Premier 127 Operating manual

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].
Installation, Inspection, Operation
& Maintenance Guide
MANUFACTURING CO.
THE FIRST NAME IN QUALITY COUPLINGS
Model 127 / 127F Bolt-On
Adjustable Drawbar Eye

premier manufacturing company 1-800-255-5387 • www.premier-mfg.com
Page 2
Selecting The Right Equipment
Step 4: Browse Premier Product Catalog
Step 3: Considering Operating Conditions and Environments
Step 2: Determine “Tongue Weight Capacity”
Step 1: Determine “Gross Trailer(s) Weight”
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 are general guidelines for selecting Premier Couplings 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 these four steps to ensure proper selection of Premier Couplings and Drawbar Eyes.
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”
(GVWR(s) of towed trailers)
“Gross Trailer(s) Weight” is usually determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This information is
attached to the trailer by the trailer manufacturer.
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).
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).
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.
40,000 LBS 40,000 LBS
40,000 LBS
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 Trailers(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” section and “Coupling to Drawbar Eye Cross-Reference” sheet
on the next couple pages.
“Tongue Weight Capacity” is the maximum expected weight at
the drawbar eye. If 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 weigh the tongue when the trailer is loaded to its GVWR.

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SAMPLE ONLY
Selecting The Right Equipment
Importance of Inspection and Maintenance
Understanding Premier Load Specifications
Weight of Trailer(s) being towed
(see “Selecting Premier Couplings &
Drawbar Eyes”).
Maximum occurring tongue
weight. Static as well as
dynamic loads.
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.
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.
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).
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight:
Maximum Tongue Weight:
Ultimate Latch/Upward Vertical Capacity:
Maximum Eye X-Section:
Minimum Eye Opening:
Unit Weight:
30,000 lbs. (13,607 kg)
4,500 lbs. (2,041 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2,267 kg)
1 13/16 in. (46 mm)
2 in. (51 mm)
12.6 lbs. (5.7 kg)
“Premalloy” - Premier’s Exclusive Alloy
Whether you use Premier Jacks, Couplings, Drawbar Eyes, Hinge Assemblies or any other
Premier product, regular inspection and maintenance are essential for proper function,
keeping repair costs to a minimum and above all, safe and efficient operation.
To determine wear limits, Premier created Wear Gages that help judge the useful
life of couplings and drawbar eyes (details in catalog). In accordance with Premier
and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, these were designed to identify
wear at the critical percentages of 18% and 20%, by measuring the cross-
section of coupling hooks (horn) and drawbar eye loops. 18% wear indicates that
the product should be replaced as soon as possible. At 20% wear, the product is no longer in usable condition
and must be taken out of service immediately and replaced. The latch gage bar measures the gap space between
the top of the coupling hook and the closed latch. If the 3/8” latch gage bar can pass between this region, then
the latch components should be considered worn past safe limits and replaced. Please note that these wear gage
specifications are in accordance with Premier Mfg. Co. and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (refer to
other manufacturer’s specifications for wear limits on their products).
Premier also provides Installation Guides for each of our major products. These help guide you through installation,
inspection, routine maintenance and part replacement. Another resource is our website at www.premier-mfg.com.
Here you will find Installation Guides, Service Guides, distributor locations, online catalogs, product information,
trade show schedules and links to trucking resources.
“The harder you work it, the harder it gets” best describes how Premalloy performs.
Premalloy actually work hardens at the contact surfaces during normal use, which results in
longer service life. Premalloy is highly recommended for off-road and aggregate type applications
due to its wear resistant characteristics. Many of Premier’s couplings are made from this exclusive
material. As you are browsing the catalog, look for the Premalloy icon next to the product photos
to determine which models are made of this material.

premier manufacturing company 1-800-255-5387 • www.premier-mfg.com
Page 4
Selecting The Right Equipment
Coupling to Drawbar Eye Cross Reference Chart
2* 3 4 5 6/6A 8 11 20 21 22 23 107 108 110 123 125 126 127 200 200L 203 205 207 238DB† 245DB† 245DB-3† 300 304 305 306 307 309 405 407SE 410
16 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
24 •
40 •
100†••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••
100-4†•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
130 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••
135NT ••••••••••••••••••••• •••••• •
140 • • •
150 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
160 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
235NT •••••••••••••••••••• •••••• •
240 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••
240K •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
270 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
290 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
360 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
370 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
370B •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
470 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
470H •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
480 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
570 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
580 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
580J •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
590 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
690/690T •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
770 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
780 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
790 • •••••••
880 • •••••••
890/890C ••••••••• •••• •••• ••••• •
2200 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2300 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2300B •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2400 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2400H •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Couplings
Drawbar Eyes
† Saf-Tite Product
* Industrial Application
CAUTION: Verify that both the coupling’s and drawbar eye’s rated capacities
meet your application(s) requirements.

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SAFETY WARNING
This product is designed for towing under
normal conditions within the stated gross
trailer weight. Do not overload or abuse this
product. Overloading or abuse may lead to
property damage, severe injury, or death.
Max. Gross Trailer Weight:
Maximum Tongue Weight:
Inside Diameter:
127 Unit Weight:
127F Unit Weight:
100,000 lbs. (45,359 kg)
15,000 lbs. (6,803 kg)
2 3/8 in. (60 mm)
17.4 lbs. (7.9 kg)
15.1 lbs. (6.8 kg)
Model 127 / 127F Bolt-On Adjustable Drawbar Eye
STANDARD INSTALLATION DRAWING
SPECIFICATIONS AND LOAD CAPACITIES
PARTS
Coupling only:
- 127 Coupling
- 127F Coupling: 127 Coupling without a 411 Shoe and Pushrod
127 Parts Included:
- 127 Bolt-On Drawbar Eye
- 411 Shoe
- 113-Series Pushrod (113 Standard)

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Optional Accessories:
- Type 281 or 282 Air Chamber, or Premier model 500 Slack Adjuster.
- 47 Series Coupler.
- 525 Jam Nut (fits 113 Pushrod) or 281J Jam Nut (fits 281 & 282 Air chamber pushrod).
- 14005 (1 5/8 in.) Wear Gage: To determine drawbar eye loop wear limits.
- 14032 (1 11/16 in.) Wear Gage: To determine drawbar eye loop wear limits.
- 503 Bolt Kit: Six 3/4-10 x 2 1/2 in. grade-8 bolts and grade-C locknuts.
Model 127 / 127F Bolt-On Adjustable Drawbar Eye
ACCESSORIES
The 127/127F Drawbar Eye is only to be used
and maintained with Premier parts listed in the
Replacement Part Information section. Any
substitution or use of non-Premier parts in a
127/127F Drawbar Eye will VOID ALL PRODUCT
WARRANTY. The 127 Drawbar Eye must be used
with an air chamber or a #500 Slack Adjuster.
Installation Procedure:
1. The 127/127F Drawbar Eye 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
installation and use of this product.
2. Make certain that the front end structure
the drawbar eye is to be mounted on is of
sufficient strength to withstand the load rating
of the drawbar eye.
3. Using the Standard Installation Drawing,
measure and layout the front end mounting
surface and then drill the holes for the
mounting bolts. For the 127 Drawbar Eye,
also drill a 1” hole for the pushrod.
4. Mount the 127/127F Drawbar Eye using either
Premier’s 503 Bolt Kit and provided torque
value, or six other 3/4” grade-8 bolts and
grade-C locknuts. Only use new fasteners
when mounting couplings or drawbar eyes and
torque to SAE specifications.
5. Push the 411 Shoe to the retracted position
(see the Standard Installation Drawing) and
then couple the 113-series Pushrod to the 281
or 282 Air Chamber (not included) using a
47-series Coupler (not included). Make certain
that the 281J Jam Nut (not included) or the
525 Jam Nut (not included) is far enough down
the pushrod that it will not interfere with the
coupler.
6. Adjust the 47 Coupler so the 411 Shoe is fully
retracted when no air is being supplied to the
air chamber.
7. Connect the air chamber to the EMERGENCY
SIDE AIR SUPPLY.
8. WARNING! KEEP HANDS CLEAR OF THE
DRAWBAR EYE DURING THIS TEST! Test
the operation of the 411 Shoe by charging the
emergency side air supply. The shoe should
project fully forward.
9. If the 411 Shoe does not move, verify that
the air chamber has been connected to the
emergency side and not the service side of the
air supply.
10. If the 411 Shoe only partially projects forward,
adjust the 47 Coupler and retest. The shoe
must project forward until it is stopped by
the interior loop of the 127 Drawbar Eye
(approximately a 1 9/16” stroke). Make certain
that when the emergency side air supply is
off, the shoe returns to the fully retracted
position. Please note: The 411 Shoe acts as
a shock absorbing device to help smooth the
ride between vehicles. It is not considered
part of the coupling to drawbar eye latching
mechanism.
11. Tighten either the 281J Jam Nut or 525 Jam
Nut against the 47 Coupler, securing the
connection between the 113-series Pushrod
and the air chamber pushrod.
INSTALLATION

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Model 127 / 127F Bolt-On Adjustable Drawbar Eye
INSTALLATION
- Never attempt weld repair of damaged or worn drawbar eyes
- Air adjusted drawbar eyes must be used with an air service chamber or
#500 slack adjuster
- Only Grade-8 fasteners properly torqued should be used when attaching
bolt-on drawbar eyes
- Clean and inspect drawbar eyes and eye assemblies for damage or
excessive wear before each and every use
- Structure to which eye is attached must be of sufficient strength to
withstand load rating of eye
- 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
- Do not apply lubricants to the coupling hook or drawbar eye loop, as they can cover
up possible damage and accelerate wear
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES that apply to all Premier Bolt-On Drawbar Eyes
1. Visually inspect the drawbar eye for cracks,
impact damage and/or deformation before
each and every use. Do NOT use if any of
these conditions exist.
2. Check all fasteners to make certain that they
are secure before each and every use.
3. If the original cross-section of the eye loop has
been reduced by 20% or more, the drawbar
eye is considered out-of-service and must NOT
be used.
4. This product is designed to be operated within
its free rotation limits. It is the responsibility of
the vehicle designer/end user to ensure that
these limits are not exceeded (do not bind-up/
jackknife).
5. Never weld on any Premier part in order to
repair damaged or worn areas. Field and/or
shop welds are inadequate and may further
weaken the coupling.
6. WARNING: Other inspection and maintenance
procedures are also required prior to the
operation of combination vehicles. Consult
and follow all Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations as well as local, state and federal
guidelines.
7. WARNING: Prior to towing, make certain that
adequately rated safety chains have been
properly connected.
INSPECTION / OPERATION / MAINTENANCE
12. If using a 500 Slack Adjuster in place of an
air chamber, contact Premier for specific
Installation Instructions.
13. An “IMPORTANT WARNINGS!” sticker was
enclosed. This must be attached to the front
end, adjacent to the drawbar eye, and visible
for the end user to read.

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CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE FOR
IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

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.
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(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.

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 Premier’s 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.
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.
premier manufacturing company
THE FIRST NAME IN QUALITY COUPLINGS
800-255-5387 [phone]
www.premier-mfg.com
1-800-255-5387 • www.premier-mfg.com
premier manufacturing company Page 10
Revised: 10/09
Model 127/127F Bolt-On
Adjustable Drawbar Eye
Installation, etc.