PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-593

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 593

APRIL 2002
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-593 - Page 27 of 32
If you store your canvas in your trailer, it needs a once over, too. Canvas
seems to be a water magnet.
Does water puddle up and stay trapped in your
canvas?
If so, try to store it in a way that solves that problem. Clean, dry
and flat is a start, but you may also need a slanted board under the canvas
to help with runoff.
Your walk-around
should include a
hand
check
of all bolts for
tightness. Eyeball them,
too, for corrosion.
Don’t forget about the grounding bolt.
Vibration
loosens
this bolt and makes for a
poor ground.
Also, a loose bolt lets water corrode the
ground connection.
Canvas
is a-ok!
these
bolts are
tight!
grounding
bolt is
tight and
dry!
Is the canvas free of
holes and tears?
Small pinpoint holes and
leaks around seams can be
handled with sealant:
1 gal, NSN 8040-00-281-1972
Coat the
bolt and
terminal
with
RTV
sealant,
NSN
8040-00-
118-2695.
RTV seals
out moisture
and keeps the
bolt tight.
PS 593
APR 02
52
PS 593
53
Finally, check the brakes. If you
have hydraulic brakes, check the
master cylinder to make sure
there’s enough fluid in it and that it
hasn’t been contaminated with water.
It will look milky if there’s
contamination.
If you have air brakes, the air
tanks should have been drained
after the last operation. If they
weren’t, you might have frozen
or corroded lines.
Check the petcock. After your air
tanks were drained, the petcock should
have been closed. Many aren’t though,
and an open petcock lets condensation
form back in the tank.
Don’t forget the emergency
hand brake. Check it. It should
not be set if your trailer is
being stored for a long time or
if you’re expecting freezing
weather. The cable and handle
can freeze and break when you
try to use them. Then you can’t
release the brake.
no contamination!
Lights
all
work!
hand
brakes
work!
Look at all
the lights.
Any broken?
Do they all
work?
pm
paints the
perfect
picture!
Your canvas
shouldn’t be
alone-tiedown
ropes should be
at hand. Check
them for rot
and fraying.
593. 50-53 (C)
3/3/02
2:31 PM
Page 3
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