TM 9-2330-271-14&P
(2) You must always be on the alert for
subject to deterioration from mildew or attacks by insects
indications of the effect of cold weather on the
or vermin. Clean mildewed canvas by scrubbing with a
semitrailer.
dry brush. Do not use water to remove dirt until mildew
(3) You must be very cautious when placing
has been removed. If mildew is present, examine
the vehicle in motion after a shutdown. Congealed
material carefully by stretching and pulling for evidence
lubricants may cause failure of parts. Tires may be
of rotting or weakening. Replace canvas if fabric shows
frozen to the ground or frozen to the shape of the flat
weakness.
spot while underinflated. One or more brake shoes may
be frozen fast and require pre-heating to avoid damage
WARNING
to the towing vehicle clutch surfaces.
Do not use gasoline, drycleaning
(4) Refer to TM 9-207 for description of
solvent or mineral spirits paint
operation in extreme cold.
thinner to remove oil or grease spots
b. At Halt or Parking.
from canvas. Use only water and a
(1) When you halt for short shutdown periods,
scrubbing brush.
park the vehicle in a sheltered spot out of the wind. If no
shelter is available, park the chassis so that its least
c. Chassis inactive for long periods in hot, humid
vulnerable parts face into the wind. For long shutdown
weather are subject to rapid rusting and accumulation of
periods, if high and dry ground is not available, prepare a
fungus. Frequently inspect, clean and lubricate your
footing of planks or brush.
semitrailer to prevent excessive deterioration.
(2) Clean all parts of the chassis of snow, ice,
and mud as soon as possible after operation. Refer to
2-22.
Operation in Dusty or Sandy Areas
tables 3-1 and 3-2, and paragraphs 3-6 and 3-7 for
detailed after-operation procedures.
a. For emergency operations in beach and desert
(3) Gage tires for correct pressure (paragraph
sands, correct tire inflation is listed in paragraph 3-18b.
For continued operations in sand, oversize balloon and
c. Lubricants (Storage, Handling and Use)
tires are necessary for all wheeled vehicles. The tread
(1) Your equipment's operation at arctic
should be of plain rib and the tire of round cross section.
temperatures will depend to a great extent upon the
b. If one or more wheels become mired, it may be
condition of the lubricants. Immediate effects of careless
necessary for the chassis to be winched or the mired
storage and handling or improper use of the materials
wheel may have to be jacked up and planking or matting
are not always apparent, but any deviation from proper
inserted beneath it.
procedures may cause trouble at the least expected
c. Operation under extremely sandy or dusty
time.
conditions requires frequent inspection, cleaning, and
(2) In arctic operations, contamination with
lubrication of the chassis working parts
moisture is a source of many difficulties. Moisture can
be the result of snow getting into the product or may be
2-23.
Operation in Mud and Snow
condensation due to "breathing" of a partially filled
contained when a product is brought outdoors from room
a. Reduce tire inflation to the proper pressure as
temperature. Other impurities will also contaminate
listed in paragraph 3-18b. For continued operation in
lubricants and cause them to lose their usefulness.
show, install snow tread tires
(3) Refer to FM 9-207 for detailed instructions
b. After each operation, remove ice, snow, and
on storage, handling and use of lubricants.
mud from underneath trailer and from hoses, lines,
tubes, and electrical connections.
2-21.
Operation In Extreme Heat
2-24.
Operation
Under
Rainy
or
Humid
a. Do not park the semitrailer in the sun for long
Conditions
periods as the heat and sunlight will shorten the life of
the tires. If possible, park vehicle under cover to protect
a. Protect semitrailer from direct rainfall whenever
it from the sun, sand and dust.
possible. During dry periods open van to air to facilitate
b. Cover inactive semitrailer with tarpaulins if no
drying process.
other suitable shelter is available. Each week shake out
and air for several hours canvas covers or other items
2-10
