When hauling an M983A4 on a flat trailer would you deflate the air suspension before its chained down?

2020-12-06T08:40:29-05:00

My reasoning is it can bounce and run out of air, loosening chains and becoming unsafe. Also the chains where up tight against the front suspension air bags. I’d thing they would possibly rub holes and pop them, then lowering again and loosening chains.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 6 at 2020 8:46 AM

2020-12-06T08:46:50-05:00

It would be a wise thing to, but I would follow what the operators manual says first SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 6 at 2020 8:51 AM

2020-12-06T08:51:55-05:00

As an Air Force guy my first question is, what does the technical documentation say? If I recall correctly there’s an Army organization that’s part of AMC that does testing on All Service’s equipment including how to prepare and tie down it for transportation. Recommend doing what the TO says unless local experience shows the direction to be dangerous.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 9:06 AM

2020-12-06T09:06:19-05:00

What does the TM or order say? Stick to it, unless ordered otherwise. Loading falls on loader and/or operator(s), to include dogging by MT operator and a-driver. Embark should be involved in any movement that warrants it as well. Ask the head MT bubba, like Roadmaster or Army version.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 10:06 AM

2020-12-06T10:06:44-05:00

This may not be current but could be helpful. Other PAMs listed as reference. 140 pages so, watch bandwidth. https://www.sddc.army.mil/sites/TEA/Functions/Deployability/TransportabilityEngineering/Transportability%20Engineering%20Publications/Pam_55-20_45.pdf

Pam_55-20_45.pdf

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 10:56 AM

2020-12-06T10:56:39-05:00

The OSHA std is that there can't be any movement possible. The bags will re-inflate once the equipment is re-started.

Response by PFC Angela Van Horn made Dec 6 at 2020 1:30 PM

2020-12-06T13:30:55-05:00

I have to agree with all the other posters. Check the TM, and follow its guidance

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 7 at 2020 9:38 PM

2020-12-07T21:38:53-05:00

Just out of curiosity how do you inflate the air suspension?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2020 12:53 AM

2020-12-08T00:53:48-05:00

If I were in your position, I could deflate the suspension. Absolutely follow the TM. Specifically, the TM for the truck you’re hauling. There should be a section roughly called “preparing for shipment or storage”. I would also move those chains one tie down forward of the tires to eliminate that friction between the chain and tire. Also, don’t forget the chock blocks if you don’t have them already.

Response by SPC Wayne Blush made Dec 19 at 2020 11:04 PM

2020-12-19T23:04:07-05:00

Anytime you are hauling an airride vehicle you have to drain suspension or you risk having an unsecured load

Response by SPC James Ernest Johnson made Dec 29 at 2020 2:37 AM

2020-12-29T02:37:00-05:00

I would drop the air bags and re-tighten the chains again. The ones that are against the front air bags may have to have a protector placed in between the airbag and chain so it dont rub or chaff a hole in them. But to not have that happen you might have to re-adjust the chains or find a tiedown point away from the airbags. Saves you a lot of headache and possible claims damage unless your using a military semi/915

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 29 at 2020 7:58 PM

2020-12-29T19:58:34-05:00

I'll trust your expertise on this one.