Valor 54TS User manual

Heavy Tilt Manual
Heavy Tilt Bed
Owner Manual
Models:
54TS (17.5”)
42TS (6+)
54TS (22.5”)
40T
42T
40TS (6+)
60TS (17.5”)
For warranty information contact Valor Trailers at [phone]
Or find us on our website:
www.valortrailers.com

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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Purpose ....................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Follow Vehicle and Axle Weight Ratings................................................................................ 5
1.3 Understand Design and Safety Factors.................................................................................. 6
1.4 Vehicle Load and Handling Limits........................................................................................... 6
1.5 Meaning of Alert Symbols and Signal Words ........................................................................ 8
Table 1: Alert Symbols and Signal Words..............................................................................................................................8
1.6 Uncaging Air Brakes (for trailers with an Air Brake system) .............................................. 9
Table 2: Removal of Release Tool Assembly .........................................................................................................................9
Figure 1: Spring Brake Release Tool Assembly....................................................................................................................10
1.7 Reporting Safety Defects........................................................................................................ 11
1.8 Pre-Trip Inspection .................................................................................................................. 12
Table 3: Pre-Trip Inspection.................................................................................................................................................12
1.9 Required Trailer Hookup Procedures ................................................................................... 13
Table 4: Trailer Hookup Procedure......................................................................................................................................13
1.10 Proper Trailer Loading and Unloading Practices................................................................ 13
Additional Trailer Loading Precautions....................................................................................... 14
Trailers with Tilt Decks .................................................................................................................. 15
Trailers with Ramps ....................................................................................................................... 15
Section 1 Operations (continued)................................................................................................................................16
Securing Loads with Chains ......................................................................................................... 16
Figure 2: Correct Chain Angle When Securing Loads ..........................................................................................................16
Section 2 Maintenance....................................................................................................................................................17
2.0 Periodic Maintenance.............................................................................................................. 17
Table 6: Periodic Maintenance Checklist.............................................................................................................................18
2.1 Structural Components........................................................................................................... 19
Subframe.......................................................................................................................................... 19
Deck.................................................................................................................................................. 19

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2.2 Sub-Assembly Components .................................................................................................. 19
Pintle Eye or Ball-Type Coupling ................................................................................................. 19
King Pin............................................................................................................................................ 20
Jack Assembly................................................................................................................................ 20
Cushion Cylinder ............................................................................................................................ 20
Deck Latch....................................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 3: Adjusting Hook Receiver on Tilt Deck...................................................................................................................20
Deck Hinge Assembly .................................................................................................................... 21
2.3 Rear Impact Guard....................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 4: Properly Located Rear Impact Guard ...................................................................................................................22
2.4 Running Gear ........................................................................................................................... 23
Suspension...................................................................................................................................... 23
Torque Requirements .................................................................................................................... 23
Axle Alignment................................................................................................................................ 25
Axle End Component Disassembly.............................................................................................. 25
Hub Inspection................................................................................................................................ 25
Broken or Damaged Studs ............................................................................................................ 25
Brake Drum Inspection .................................................................................................................. 26
Brake Drum Troubleshooting Chart............................................................................................. 27
Brake Drum Troubleshooting Chart (continued) ....................................................................... 28
Axle End Component Cleaning and Inspection ......................................................................... 29
Axle End Component Assembly................................................................................................... 29
Wheel Bearing Adjustment............................................................................................................ 29
Wheel Bearing Lubrication............................................................................................................ 29
2.5 Wheels and Tires ..................................................................................................................... 29
Wheels.............................................................................................................................................. 29
Wheel Torquing Procedures ......................................................................................................... 30
Tires.................................................................................................................................................. 32
Inflation Pressure ........................................................................................................................... 32
Tire Wear Diagnostic Chart ........................................................................................................... 33

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2.6 Electrical ................................................................................................................................... 34
Harnesses and Lights .................................................................................................................... 34
Junction Block ................................................................................................................................ 34
Electrical Connection..................................................................................................................... 34
2.7 Air Brake System ..................................................................................................................... 34
Preventive Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 35
Manual Brake (Free Stroke) Adjustment ..................................................................................... 37
Slack Adjuster Function Test........................................................................................................ 38
Brake Lubrication ........................................................................................................................... 38
2.8 Trailers with Tilt Decks ........................................................................................................... 39
Cushion Cylinder ............................................................................................................................ 39
Deck Latch....................................................................................................................................... 39
Deck Hinge Assembly .................................................................................................................... 39
Section 3 Parts Manual...................................................................................................................................................40
Section 3.1 Major Sub-Assemblies.................................................................................................. 40
Section 3.1.1 Drawbar Eye/Lunette Eye....................................................................................... 41
Section 3.1.2 Jack Assembly ............................................................................................................................42
Section 3.1.4 Stationary Deck Latch..................................................................................................... 44
Section 3.1.5 Deck Hinge..................................................................................................................... 45
Section 3.1.6 Cushion Cylinder ............................................................................................................ 46
Section 3.2 Rear Impact Guard ............................................................................................................... 47
Section 3.3 Running Gear ....................................................................................................................... 50
Section 3.4 Toolbox................................................................................................................................ 53
Section 3.5 Wheels and Tires.................................................................................................................. 54
Section 3.6 Electrical Plug....................................................................................................................... 55
Section 3.7 Electrical Harnesses and Lights ................................................................................. 56
Section 3.7.1 Wiring Diagrams...................................................................................................... 57
Section 3.7.2 Wiring Diagrams...................................................................................................... 58
Section 3.9.1 Air Brake System .................................................................................................... 63
Section 3.9.2 Air Brake System .................................................................................................... 64

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Section 1 Safe Trailer Operation
1.0 Introduction
This section describes how trailers can operate differently based on design, load configuration, gross
weights, suspension, articulation, and extreme differences between loaded and unloaded weights.
Trailers have safe operating limits just as automobiles, airplanes, and other vehicles. These limits
are affected by the interaction of the vehicle characteristics, maintenance, load, roadway, weather, the skill of
the driver, and vehicle speed. Knowledge of how these factors affect the vehicle’s operating limits and
utilization of defensive driving techniques should result in safer driving.
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this section is to describe how the vehicle characteristics, maintenance, road
conditions, and weather can affect trailer control and stability limits—and how driver awareness and
skill can help compensate for these factors. Awareness and knowledge of safe vehicle operating limits will
ensure you can enjoy the maximum utility and productivity from your Valor Trailer.
Do not operate the trailer until you have read and fully understand this instruction
and operating manual. It is also important that every person who operates the trailer
be given the opportunity to read this manual.
1.2 Follow Vehicle and Axle Weight Ratings
Your trailer’s load ratings are important to consider, prior to operating your vehicle. The following are the two key
load ratings, which you must adhere to when operating your trailer:
•Gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is the rated load-carrying capacity of an individual axle and wheel
assembly, which represents the load that may be steadily sustained by the components in the system. These
components include tires, wheels, hubs, bearings, axles, brakes, suspension, and subframe—with the
GAWR limited by the component with the lowest working rating.
•Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum rated combined weight of a trailer and its payload or
cargo (uniformly distributed) based on its structural limitations.
Note: Consideration of environmental and operational factors may require the manufacturer to reduce the
nominal rating.

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1.3 Understand Design and Safety Factors
Valor Trailers are designed with a maximum load capacity rating, which is based on
trailer use in ideal conditions. Adherence to the load rating ensures the trailer operator can maintain
an adequate level of safety for all types of dynamic and static load conditions. Under dynamic
conditions the trailer encounters shifting weight, vibrations, shocks, and twists that elevate the stress
levels within the major weight-bearing components of the trailer.
Valor trailers should not be loaded past the rated capacity and should be loaded in
consideration of the load warning sticker. It is your responsibility to understand how load distribution
affects your trailer’s load-carrying capacity. The two types of load distribution are as follows:
•Distributed Load: A load is distributed evenly over the length of the trailer deck. Ideally, a trailer fully
loaded to rated capacity should have its cargo evenly distributed.
•Concentrated Load: The cargo is localized within a shorter than normal distance on the trailer deck and
therefore places greater stress in the concentrated load areas. When hauling a localized load configuration, it
is not recommended to carry the maximum rated capacity of the trailer. An extremely concentrated payload
might require additional support.
1.4 Vehicle Load and Handling Limits
The weight of a load, its placement and distribution over the axles, and whether or not the load is
secured properly can all greatly affect your vehicle’s handling limits. Tow vehicle and trailer combinations
are designed to provide the driver maximum directional control and roll stability within the constraints of
highway size and weight limits. Driving too fast around a curve, making too abrupt a maneuver, or leaving the
roadway can cause any combination of vehicle and trailer to roll over. Locking up the wheels on an axle can
also result in a jackknife or trailer swing out.
Extreme caution should be used in maneuvering a vehicle and trailer combination, or any unit
that has a tall load. One of the major contributing factors to vehicle rollover is a high center of gravity on tall
loads. Positioning the load in a central, side to side location enhances directional control, roll stability, and
braking. Trailers with a shorter wheelbase are more prone to roll during an abrupt lane change or because of
quick reactions at the wheel. This rolling tendency can dramatically worsen with a tall load and a higher center
of gravity.
All trailer and tow vehicle combinations are designed with a maximum load rating. Overloading
the vehicle should never be permitted. Overloading results in tire blowouts, spring breakage, frame damage,
SAFETY ALERT

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diminished braking capacity, and will severely alter the vehicle’s normal handling characteristics. To use these
vehicles safely, the load limits on the certificate label should not be exceeded.
Adequate tongue weight (TW) is required for trailers to tow correctly. TW is the measurement of
downward force that the tongue of the trailer exerts on the hitch ball of the tow vehicle. The safe range for TW
is between 10-15 percent of gross trailer weight (GTW). Inadequate TW can cause a whipping action or what is
known as trailer sway, particularly in shorter wheelbase trailers. Too much TW can overload a tow vehicle
hitch resulting in reduced steering load and loss of steering control. Selecting the correct tow vehicle is crucial
for the application. It is crucial to select a truck with the correct tow capacity rating for the trailer load being
carried.
Always maintain enough braking and stopping distance. Erratic or unequal brake action from side to
side on either tow vehicle or trailer can cause handling problems in braking situations. A balance between tow
vehicle and trailer on brake application, release timing—and synchronized pressure—will reduce push/pull
tendencies, which when excessive may result in a jackknife. The use of properly matched brake lining is also
recommended to enhance safer braking.
Proper alignment of both tow vehicle and trailer wheels adds significantly to the handling characteristics
of the combination and allows the driver to utilize all of the design responsiveness of the vehicle to make
evasive maneuvers in the safest manner.
Always be aware of your driving conditions/environment. Irregular terrain, steep grades and crowned
roads, especially rural roadways, freeways, exit ramps, curves, bumps, and depressions introduce forces into a
tow vehicle and trailer combination that could result in an accident if proper precautions and driving techniques
are not followed.
Even a vehicle that meets all maintenance and load requirements can become
hazardous when excessive speeds and irregular roadway characteristics are
combined.
While on a downgrade, the force of gravity works against the driver’s ability to maintain control
of the vehicle, particularly if the road surface is wet or slick from snow and ice or covered with loose material.
On upgrades, the problem changes to spinning out because of insufficient traction of the drive wheels,
particularly on snow and ice or other slippery road conditions.
Great care must be taken to avoid excessive use of brakes on long downgrades.Overheated brakes
are dangerously inefficient. It is very dangerous to brake on a downgrade using only the trailer brakes. If this is
done, the trailer brakes heat up and fade and the tow vehicle brakes alone will not be able to stop the
combination of two vehicles. Drivers should reduce speed, downshift, and use engine compression as the
principal means of controlling speed on long grades; and use both trailer and tow vehicle brakes so brake
temperatures can be held to a safe level.

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Weather conditions can be a major factor in the cause of accidents. Rain, ice, snow, high winds, and
poor visibility combined with excessive speed, sudden lane changes—or other factors that put lateral forces into
a tow vehicle and trailer combination—may contribute significantly to an accident. Slippery roads can increase
stopping distances and reduce the ability to control the vehicle. When the road is wet, the available tire/road
friction to enable braking may be half that of a dry road. Icy roads can further reduce tire friction for braking
many times over the tire friction available for wet roads. If hard braking or rapid acceleration occurs, there may
be little or no friction available to prevent lateral tire movement and skidding results.
Control and stability may be maintained if the driver knows his or her vehicle, his or her load,
and the road. The driver must compensate for the characteristics and conditions of his or her vehicle, the road
conditions, and weather. Reducing speeds and increasing attentiveness may compensate for most of these
conditions. The more familiar the driver is with the vehicle and the road, the less likely he or she will need to
make abrupt emergency maneuvers, which will take the vehicle to its limits.
Either braking or accelerating while cornering can significantly reduce the controllability and stability of
the vehicle and should be avoided. The best driving practice is to decelerate to a safe conservative speed, before
entering a corner or approaching congested traffic, and then apply only moderate power until an essentially
straight path has been established.
It is imperative that a safe speed always be maintained. The safe speed is defined as that speed at
which control can always be maintained within the bounds of the vehicle. This reasonable speed will ensure
vehicle control is maintained to allow an emergency change of lane maneuver, travel off an exit ramp with a
tightening radius, and recovery from pavement drop-off or wet pavement.
Note: Safe speed will vary from one combination of vehicles to another and takes into consideration such
factors as road conditions, weather, traffic, visibility, type of load, and experience of the driver.
1.5 Meaning of Alert Symbols and Signal Words
It is important that you understand the meaning of the following symbols that are used throughout this
document. The signal words indicate the level of risk. Table 1 lists the various safety symbols used throughout
this document.
Table 1: Alert Symbols and Signal Words
Alert Symbols and Signal Words
Symbol
Signal Words
Definition
SAFETY ALERT!
Alerts operator to potential personal injury
hazards.
Note: Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER!
DANGER! indicates an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.

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Alert Symbols and Signal Words
Symbol
Signal Words
Definition
WARNING!
WARNING! indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION!
CAUTION! indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION used without the safety alert
symbol indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, might result
in property damage.
1.6 Uncaging Air Brakes (for trailers with an Air Brake system)
Air brakes are designed with a safety feature called a spring brake; if no air pressure is present in the
system, springs will apply force to the brake system linkages and apply the brakes. To allow the trailer to be
moved during shipping, a release tool assembly is installed in each of the spring brake cans to prevent the
brakes from being applied. These release tools must be removed before the trailer can be put into service.
INOPERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM!
The spring brake release tool assemblies must be removed from the spring brake cans before the trailer is put
into service. The brake system will not function with the release tools installed, and the trailer will roll freely
until they are removed. To remove the release tool assemblies, use the following procedure in Table 2:
Table 2: Removal of Release Tool Assembly
Removal of Release Tool Assembly
Step
No.
Action
1.
Hook up trailer to tow vehicle and/or put air to the air brake system on the trailer.

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Removal of Release Tool Assembly
Step
No.
Action
2.
Apply approximately 70 pounds per square inch (PSI) of air pressure to the brake system; this
should be sufficient to remove the spring pressure and loosen the release tool assemblies.
NOTE: The release tools can be removed without applying air pressure to the brake system,
although the removal process is easier if air is applied.
3.
Slowly loosen the nut on the release tool until the spring pressure has been released.
4.
Rotate the release tool approximately one-quarter turn to align the tee with the slots and pull out.
5.
Install the release tool assembly in the storage position on the bottom of the can for future use.
6.
Cover the release tool assembly port with the attached rubber seal.
7.
Repeat this procedure for all spring brake cans.
Note: See Figure 1, Spring Brake Release Tool Assembly.
Figure 1: Spring Brake Release Tool Assembly

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1.7 Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying Valor Industries.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation; and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Valor
Industries.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the vehicle safety hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-
424-9153), go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
Note: You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.

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1.8 Pre-Trip Inspection
There are some items on every vehicle combination that require no special knowledge, training, or
sophisticated equipment to inspect—and can be and should be inspected prior to every trip.Perform the
following inspection in Table 3 prior to your departure.
Table 3: Pre-Trip Inspection
✓
Step No.
Pre-Trip Checklist
1.
Inspect the trailer for cracks in the structure or bent components such as the tongue or
frame.
2.
Check for any missing fasteners in the suspension—as well as other areas—and look for
broken, or bent springs and spring hangers, or otherwise damaged components.
3.
Verify that the hitch on the tow vehicle is the correct size and configuration to fit the
trailer coupling. The hitch must be rated to meet or exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
4.
Check the hitch height of the trailer and compare it to the tow vehicle; it is very important
that the trailer be towed in the level position when loaded. To achieve the correct hitch
height, elevate the tongue of the trailer slightly (1"–2") by adjusting the trailer hitch to
compensate for the settling of tow vehicle springs when loaded.
5.
Always visually inspect the hitch for unusual appearances such as bent components,
cracks in welds, or chipped paint where stress cracks may appear from heavy loads.
6.
Check tires for proper inflation. Tire manufacturers recommend checking inflation
pressure while the trailer is unloaded and tires are cool. This will provide a more accurate
reading.
Note: A drop of 10 PSI in tire pressure can reduce the carrying capacity of the tire as
much as 20%. This reduced capacity could cause tire failure and poor tire life.
7.
Always check wheel nuts every 50–100 miles for the first 200 miles of operation, then
periodically thereafter. Maintaining proper wheel nut torque value is essential to prevent
wheel end separation or potential damage to the hub or wheel.
8.
Repeat the same procedure after dismount and remount of the wheels.
9.
Follow the specified tightening sequence recommended in the tire maintenance section
of this manual.

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1.9 Required Trailer Hookup Procedures
The consequences of not properly hooking the trailer to the tow vehicle can be very serious. Failure to
adhere to the information in this section could lead to the trailer becoming detached, the trailer brakes and/or
lights not working correctly, or other unsafe situations. Disregard of proper trailer hook-up could result in an
accident causing property damage, bodily injury, or death.
TRAILER HOOKUP
Table 4 lists the steps to properly hook up your trailer to the tow vehicle.
Table 4: Trailer Hookup Procedure
Trailer Hookup Procedure
Step No.
Action
1.
Connect the tow vehicle to the trailer and check that the coupler is completely latched. Make sure
that a safety pin is inserted to ensure the coupler will not unlatch during transport.
2.
Connect the electrical plug from the trailer’s harness to the receptacle of the tow vehicle.
3.
Check all lights on the trailer to make sure they are working correctly with the tow vehicle’s
electrical system.
4.
Verify the landing leg and drop foot are fully retracted and the crank handle is stowed in transport
position.
Note: For trailers with 2-speed jacks, use low gear for raising and lowering the jack under load
and high gear for raising and lowering the leg when it is off the ground.
5.
Check all safety chains and their attachment to both the trailer and the towing vehicle.
6.
Connect the safety chains to the tow vehicle using a crossed pattern under tongue. Allow slack
for turning but avoid having chains drag on the pavement.
7.
Make certain that all attachment devices are properly installed and in good working order.
8.
Heavy tilt trailers utilize air brakes; be sure to connect the glad hands (one service and one
emergency) to the tow vehicle. Shut off petcock(s) on the air tank(s) or if already shut, open to
exhaust all moisture, and then shut off. It is very important that the air system be drained of
moisture after each use to keep all components functioning properly and to make equipment safe.
9.
Always check that trailer brakes are working properly.
1.10 Proper Trailer Loading and Unloading Practices

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CAUTION
Trailer Loading Practices
The consequences of ignoring proper trailer loading practices can be very
serious. Failure to adhere to the information in this section could lead to unsafe
handling, diminished braking capacity, or other unstable trailer characteristics, which
could result in an accident-causing property damage, bodily injury, or death.
It is the operator’s responsibility to take whatever steps that are necessary
to load the trailer properly—even when it is not easy to calculate the total load or
determine the load center of gravity.
Distribute the load of the trailer so that 60% of the total load weight is forward of the arrow and
40% is rearward of the arrow. This will ensure that the proper load balance and TW are achieved. A decal on
the trailer similar to the one shown below indicates the correct placement of the load.
CAUTION
Adverse Weather Conditions!
Adverse weather conditions can cause wet and slippery trailer decks and ramps.
Depending on the type of equipment and existing weather conditions, it may be
necessary to add traction aids to the trailer deck and ramps.
Additional Trailer Loading Precautions
It is crucial for operator safety to achieve proper load distribution, but also very important to
exercise extreme caution when loading and unloading equipment on a trailer. Make sure to always include
the following steps as a part of your routine:
1. It is recommended that the road surface is level. Loading and unloading on an uneven surface may
cause damage to the Trailer Frame and RIG Light Bar Assembly. Increasing the load angle of the tilt
deck may create unsafe loading conditions.

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2. Always set brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer—before loading and unloading—and use chock blocks
as an added safety precaution.
3. Before securing equipment, always lower booms, loaders, and buckets. The parking brake on the
equipment being transported must be engaged, where applicable.
Note: Always make sure you are under the maximum allowable height clearance.
4. Restrain equipment with crawler tracks as well as wheel type equipment in the lateral, forward,
rearward, and vertical directions using a minimum of four direct tie-downs and binders.
5. Verify each of these four tie-downs and binders has a working load limit of at least 5000 lbs.
6. Block the crawler track and wheeled equipment to prevent forward movement.
7. Equipment with crawler tracks as well as wheel type equipment should be restrained in the lateral,
forward, rearward, and vertical direction using a minimum of four direct tie-downs and binders each
having a working load limit of at least 5000 lbs. and should be blocked to prevent forward movement.
8. Restrain articulated vehicles in a manner that prevents articulation while in transit.
Articulated vehicles shall be restrained in a manner that prevents articulation while in transit.
Trailers with Tilt Decks
It is very important that the deck latch is always in the locked position with the safety pin inserted
during transport. Always unlock the deck when unloading equipment. Failure to do this might result in
damage to the deck. The deck latch is adjustable to keep the deck tight and rattle free.
When loading equipment onto the deck, drive slowly until the deck begins to tilt closed, and
proceed forward until approximately 10% of the load weight is on the trailer hitch. Not enough TW can
result in trailer sway, which can be an unsafe condition. When unloading, reverse the procedure that was used
for loading. Back up slowly until the deck begins to tilt, stop and wait for it to completely open, and then
proceed to back off slowly.
The trailer deck tilts open and tilts closed with one person’s weight. The deck may tilt faster or slower
depending on outside air temperature; because the air temperature affects the density of the fluid in the deck
cylinder.
Trailers with Ramps
Loading ramps can be adjusted for various track widths. Prior to loading or unloading, it is very
important that ramps are adjusted to allow proper spacing for equipment being transported. When loading
equipment onto the trailer deck, drive slowly forward until the appropriate tongue load is achieved. Ramps are
designed to support the rear of the trailer during loading and unloading. Ramps must be in stored position
during transport.

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Section 1 Operations (continued)
Securing Loads with Chains
Note: Only five-sixteenths inch or three-eighths inch grade 70 transport chains are to be used with chain slots.
When securing loads with chains, the chains should not exceed the angles shown in the illustrations
below. Viewed from above, chain should not be angled more than 45 degrees in either direction of the chain
slot. In addition, chain should not be angled more than 45 degrees above the trailer floor. See Figure 2, Correct
Chain Angle When Securing Loads.
Figure 2: Correct Chain Angle When Securing Loads

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Section 2 Maintenance
2.0 Periodic Maintenance
Before loading the trailer, the trailer brakes should be burnished-in, which is critical to brake
performance. The reason for a proper break-in is to establish an even layer of friction material deposited on the
rotors from the brake pads.
Note: It is very important that this initial layer of friction material is evenly distributed.
Perform the steps in Table 5 for new trailer break-in.
Table 5: New Trailer Break-In
✓
Step
No.
New Trailer Break-In
1.
Use the tractor hand brake cautiously for this procedure. Always apply slow and steady
pressure on the hand brake until the trailer can be felt “pulling” on the tractor—and always
be ready to release quickly in case of lockup.
2.
Begin this burnishing process by applying the brakes 20–30 times (minimum) with
approximately a 20 miles per hour (mph) decrease in speed (e.g., 40 mph–20 mph). It may
require over 50–100 applications to achieve a 100% burnishing of the trailer brakes.
3.
Allow ample time for brakes to cool between applications (roughly one mile at 40 mph).
This allows the brake shoes and magnets to slightly “wear-in” to the drum surfaces.
(Recommendation from AXN Axle). For further details see the attached manual in the Valor
Dealer Packet.
For information on Burnishing your trailer brakes. Use the Link:
https://support.lci1.com/videos/the-proper-way-to-burnish-your-trailer-brakes
4.
10–15 miles –Check and fill wheel hubs with 80w-90 gear oil.
5.
50–100 miles
•Re-torque wheel flange nuts; see page 30-31.
•Check Hubs for proper oil level, refill with 80w-90 gear oil if necessary.
6.
1000 miles –Check axle alignment and re-torque suspension fasteners; see pages 23–25
.

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Perform the following steps in Table 6 to complete the various stages of periodic maintenance.
Table 6: Periodic Maintenance Checklist
✓
Step
No.
Periodic Maintenance Checklist
Pre-Trip Inspection
1.
Lube wear areas on hitch.
2.
Examine frame and tongue members for evidence of damage or cracked welds.
3.
Check suspension for bent or broken springs, damaged components, and loose or missing fasteners.
4.
Check wheel hub oil levels and for evidence of leaking wheel seals.
5.
Check tire inflation pressures; see page 32.
6.
Check hitch for damage or stress and verify correct hitch height.
7.
Check lights for correct operation.
Quarterly or 10,000 Miles
1.
Check wheel flange nut torques; see page 30-31.
2.
Check brakes for adjustment; see pages 29-30. For more information refer to specific axle manual.
Semiannually or 25,000 Miles
1.
Lubricate jack; see page 19.
2.
Re-torque suspension fasteners; see page 23-25.
3.
Inspect and lubricate brakes and linings. For more information refer to specific axle manual.
4.
Lubricate tilt deck hinges;
5.
Replace wheel bearing lubricant (heavy duty/off-road service). For more information refer to specific
axle manual.
Annually or 100,000 Miles
1.
Replace wheel bearing lubricant (standard duty service. For more information refer to specific
axle manual.

19
www.valortrailers.com PHONE: [phone] Rev 05/20/2022
✓
Step
No.
Periodic Maintenance Checklist
Special
1.
Accident or Overload: Check all structural components for damage. Check tires and wheels
for damage. Check axle alignment.
2.
Rear Impact: Check impact guard components for damage- see page 21.
3.
Skidding: Check tires for flat spots.
2.1 Structural Components
Subframe
Other than for periodic or special inspections, and washing, the trailer subframe requires no
regular maintenance. Keeping the trailer clean helps you notice other things such as cracked welds or
corrosion. If your application of the trailer requires the hauling of corrosives, then frequent washdowns are also
very important.
Deck
The deck, which is the major load-carrying member of the trailer, requires no regular
maintenance other than a periodic check for broken welds, loose fasteners, and corrosion. Inspect the tilt
deck carefully if the trailer has been overloaded or in an accident.
It may be necessary to apply a new coat of wood preservative after decking has aged and become dry.
The best time to apply wood preservative is during warm weather for better penetration. Replace decking when
necessary. Occasionally check for loose, missing, or broken deck screws.
2.2 Sub-Assembly Components
Pintle Eye or Ball-Type Coupling
Check for cracks, loose fasteners, and wear. Regularly apply a coating of grease to the contact areas
to prevent accelerated wear.
The fasteners are very important and deserve careful attention. Replace the bolts if they are damaged in any way
and replace the locknuts if worn. Torque the fasteners to 315 to 420 ft-lbs.