Premier Manufacturing Co. 440 Operating manual

Installation, Inspection, Operation
& Maintenance Guide
MODEL 440/440A & 455/455A
HINGE ASSEMBLIES
IMPORTANT
Read these instructions completely before installing, using or
attempting to repair this product. If you have any questions,
call Premier at [phone] or [phone]
THE FIRST NAME IN QUALITY COUPLINGS

SELECTING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Whatever your application, selecting the proper equipment for the job is very important. Proper selection along with regular inspection
and maintenance will help keep operating costs minimal while providing long life to each component. Below area general guidelines for
selecting Premier Coupling and Drawbar Eyes. If you feel that your application is unique, please give Premier a call so that we may help
you through the selection process.
Follow there four steps to ensure proper selection of Premier Couplings and Drawbar Eyes.
“Gross Trailer(s) Weight” is usually determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This information is attached to the trailer
manufacturer.
Environments such as rough uneven roads or off-road use can dramatically increase shock loads to both drawbar eyes and couplings. In
general, increasing the “Gross Trailer Weight” (Step 1:) and “Tongue Weight Capacity” (Step 2:) by a minimum of 25% will be sufficient
for many applications. Even if an application is used off-road occasionally, the minimum increase necessary for Gross Trailer and Tongue
Weight is 25%. Certain types of equipment and/or operating practices can also dramatically increase loads through equipment binding
and/or improper loading practices. Of special concern is high tongue weight. However, each application is unique and every environment
different, therefore your application may require more than 25%.
Once both “Gross Trailer(s) Weight” (Step 1:) and “Tongue Weight Capacity” (Step 2:) have been determined, evaluate your operating
conditions and apply an appropriate margin of safety.
Browse the Premier Product Catalog and refer to the “Specifications” section of each product. Be sure to review the “Understanding
Premier Load Specifications” sections and “Coupling to Drawbar Eye Cross-Reference” sheet on the next couple of pages.
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For “Double Trailer” configurations, only the rear trailer is considered when selecting
your Premier Coupling or Drawbar Eye. In this example, a Coupling and Drawbar Eye
with a “Gross Trailer Weight” rating of 40,000 lbs. (18,143 kg) would be the
minimum rating acceptable for normal, over-the-road applications (see Tongue Weight
section below
“Tongue Weight Capacity” is the maximum expected weight at the drawbar eye. Of a
hinged drawbar is used, the maximum weight will be approximately 1/2 the overall
drawbar weight. If a non-hinged drawbar is used and the actual tongue weight is not
known, you can approximate the weight by multiplying the GVWR of the towed trailer
by 15%. However, each application is unique and the best practice is to weight the
tongue when the trailer is loaded to GVWR.
For “Triple Trailers”, only the two most rearward trailers are considered in selecting
your Premier Coupling or Drawbar Eye. In this example, a Coupling and Drawbar Eye
with a “Gross Trailer Weight” rating of 80,000 lbs (36,287 kg) would be the minimum
acceptable for normal, over-the-road applications. (see Tongue Weight section below).
STEP 1:
Determine “Gross
Trailer(s) Weight”
(GVWR(s) of towed trailers)
STEP 2:
Determine “Tongue
Weight Capacity
(Maximum occurring
tongue weight)
STEP 3:
Add Margin of Safety
(Dependent upon your
equipment and operating
environment)
STEP 4:
Browse Premier
Product Catalog
(Based on Steps 1-3)
STEP 1: Determine “Gross Trailer(s) Weight”
STEP 3: Consider Operating Conditions and Environments
STEP 4: Browse Premier Product Catalog
STEP 2: Determine “Tongue Weight Capacity”
Double Trailer Configuration
Triple Trailer Configuration
Example only, each application may vary and should be considered unique.
Example only, each application may vary and should be considered unique.

SAMPLE ONLY
Each Premier product undergoes extensive design and testing prior to being introduced. We use the latest in Computer Aided Design and
Analysis Software as well as physical destructive tests. Premier’s published load specifications are the maximum load a given product or
part will withstand without failure. Premier’s testing procedures closely follow the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) guidelines of
Recommended Practice for testing Couplings and Drawbar Eyes (SAE J847 & J849).
Safety is our #1 Priority: Through high quality designs and unsurpassed quality control procedures, Premier assures our customers that
our focus on safety continues to be our #1 priority.
Scheduled Inspection & Maintenance: Regularly scheduled inspection and maintenance are essential for maintaining safe and efficient
operations whether you are using Couplings, Drawbar Eyes, Jacks, Hinge Assemblies, or any other Premier product. Inspection and main-
tenance are necessary for proper function and will also keep repair costs to a minimum.
Technical Literature: Premier provides important literature to assist you with our products. We package and attach Installation, Inspec-
tion, Operation & Maintenance Guides, or Service Guides, to each of our major products. This literature is also available to view and/or
print from our website at www.premier-mfg.com. These supply you with important information and help guide you through installation,
inspection, operation, routine maintenance and part replacement.
Wear Gages: In accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, we created Wear Gages to assist you in determining the
wear limits of Premier couplings and drawbar eyes. See details on catalog pages 7 & 75.
Customer Service: We are always here to support you. Do you need additional information or assistance? Your phone calls are greeted by
our courteous receptionist, during business hours. We have exceptional, personable Customer Service Reps for you to rely on. If you have
product questions or want to place an order, you can speak directly with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Customer Service
Representatives.
Sales Representatives: Would you like on site training or assistance? Contact one of our veteran Premier Sales Reps for more information
about product training for your staff. Or be sure to visit with them at a Trade Show (see website for schedule).
www.premier-mfg.com: Our website is an informative resource at your fingertips. In addition to our Installation and Service Guides, you
will find our Sales Representatives, distributor locations, online catalog pages, product specifications, how to select product, trade show
schedule, and links to trucking resources.
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight:
Maximum Tongue Weight:
Ultimate Latch/Upward Vertical Capacity:
Maximum Eye X-Section:
Minimum Eye Opening:
Unit Weight:
30,000 lbs.
4,500 lbs.
5,000 lbs.
1 13/16 in.
2 in.
12.6 lbs.
(13,607 kg)
(2,041 kg)
(2,267 kg)
(46 mm)
(51 mm)
(5.7 kg)
Understanding Premier Load Specifications
Importance of Inspection and Maintenance
Additional Product Resources at Your Fingertips
SELECTING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Maximum load on latch or
upper coupling surface
containing drawbar eye.
Latches and upper coupling
surfaces are not designed for
sustained load at this stated
capacity.
Maximum occurring tongue
weight. Static as well as
dynamic loads.
Weight of Trailer(s) being towed (see
“Selecting Premier Couplings &
Drawbar Eyes”).
The largest x-section in
eyelet portion of eye. Used to
determine compatibility
with coupling.
Minimum inside diameter
of eyelet portion of eye. Used to
determine compatibility with
coupling.
Weight of unit or pair of
units without accessories.
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Coupling - to - Drawbar Eye, Cross Reference Chart
SELECTING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
† Saf-Tite Product
* Industrial Application
CAUTION: Verify that both the coupling’s and drawbar eye’s rated capacities meet your
application(s) requirements
24
100†
100-3†
100-4†
100-4H†
130
135NT
140
150
160
235NT
240
240K
270
335NTEL
360
370
370B
470
470H
480
570
580
580J
690L
780
790
820ELA
880
890/890C
2200
2300
2400
2400H
2800
16
2* 11 108 205 304 3 20 110 207 305 4 21 123 238DB 307 5 22 127 245DB 405 309 6/6A 23 200 245DB-3 407SE 8 107 200L 300/300HD
DRAWBAR EYES
COUPLINGS

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Specifications and Load Capacities
MODEL 440/440A & 455/455A HINGE ASSEMBLIES
SAFETY WARNING
This product is designed for towing under
normal conditions within the stated gross
trailer weight capacity of the hinge assembly
being used. Do not overload or abuse this
product. Overloading or abuse may lead to
property damage, severe injury, or death.
Max. Gross Trailer Weight (pair):
Bushing I.D.:
Bushing O.D.:
Bushing Length:
Model 440 Unit Weight (pair):
Model 455 Unit Weight (pair):
100,000 lbs. (45,359 kg)
2 in. (51 mm)
3 1/2 in. (89 mm)
1 3/4 in. (44 mm)
53.2 lbs. (24.1 kg)
50 lbs. (22.7 kg)
Accepts 3 in. (76 mm) standard
channel or square tubing.
Accepts 2 in. x 4 in. (51 mm x 102 mm)
rectangular tubing or channel.
440/440A Standard Installation Drawing
455/455A Standard Installation Drawing
10°
PREMIER
PREMIER
441
441
PREMIER
90°
60°
6 3/16
6 3/4
9 1/2
3 9/32
4 9/16
5 9/32
6 15/32
3 1/16
PREMIER
441
PREMIER
441
PREMIER

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Installation
The 440/440A & 455/455A Hinge Assemblies are ONLY to be used and maintained with Premier parts. Any substitution or use
of non-Premier parts in a 440/440A or 455/455A Hinge Assembly will VOID ALL PRODUCT WARRANTY.
Installation Procedure:
1. 440/440A & 455/455A Hinge Assemblies must be installed to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Specifically, Section 393.70, Paragraph C: “Towing of Full Trailers.” Prior to install or operation, consult with local, State and
Federal agencies, as there may be additional applicable laws governing the installation and use of this product.
2. Prior to welding, Premier strongly suggests building a jig to properly locate the 424 Housings (for the 440/440A) or 452
Housings (for the 455/455A) and 441 Brackets. The jig should ensure the two Hinge Assemblies are of equal height above
the ground, parallel and equidistant from the trailer centerline. Figure 1 shows a top view of two poperly placed 440 Hinge
Assemblies.
3. All welds used to install the 440/440A and 455/455A Hinge Assemblies must follow one of the three attached Welding
Procedure Specifications; GMAW, SMAW or FCAW. Welding should only be performed by a certified welder skilled in structural
welding practices.
4. All weld locations must be clean, paint free and void of any moisture, oil, grease, oxides or loose or thick scale.
Because 440/440A or 455/455A Hinge Assemblies operate in pairs, the installation instructions below are to be simultane-
ously followed for each hinge assembly.
424L/424R & 452L/452R Housing Installation:
5. The 424 Housings accommodate a front end structure consisting of 3” channel or square tubing. The large weld tab on
the 424 Housings may be heated and bent outward 10° or inward 5° (see Figure 2) to conform to a wide range of front end
angles. The 452 Housings accomodate a front end structure consisting of 2” x 4” rectangular tubing or channel. The large
weld tab on the 452 Housings may be heated and bent inward or outward 10° to conform to a wide range of front end angles.
Note that the weld tabs on both housings must be bent equally and when the install is complete, the two housings are to be
equidistant from the trailer centerline and their bores aligned.
6. Fit-up, between the front end tube (or channel) and the mounting surface of the 424 or 452 Housings, must be flush, as
Figure 3 demonstrates on a 424 Housing. Failure to have a flush fit prior to welding will cause the capacities to be negatively
affected. Figures 3A and 3B show two possible examples of an improper fit-up that must be avoided.
7. Attach the 424 or 452 Housing to the front end tube with a minimum 3/8” fillet weld that encompasses the entire interface
between the housing and tube as shown in Figure 3.
MODEL 440/440A & 455/455A HINGE ASSEMBLIES
Parts & Accessories
Parts included with 440/440A
- 351 Bolt & Nut (2)
- 424L/424R Housing
- 441 Bracket
- 442 Pin
- 445 Adjustable Shoe
- 447 Bolt (2)
- 448/448A Bushing (2)
- 653 Snap Ring (2)
Parts included with 455/455A
- 351 Bolt & Nut (2)
- 452L/452R Housing
- 441 Bracket
- 442 Pin
- 445 Adjustable Shoe
- 447 Bolt (2)
- 448/448A Bushing (2)
- 653 Snap Ring (2)
Bushing Replacements
(Use ONLY Premier’s Bushings):
- 448 (Rubber) or 448A (Poly)

Installation
441 Bracket Installation:
8. The two 441 Brackets must be equal in height above the ground, parallel, equidistant from the trailer centerline and their
bases must be flush with the mounting structure surface. Misaligned brackets or a failure to have a flush fit with the mount-
ing surface prior to welding will cause poor hinge operation as well as negatively affect their capacities.
9. Tack weld the 441 Brackets in place and test fit the 424 or 452 Housings. Before proceeding, make sure the centerlines and
bores of the housings align with the centerlines and bores of the brackets.
10. Attach the 441 Bracket to the mounting surface with a minimum 3/8” fillet weld around the outer and inner surfaces of the
bracket as shown in Figure 4.
440/440A & 455/455A Hinge Assembly after Welding
(440/455: Premier 448 Rubber Bushings only)
(440A/455A: Premier 448A Poly Bushings only)
11. Allow the finished structures to cool.
12. Loosen the two 447 Bolts in the 424 or 452 Housing far enough so they do not protrude into the housing bore.
13. Slide one of the two 448/448A Bushings, chamfered end first, into one side of the 424 or 452 Housing (see Figure 5 illus-
tration of a 440 Hinge Assembly). Roughly 3/16” of the bushing should be sticking out of the housing.
14. From the other side of the 424 or 452 Housing that the 448/448A Bushing was placed, slide the 445 Shoe into the hous-
ing’s bore with the shoe’s outside curved surface adjacent to the two 447 Bolts. The shoe needs to slide in far enough for its
internal rib to be in alignment with the housing’s internal rib.
15. Place the other 448/448A Bushing, chamfered end first, into the 424 or 452 Housing.
16. Place the 424L & 424R Housings or 452L & 452R Housings into each 441 Bracket aligning the bores as much as possible.
17. Slide the 442 Pin through the aligned bores of the 441 Bracket and 424 or 452 Housing far enough so both snap ring
grooves at the end of the pin are visible.
18. Attach the 653 Snap Rings into the grooves at each end of the 442 Pin and ensure the snap rings are fully seated in the
grooves. Use caution when installing the snap rings and make certain not to over expand them as this will cause permanent
damage to the snap rings.
19. Tighten the 351 Bolts to 80 ft-lbs of torque. These bolts compress the 441 Bracket, clamping the 442 Pin.
20. Torque the 447 bolts equally and test the hinge assemblies for desired rotational stiffness. If a stiffer hinge is desired, tight-
en both 447 Bolts until the desired stiffness is reached.
21. An “IMPORTANT WARNINGS!” sticker was enclosed. This must be attached to the front end, adjacent to the drawbar eye,
visible for the end user to read.
MODEL 440/440A & 455/455A HINGE ASSEMBLIES
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MODEL 440/440A & 455/455A HINGE ASSEMBLIES
Installation
Figure 1
440
Figure 2
400

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MODEL 440/440A & 455/455A HINGE ASSEMBLIES
Installation
Figure 3
440
Figure 4

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IMPORTANT GUIDELINES that apply to all Premier Hinge Assemblies
- Never attempt weld repair of damaged or worn components
- Clean and inspect hinge assemblies for damage or excessive wear before each and every use
- All welds should be performed by a certified welder skilled in structural welding practices
- The mounting structure the hinges are welded to must be of sufficient strength to withstand load ratings of hinges
- Do not bind-up (Jackknife) any application as stresses can cause damage to products or components, resulting in failure and detachment of
the trailer while in use
Inspection/Operation/Maintenance
1. Visually inspect the hinge assembly for cracks, impact damage and/or deformation before each and every use. Do NOT use if
any of these conditions exist.
2. Over time, slack may develop in the hinge assembly due to normal bushing wear. Therefore, clean and inspect every 90 days
or sooner if your application dictates, and adjust or replace the bushings if slack is noted.
3. To check for bushing wear, place a crowbar near the center of the bracket adjacent to the housing. Apply pressure to the bar
and visually test for free-play between either the bushing & the housing or the bushing & the taper pin. If free-play is noted
tighten and/or replace bushing.
NOTE: Pulling forward or backward while the trailer brakes are set is not an acceptable method to check for bushing wear.
4. This product is designed to be operated within the free rotation limits of the coupling to drawbar eye connection. It is the
responsibility of the vehicle designer/end user to ensure that these limits are not exceeded (do not bind-up/jackknife).
5. WARNING: Prior to towing, make certain that adequately rated safety chains have been properly connected.
6. Never weld on any Premier part in order to repair damaged or worn areas. Field and/or shop weld repairs are inadequate and
may further weaken the hinge assembly.
MODEL 440/440A & 455/455A HINGE ASSEMBLIES
Installation
Figure 5
440

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Welding Procedures
MODEL 440/440A & 455/455A HINGE ASSEMBLIES

CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE FOR
IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
1-800-255-5387 • www.premier-mfg.comPREMIER MANUFACTURING COMPANY Page 12

1-800-255-5387 • www.premier-mfg.comPREMIER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
ATTENTION!
End Users must read and follow this information.
DISTRIBUTORS & OEM’S: Please ensure that your customers are
made aware of the following information on this page.
1. VERIFY THAT BOTH COUPLING’S AND DRAWBAR EYE’S RATED CAPACITIES MEET YOUR APPLICATION(S)
REQUIREMENTS.
2. DO NOT OVERLOAD COUPLING OR DRAWBAR EYE.
3. INSPECT COUPLING, LATCH AND DRAWBAR EYE FOR CRACKS, BENDING DAMAGE OR EXCESSIVE WEAR.
DO NOT USE IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS EXIST!
4. CHECK FOR GAP BETWEEN CLOSED LATCH AND TOP OF HORN OR COUPLING BALL.
DO NOT USE IF GAP IS 3/8 IN. OR MORE.
5. MAKE SURE COUPLING IS LATCHED AND THAT LATCH WILL NOT OPEN.
6. PRIOR TO USE, ALWAYS CONNECT SAFETY CHAINS OF ADEQUATE STRENGTH FOR LOAD(S) BEING TOWED.
7. DO NOT BIND-UP (JACKKNIFE) ANY APPLICATION AS STRESSES CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE COUPLING,
DRAWBAR EYE, OTHER COMPONENTS OR ANY COMBINATION OF THEM. JACKKNIFING MAY RESULT IN
FAILURE OF PRODUCTS OR COMPONENTS, RESULTING IN DETACHMENT OF THE TRAILER WHILE IN USE.
8. DO NOT APPLY LUBRICANTS TO THE COUPLING HOOK OR DRAWBAR EYE LOOP, AS THEY CAN COVER UP
POSSIBLE DAMAGE AND ACCELERATE WEAR.
9. ALWAYS ABIDE BY ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING SAFE AND PROPER
TRANSPORTATION.
10. NEVER STRIKE ANY OF THESE COMPONENTS WITH A HAMMER OR ANY OTHER DEVICE.
11. ALWAYS VERIFY PROPER OPERATION OF LATCHING SYSTEM AND COUPLING COMPONENTS PRIOR TO DRIVE OFF.
12. NEVER USE A COUPLING THAT YOU DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND HOW TO PROPERLY OPERATE AND VERIFY
SECURE LATCHING OF.
13. NEVER REPLACE ANY PART IN ANY OF PREMIER’S ASSEMBLIES WITH NON-PREMIER COMPONENTS. DOING SO
WILL VOID ALL WARRANTY AND POTENTIALLY COMPROMISE THE UNIT’S INTEGRITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN
PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS INJURY, OR DEATH.
Page 13

PREMIER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
THE FIRST NAME IN QUALITY COUPLINGS
800-255-5387 [phone]
www.premier-mfg.com
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WARNING!
This envelope contains important instructions
AND MUST REMAIN ATTACHED TO THIS
DRAWBAR EYE. It may be removed only by the
End User or by an Original Equipment
Manufacturer who preserves this envelope and
instructions and provides it to the end user.
Models 440/440A & 455/455A
Hinge Assembly Installation, etc.
Revised: 01/12
WARRANTY: We warrant all Premier products to be free from defects in material or workmanship for one year. We will
repair or replace, at our option, any Premier product which our examination reveals to be defective, provided that the
product is returned to our factory, at Tualatin, Oregon transportation prepaid, within one year of purchase by the first retail
purchaser. Our warranty does not extend to products which have been subject to misuse, neglect, improper installation,
maintenance or application, nor does our warranty extend to products which have been repaired or altered outside of 3UH-
PLHU·V facility unless the repair or alteration has been expressly authorized in writing by Premier. This warranty is in lieu
of all other warranties, express or implied, and excludes warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and
otherwise, and in no event will Premier be liable for incidental, special, contingent or consequential damages.
DISCLAIMER: Although great care has been taken to ensure accurate information throughout this document,
Premier Manufacturing Company must reserve the right to alter any information contained within. These changes include
but are not limited to: Dimensional changes, load capacity and availability of any part or assembly.
© 2009 Premier Manufacturing Company
All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the photographic images or any other portion of this document, including but not
limited to the photocopying, or retention and/or storage in a retrieval system of any kind, is strictly prohibited without prior
express written permission from Premier Manufacturing Company.