The Fleet Business Authority
Issue link: http://heavydutytrucking.epubxp.com/i/307131
i It's been 14 years since repairing any trailer's "ICC bumper" was a simple matter of cutting off the dam- aged section and welding on a straight piece of angle iron. Most trailers built since Jan. 26, 1998, have been equipped with more complex required rear impact guards that are not only stronger but are designed to absorb shock from a collision. The hope is that the car or light-truck that's rear- ending the trailer won't ride under it, and the motorists won't be decapitated or otherwise seriously injured. Rear impact guards, or RIGs, also can be damaged in less serious mishaps, and by law need to be fixed promptly. That almost always means now. No, the driver can't finish his run or make a delivery or pick-up, at least if it's any appreciable distance from where that mishap took place. Otherwise you're risking a ticket. By now every truck operator should know all this, and should also be aware that fixing a rear impact guard means returning it to as-built condition. That means using the same pieces and parts that the trailer manu- facturer used. It's so important that a group of maintenance professionals discussed details of rear impact guard repairs at a special session during the recent annual meeting of the Technol- ogy & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations. Led by Gary Fenton of Stough- ton Trailers, the managers reviewed TMC's Recommended Practice 732 that lists guidelines for repairing rear impact guards. The RP describes types of deflection damage to the horizontal, vertical and diagonal parts of an impact guard, and how they should be repaired. A common problem is an inward or outward deflection of the hori- zontal member caused by impact- ing another object or being yanked by a dock lock, or of the member's corner(s). If no vertical supports are damaged, a vertical deflection of this member can be cold-bended (no heat applied) back into shape. An inward deflection is possible without damage to the horizontal or vertical members if connecting bolts are damaged or loose. Those bolts can be replaced, and if this repositions the members in their original positions, the members can remain untouched. If a floor or floor crossmembers are damaged by an impact to the RIG, those floor parts must be repaired according to the manufacturer's specifications and instructions. Use subassemblies from the manufacturer if possible. Do everything correctly, or liabil- ity might come if the trailer is later involved in another rear-end accident and it's found that the rear impact guard had been improperly repaired. Inspections of a trailer's rear Tom Berg • Senior Editor Jim Park • Equipment Editor 68 HDT • MAY 2014 www.truckinginfo.com Trailers PHOTO COURTESY OF SAF HOLLAND Fix rear impact guards correctly or risk liability, and take a look at your fifth wheels Rear impact guards can be damaged in less serious mishaps, and by law need to be fixed promptly. That almost always means now. The fifth wheel top plate should be greased more heavily toward its rear. The trailer's upper coupler face will push the grease forward during hitching. Trailer maintenance tips t r a i l e r s _ m a y . i n d d 6 8 trailers_may.indd 68 4 / 2 9 / 1 4 4 : 1 9 P M 4/29/14 4:19 PM