TM 9-2330-297-14&P
PREPARATION FOR USE - CONTINUED
LOADING CONTAINER WITH HIGH DENSITY CARGO
WARNING
The MILVAN chassis could tip when loading the forward portion of the container with high
density cargo with a forklift truck. To prevent injury to personnel, place an antitipping device or
any suitable blocking under the front end of the semitrailer chassis.
OPERATION
DRIVING
When driving the towing vehicle and semitrailer, the overall length of the unit must be kept in mind when passing other
vehicles, and when turning. Keep in mind, when backing, that the unit is hinged in the middle.
TURNING
Put on turn signal lights before turning. When turning corners, the semitrailer chassis wheels turn inside the turning
radius of the towing vehicle. Make a right turn at intersection by driving the truck tractor halfway into the intersection,
and then cut sharply to the right. This will keep the semitrailer chassis wheels off the curb. Keep your vehicle close
enough to the edge of the road to prevent a following vehicle from passing on the right.
STOPPING
CAUTION
Semitrailer chassis brakes should not be used alone to stop the entire vehicle. This practice will
cause brake overheating and resultant damage.
The brakes of the towing vehicle and the semitrailer are applied at the same time in normal operation. Brake pressure
must be applied gradually and smoothly. The semitrailer brakes may be applied separately by using the trailer
handbrake control lever on the steering column. The semitrailer brakes must be applied before the towing vehicle brakes
when stopping on steep downgrades or slippery surfaces. This will reduce the possibility of jackknifing the semitrailer.
PARKING
When parking a towing vehicle and semitrailer and leaving unattended, set parking brakes on towing vehicle and apply
the trailer handbrake control. Turn off engine before leaving cab. Place wheel chocks behind semitrailer wheels on an
uphill grade, and in front of wheels on a downhill grade.
BACKING
Use an assistant as a guide while backing. Adjust rearview mirrors before backing. When the towing vehicle and
semitrailer are in a straight line, the rear of the semitrailer will move opposite to the direction the front towing vehicle
wheels are turned. If wheels of the towing vehicle are turned to the right, the rear of the semitrailer will go to the left.
The sharper the towing vehicle wheels are turned to the right, the tighter the semitrailer will turn to the left. When towing
vehicle wheels are turned to the left, the semitrailer will turn to the right. To decrease the angle of turn, turn the towing
vehicle wheels in the direction the semitrailer is turning. This will decrease the turning angle until the towing vehicle and
semitrailer are in a straight line.
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