Wabash National Dry and Refrigerated Van Trailers User manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Dry and Refrigerated
Van Trailers
Part Number: 25001308 Rev. A
Your Wabash National® trailer warranty is dened in your Purchase Agreement and its detailed Terms and
Conditions. If you believe you have a valid warranty claim, please contact your sales representative or
Wabash National customer service for assistance.
Your Wabash National® trailer is designed, engineered, and manufactured to provide years of safe,
dependable service. To ensure reliable service, the trailer must be properly maintained and used in
normal service, free from accident or collision damages. “Normal service” means the loading, unloading
and carriage of uniformly distributed legal loads of non-corrosive, properly secured cargo. The vehicle
must be operated on well-maintained public roads. Gross vehicle weights must not exceed the labeled
gross vehicle weight rating.
INTRODUCTION ...................................... 1
Message to the Owner and Operator ..... 1
Identication ........................................... 1
How to Use This Operator’s Manual ...... 3
Trailer Accessories ................................. 3
SAFETY ................................................... 4
Safety Instructions ................................. 4
Notice ..................................................... 5
Safety Advisory Labels ........................... 5
SYSTEMS AND FEATURES .................... 6
Kingpin and Upper Coupler .................... 6
Floor System .......................................... 6
Roof System .......................................... 9
Doors .................................................... 10
Swing Doors ......................................... 10
Overhead Doors ................................... 11
Before Operating .................................. 12
During Operation .................................. 12
Rear-Impact Guard ...............................13
Landing Gear ........................................ 14
Operating Instructions .......................... 15
Electrical System .................................. 17
Air Systems .......................................... 18
Brake System ....................................... 19
Brake Air System .................................. 19
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................... 21
Foundation Brake System .................... 23
Air-Ride Suspension .............................26
Leaf Spring Suspension ....................... 27
Hubs ..................................................... 28
MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION .... 29
Lubrication ........................................... 29
Wheel Ends ......................................... 29
Doors ................................................... 29
Tire Care .............................................. 30
Limiting Factors and Load Limits ......... 30
OPERATION .......................................... 31
Hookup/Coupling and Uncoupling ...... 31
Sliding the Tandem ............................... 32
Refrigerated-Trailer Cooling Unit .......... 33
Safety Appliances ................................. 33
INSPECTION ......................................... 35
Operator’s Pre-Trip Inspection ............. 35
CONCLUSION ....................................... 37
For More Information ........................... 37
©2011 Wabash National, L.P. All rights reserved Wabash
®
, Wabash
National
®
, and DuraPlate
®
are marks owned by Wabash National, L.P.
1
Congratulations on your new trailer purchase. You
have just purchased the highest-quality semi-
trailer on the road today. With proper use and
maintenance, your Wabash National trailer will give
you years of safe, dependable service.
This manual will acquaint you with the operation
and maintenance of your Wabash National
trailer and highlight important safety information.
The information in this publication applies to
standard Wabash National specications only.
All variations in specications cannot be covered
in this manual. For operation, maintenance, and
service instructions pertaining to components not
manufactured by Wabash National, please refer
to the component manufacturer’s information.
Instructional and informational decals shown herein
are for example only, were current at the time of
publication, and may not exist on your specic
trailer based on the components specied and/or
used.
Please read this publication carefully and follow
these recommendations. It is also important that
you pass this information on to any operators who
may use Wabash National trailers.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to
contact your sales representative or the nearest
Wabash National Trailer Center location for
answers.
Thank you for choosing Wabash National for your
trailer needs.
The ofcial Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
used for title, registration, and identication
purposes is listed on the 5" x 7" silver tag located
on the trailer’s front wall. The VIN tag also contains
information specic to your trailer such as: model,
date of manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
When contacting Wabash National, always refer
to the VIN to obtain parts, repair information and
details related to the trailer warranty.
NOTE: The load ratings for this trailer may not be
legal in all states. Check all applicable laws.
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This manual is organized and written for the end
user of the trailer. Following these guidelines as
well as proper use and maintenance will help to
ensure safe, dependable service.
This manual provides valuable information
regarding required inspections and maintenance.
It also provides important information for safe
operation of the trailer. You must read and follow
this manual. Do not lose or destroy this valuable
reference. If this manual is lost or destroyed,
contact your sales representative or the nearest
Wabash National Trailer Center location for a
replacement.
This manual does not provide information on the
installation, inspection, or maintenance of trailer
accessories that may have been installed on your
trailer during or after manufacture by Wabash
National. Such accessories may include, but
are not limited to, DuraPlate AeroSkirts® or other
aerodynamic assistance devices, toolboxes, or
belly boxes.
Please refer to the installation or care manuals
provided by the manufacturer of the accessory
items for maintenance, inspection, and care
instructions relating to those accessories.
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• Follow applicable federal, state, provincial, and
local laws, rules and regulations.
• Ensure the trailer and its components are properly
inspected and maintained.
• Inspect the trailer prior to operation.
• Ensure the trailer brakes are correctly adjusted
and functioning properly.
• Ensure all lights are operating properly.
• Exercise extreme caution when entering and
exiting the trailer.
• Ensure tires are in good condition and properly
inated.
• Ensure the tractor is properly attached to the
trailer.
• Check to ensure the bogie lock pins are fully
engaged into the suspension slide rails.
• Visually inspect structural components
(i.e., sidewalls, roof, oor, coupler, etc.) for
damage and corrosion.
• Never operate the trailer with damaged structural
components.
• Never perform maintenance unless you are
properly trained.
• Repair and/or replace components with the same
type of approved parts.
• It is the responsibility of the driver to back up the
vehicle in a safe manner, ensuring the area is
clear of people and obstructions.
CAUTION:
Use extreme caution when backing the trailer
and maneuvering. Be aware of blind areas and
personnel or unseen hazards.
• It is illegal and a direct threat to human life to
transport people in a trailer.
• Ensure the trailer is properly secured on a rm,
level surface when performing trailer maintenance
and inspections.
• Make sure to read, understand, and comply with
all instructions noted on all labels afxed to the
trailer.
• When climbing in and around the trailer, always
maintain three points of contact.
• Never climb steps that are not rmly attached or
properly maintained.
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The descriptions and specications contained in
this manual were in effect at the time the manual
was approved for printing. Wabash National
reserves the right to discontinue models at any
time, or to change specications and design without
notice and without incurring obligations.
This manual contains Safety Information Advisory
Labels to identify potential hazards for persons
using, operating, and servicing this trailer.
Information preceded by one of these signal words
must be observed to minimize the risk of injury
to the driver, service personnel, and the general
public, as well as to prevent improper service
methods that may damage the vehicle or cause it
to be unsafe. The following denitions indicate the
use of signal words as they appear throughout this
manual:
CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE SAFETY AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.
CAUTION:
Activities associated with “ CAUTION”
indicate a potentially hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. When used without the safety
alert symbol, “ CAUTION” may be used for
property-damage accidents or to warn against
unsafe practices.
Additional and are used to
emphasize the importance of a procedure when
a specic operation, practice, or condition is
essential.
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The upper coupler is a heavy fabricated steel
assembly attached to the lower front of the trailer,
which includes the kingpin. The kingpin provides
the connection for pulling by the tractor fth wheel.
• Ensure all replacement fasteners are of the same
diameter, design, and strength rating as the
original equipment manufacture.
A visual inspection is required by law. Some
improper couplings can pass a pull test. Sound
alone is not reliable. A visual inspection is
mandatory.
The trailer oor system includes decking, oor
supports/crossmembers, lower sidewalls, and
base-rail connection fastener.
Regular inspection of the oor system is important
to ensure safe use of the vehicle.
The load rating capacity of a oor system varies
depending on the model of your trailer.
Contact your sales representative or the nearest
Wabash National Trailer Center to verify the load
rating capacity of this trailer.
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CAUTION:
Inspect all oor system components prior to
loading and unloading.
Prior to loading or unloading, verify there are:
– No delaminated and/or broken wood boards
– No deformed, cracked, or wavy aluminum boards
– No missing or loose fasteners in decking or base-rail
connections
– No bent and/or cracked crossmembers
– No cuts or structural damage on lower section of
sidewalls
• Do not damage or compromise the integrity of the
oor with excessive nailing in a localized region.
• Use of dock boards and leveling equipment is
recommended for forklift entry.
• Do not expose the oor or body components to
corrosive materials and solvents. Transporting
corrosives may void the warranty.
• All ooring repairs must be performed using
materials with identical section properties,
thickness, and type/specication of wood or
aluminum.
High-Capacity Floor System:
Only Wabash National’s High-Capacity Floor
System is rated at 35,000 pounds. All other
Wabash National ooring systems are rated at
lower load rating capacities.
Any trailer with a High-Capacity Floor System is
marked and identied on both the exterior and
interior walls of the trailer. The decal below is
displayed on the rear interior wall of any trailer
having a High-Capacity Floor System.
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CAUTION:
Loading
• Improper loading, load distribution, and cargo
securement can damage the oor system.
• Avoid pallets with small footprints to reduce
chance of puncture.
• Tandem suspension should be placed in rearmost
position when loading.
• Ensure trailer is on a solid, level surface while
loading.
CAUTION:
Load Distribution
• Cargo should be properly loaded, blocked, and
braced to prevent load shifts and to comply
with the following sections of Title 49 of the
Department of Transportation Federal Motor
Carriers Safety Regulations at FMCSA’s ofcial
web site: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
– Section 393.100 – General rules for protection
against shifting or falling cargo
– Section 393.102 – Securement Systems
– Section 393.104 – Blocking and Bracing
– Section 393.114 – Front-End Structure
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The trailer roof system includes roof sheet, roof
bows, and fastener connections to the top rail.
Regular roof inspections are important to ensure
safe operation of the vehicle. Wabash National’s
standard roof material is an aluminum sheet or
optional translucent material. The roof structure
is a critical element of the trailer. The roof sheet
and roof bows provide stability to the top rails and
sidewalls.
CAUTION:
Damage to the roof system can cause
instability of the upper sidewalls, resulting in
buckling and collapse of the trailer
•
When operating your trailer, ensure proper
clearance so the trailer’s roof will not strike objects
(e.g., bridges, underpasses, garage bay doors,
trees, etc.).
• Prior to loading the trailer, inspect the roof to
ensure it does not have cracks, tears, missing
rivets, loss of bow bonding to the roof sheet and/
or loose roof sheet, or puncture damage.
• Promptly replace damaged or missing roof bows.
• When repairing a roof, always use an aluminum
sheet or similar-type translucent material of the
original thickness.
• During winter use, remove heavy snow and ice
buildup. Parking next to buildings during winter
may increase the chances of heavy snow loads.
• Damaged roofs can cause water leakage,
resulting in cargo damage.
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• Always open one door at a time.
• In high-wind conditions, use extreme caution
when operating doors.
• Never operate equipment with the trailer doors
open except when backing into and/or pulling
away from a loading dock.
• Drivers should never position themselves inside
the swing path of an open door without rst
ensuring the door is properly secured.
• Inspect hardware including hinges, door-locking
hardware, and door tiebacks to ensure there are
no damaged or broken components.
• When doors are open, always ensure the doors
are properly secured to the sidewalls with door
tiebacks.
The trailer swing door system includes door panels
with seals, hinges, door-locking hardware, and
door tiebacks. Regular inspection of the swing door
system is important to ensure safe operation of the
vehicle.
The primary function of the doors is to provide a
weathertight seal. When properly closed, the rear
doors hold the body square and provide structural
integrity. It is important that the lock rod hardware
draws the doors tight and holds the rear frame
square. Swing doors will provide safe, dependable
service if routinely inspected and properly
maintained.
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• Check doors, hinges, lock rods, and holdback
devices for damage or distortion from impact.
• Door seals are subject to wear and damage.
They must be routinely checked and repaired or
replaced to ensure a tight, weatherproof closure
that protects cargo.
The trailer overhead door system includes door
panels, tracks, a door-operating assembly, and
locking hardware. Regular inspection of the
overhead door system is important to ensure safe
vehicle operation.
When the overhead door is in operation, the
movement is assisted with the help of a pre-
tensioned spring. When stopped, a properly
counterbalanced door should remain at any given
position. If the door leaves the oor by itself when
the latch is released, the spring tension is wound
too tight. If the door has the tendency to drop when
stopped, it should be inspected and adjusted or
repaired by qualied personnel.
Be sure to read, understand, and comply with all
instructions noted on all labels afxed to the door.
• Do not manually operate the door with a broken
counterbalance spring. The door will not be
counterbalanced and will free-fall when opened.
• Inspect all fasteners. Tighten or replace loose
fasteners on the lift handle, lock, pull strap, and
hinges. Inspect the pull strap and replace it if
frayed or damaged.
• Do not tie anything to the pull strap – longer pull
straps are available if required.
• Check handle movement. Lubricate the handle
with light oil if movement is stiff. Have any worn or
damaged latch/locking assembly parts replaced.
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• Check door movement. If the door is hard to
move, lubricate the rollers, counterbalance spring
and bearings. Have damaged or worn rollers
and hinges replaced. Do not operate the door if
it becomes extremely difcult to move. Have a
trained mechanic inspect it.
• Check cable attachments. Have frayed, damaged
or worn cables replaced. Cable drums should be
snug against the bearings.
• Make sure tracks and door openings are not
obstructed through the full range of travel.
• Never operate the trailer with the doors open
except when backing into a loading dock.
Refer to the Maintenance and Lubrication section
for door lubrication information.
CAUTION:
The frequency of door maintenance will vary
with climate conditions and application.
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The rear-impact guard consists of vertical and
horizontal structural components, a certication
label, welds, and hardware. The guard works as a
system in conjunction with the trailer’s rear frame
and understructure.
Your Wabash National trailer rear-impact guard
meets and exceeds the requirements of United
States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 49
CFR Sections 571.223 and 571.224 and Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 223. These
standards include requirements for strength, energy
absorption, dimensions, and testing. At the time
of manufacture, a certication label is placed on
the forward-facing surface of the guard horizontal
member to verify that it meets all requirements.
It is extremely important to inspect the rear-impact
guard during the driver’s daily inspections. Inspect
and verify the welds are not cracked, fasteners
are intact and secure, and structural components
are not buckled or bent. Wabash National
fabricates new OEM replacement parts and repair
components.
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The trailer landing gear assembly includes
mounting plates, support braces, legs, a cross-
shaft, a crank handle, and hardware attaching
the various components. Regular inspection is
important to ensure safe operation of the landing
gear.
The landing gear system has two speeds: high and
low. Low gear provides the power necessary for
lifting the trailer under load. High gear provides for
quick leg extension and retraction without load.
• Do not uncouple the tractor from the trailer
until the landing gear support legs have been
extended, contact the ground, and support the
weight of the trailer.
• Always park the trailer on a solid, level surface.
• Always ensure the trailer parking brakes are
applied or use chock blocks for safety when
coupling or uncoupling the trailer.
• After gear selection, ensure full engagement of the
input shaft into the crank handle. Do not depend
on the retaining bolt to transfer the rotation from
the handle to the input shaft.
• Prior to operation, inspect all hardware, including
the bolt that attaches the handle to the input shaft.
• Maintain rm footing and grip when cranking. Be
especially cautious when standing on slippery
surfaces.
• Always stow the handle when not in use.
• Ensure regular maintenance and lubrication
according to the component manufacturer
guidelines.
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• Push crank handle in for high gear.
• Pull crank handle out for low gear.
• Turn crank:
Counterclockwise — retract
Clockwise — extend
NOTE: Both inside and outside mounts crank the
same.
Additional information related to specic landing gear
systems can be reviewed at the appropriate web
sites accessible through www.wabashnational.com.
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