TM 10-4610-215-10
TM 08580A–10/1
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION 1. DESCRIPTION AND USE OF OPERATOR’S CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
2-1.
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS (TRAILER). (Army) The only indicators on the flatbed trailer are the
stop lights, tail lights, and the blackout light. These lights are powered and controlled from the towing vehicle
through a trailer cable. The plug on the cable (fig. 2–1 ) and the receptacle makes the system operational. The two
air hoses connect to the towing vehicle brake system with glad–hand connectors (fig. 2–2). When the trailer is not
connected to the towing vehicle, the connectors are stowed on dummy couplers on the trailer to prevent damage
and contamination.
Figure 2-1 Electrical Plug
Figure 2–2. Air Hose Glad-Hand Connectors
CAUTION
Do not attempt to move trailer without releasing airbrakes; this requires 90 –
130 psi air pressure applied to air hoses.
2-2.
BRAKE SYSTEM. (Army) The service brakes are air–actuated, and the controls are in and part of the
towing vehicle. When the two air hoses from the trailer are connected to the connectors on the towing vehicle, the
service brake system and the brake pedal on the towing vehicle automatically operate the trailer brakes. An air
tank mounted under the trailer frame serves as a reservoir for the operation of the service brake system when the
air hoses are disconnected from the towing vehicle. Disconnecting the air hoses causes the service brakes to
engage automatically, thus serving as parking brakes for the trailer. Should the air supply from both the towing
vehicle and the trailer reservoir be interrupted, a compression spring immediately locks the brakes. See fig. 2–79
for procedure for resetting locked spring brake.
2–1
