Premier 330 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 330 / 330A
Hinge Assembly

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4
Step 3: Considering Operating Conditions and Environments
Step 2: Determine “Tongue Weight Capacity”
Step 1: Determine “Gross Trailer(s) Weight”
Step 4: Browse Premier Product Catalog
Selecting The Right Equipment
4
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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Understanding Premier Load Specifications
Selecting The Right Equipment
SAMPLE ONLY
5
Weight of Trailer(s) being towed
(see Steps 1-4 on page 4)�
Maximum occurring tongue
weight� Static as well as dy-
namic 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)
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�
Additional Product Resources at Your Fingertips
Importance of Inspection and Maintenance
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 maintenance 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, Inspection, 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�

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6
Coupling - to - Drawbar Eye, Cross Reference Chart
Selecting The Right Equipment
2* 3 4 5 6/6A 8 11 20 21 22 23 107 108 110 123 127 200 200L 203 205 207 238DB 245DB 245DB-3 300 304 305 307 309 405 407SE 410
16 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
24 •
100 †••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
100-3 †••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
100-4 †••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
100-4H †••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
130 •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••
135NT ••••••••••••••••••• •••••• •
140 • • •
150 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
160 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
235NT •••••••••••••••••• •••••• •
240 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
240K ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
270 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
360 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
370 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
370B ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
470 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
470H ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
480 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
570 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
580 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
580J ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
590 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
690/690T ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
770 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
780 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
790 • ••••••
880 • ••••••
890/890C ••••••••• •• •••• ••••• •
2200 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2300 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2300B ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2400 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2400H ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2880 • ••••••
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 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.
STANDARD INSTALLATION DRAWING
Max. Gross Trailer Weight (pair):
Bushing O.D.:
Bushing Length:
Unit Weight (pair):
100,000 lbs. (45,359 kg)
3 1/2 in. (89 mm)
4 1/2 in. (114 mm)
50.2 lbs. (22.8 kg)
Model 330 / 330A Hinge Assembly
SPECIFICATIONS
R1/8
321C LOCK NUT
321D FLAT WASHER
359 FLANGE
350 BRACKET
356 HOUSING
351 BOLT & NUT (2 PIECES)
352 TAPER PIN
321D FLAT WASHER
321B BOLT
344 BUSHING
ACCEPTS 2 1/2 IN. (64 MM)
ROUND TUBING.
2 7/32
8 1/4
4 9/16
9 13/16
7 1/8
7/8
REF.
1 13/16
4 5/8
2 21/32
168°
2 17/32
12°
PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Parts included
- 321B Bolt
- 321C Locknut
- 321D Flat Washer (2)
- 344/344A Bushing
- 350 Bracket
- 351 Bolt & Nut (2)
- 352 Taper Pin
- 356 Housing
- 359 Flange
Bushing Replacements
(Use ONLY Premier’s Bushings):
- 344 (Rubber) or 344A (Poly)
Accepts 2 1/2 in. (64 mm) round tubing.

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Model 330 / 330A Hinge Assembly
INSTALLATION
The 330 and 330A Hinge Assemblies are ONLY
to be used and maintained with Premier parts.
Any substitution or use of non-Premier parts
in a 330/330A Hinge Assembly will VOID ALL
PRODUCT WARRANTY.
Installation Procedure:
1. 330 and 330A 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 each mating
356 Housing and 350 Bracket. The jig should
ensure the two Hinge Assemblies are of
equal height above the ground, parallel and
equidistant from the trailer centerline. The
outside edge of each housing is to be placed
3/8” from the adjacent inside surface of the
bracket as shown in Figure 1.
3. All welds used to install the 330 and 330A
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 330/330A Hinge Assemblies operate in
pairs, the installation instructions below are
to be simultaneously followed for each hinge
assembly.
356 Housing Installation:
5. The 356 Housings accommodate a front end
structure consisting of 2 ½” round tubing.
The converging angle of each tube into each
housing is 12° (see Figure 2). Note that 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 2 ½” tube and the mounting
surface of the 356 Housing, must be flush, as
shown in Figure 2. Failure to have a flush fit
prior to welding will cause the capacities to
be negatively affected. Figure 2A shows one
possible example of an improper fit-up that
must be avoided.
7. Attach the 356 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 2.
350 Bracket Installation:
8. The two 350 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
mounting surface prior to welding will cause
poor hinge operation as well as negatively
affect their capacities.
9. Tack weld the 350 Brackets in place and test
fit the 356 Housings. Before proceeding, make
sure the bores of the housings align with the
bores of the brackets and the 3/8” gap exists
between each housing and bracket as shown in
Figure 1.
10. Attach the 350 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 3.
330 / 330A Hinge Assembly after Welding
(330: Premier 344 Rubber Bushings only)
(330A: Premier 344A Poly Bushings only)
11. Allow the finished structures to cool.
12. Place the 359 Flange into the bore on the
vehicle centerline side of the 350 Bracket as
illustrated in Figure 4. Make certain that the slit
in the flange lines up with the slit in the bracket
(shown in Figure 3).
13. Slide the 344/344A Bushing into the 356
Housing making sure that the smaller diameter
end of the tapered bore in the bushing is
towards the 359 Flange. Place the housing into
the 350 Bracket aligning the bores as much as
possible.
14. Slide the 352 Taper pin into the 350 Bracket

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Model 330 / 330A Hinge Assembly
INSTALLATION
bore from the opposite end of the 359 Flange
(see Figure 4). Using a rubber mallet only, tap
the taper pin into the bracket until the head of
the taper pin is flush against the bracket.
15. Place one 321D Washer onto the 321B Bolt
and slide it through the 352 Taper pin. Place
the second 321D washer and 321C Locknut
onto the end of the 321B bolt. Prior to
tightening, check to make sure the 3/8” gap
between the 356 Housing and 350 Bracket
exists (see Figure 1).
16. Torque the 321C Locknut to 60 ft-lbs. Test
the hinge assemblies for desired rotational
stiffness. If a stiffer hinge is desired, tighten
the 321C Locknut in 10-20 ft-lb increments.
DO NOT EXCEED 200 ft-lbs of TORQUE.
17. Tighten the 351 Bolts to 80 ft-lbs of torque.
These bolts compress the 350 Bracket,
clamping both the 359 Flange and 352 Taper
pin. Note: Both 351 Bolts must be loosened
prior to any future adjustment of the of the
321B Bolt for hinge stiffness. After adjustment,
the 351 Bolts must be retorqued to 80 ft-lbs.
18. 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.
2 1/2"
FRONT END
TUBE
Figure 1

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INSTALLATION
Figure 3
MOUNTING
SURFACE
350 BRACKET
SLIT
3/8
3/8
2 1/2"
FRONT END
TUBE
GAP
(INCORRECT)
FIG. 2A
3/8
3/8
12°
Figure 2
Model 330 / 330A Hinge Assembly

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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 fee 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.
INSPECTION / OPERATION / MAINTENANCE
Model 330 / 330A Hinge Assembly
- 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
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES that apply to all Premier Hinge Assemblies
Figure 4
350 BRACKET
352 TAPER PIN
321B BOLT
321D WASHER
344 (RUBBER) BUSHING
359 FLANGE
321D WASHER
321C LOCKNUT
344A (POLY) BUSHING
351 BOLT & NUT (2)
TAPERED BORE
2 1/2"
FRONT END
TUBE
VEHICLE
CENTERLINE
356 HOUSING
INSTALLATION

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Model 330 / 330A Hinge Assembly
WELDING PROCEDURES
GMAW
SMAW FCAW

(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.
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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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.
© 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 HINGE
ASSEMBLY. It may be removed only
by the End User or by an Original
Equipment Manufacturer who
preserves this envelope and instruc-
tions and provides it to the end user.
PREMIER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
THE FIRST NAME IN QUALITY COUPLINGS
800-255-5387 [phone]
www.premier-mfg.com
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PREMIER MANUFACTURING COMPANY Page 12
Revised: 09/14
Model 330/330A Hinge Assembly
Installation, etc.