder brackets on underside of semitrailer. Position
on towing vehicle into receptacle at front of semitrailer.
ladders in their location and inspect for proper mating of
(2) Check to see that all lights are in working
ladder latch in holes below each door. Check operation
e. Check Air Springs, XM844, XM845, XM847,
(3) Window (XM822) Check window glass
XM848, XM849, XM850, XM912, XM913.
and condition of the seals around the window.
2-1