Converter dollies, like any vehicle, require routine preventive maintenance to prevent any unplanned downtime and costs from an unanticipated equipment failure.
A converter dolly is a coupling device comprised of one or two axles and a fifth wheel by which a semitrailer can be coupled to another semitrailer. Think of a tractor pulling two trailers – a “doubles” combination – or pulling three trailers – a “triples” combination.
When it comes to converter dolly maintenance and safe operation, Gary Gaussoin, president and chairman, Silver Eagle Manufacturing Company (www.silvereaglemfg.com) – a leading North manufacturer of on-highway converter dollies for the heavy trucking industry – advises consulting a number of Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) recommended practices. These are specifications or practices related to the maintenance of equipment, and they include informational documents that cover technical aspects of maintenance, equipment and supporting technologies.
He cites these TMC recommended practices:
- Recommended Practice (RP) 713C, Procedure for Hooking Up Multiple Trailers.
- RP 721C, Practices for Safe Maneuvering of Converter Dollies.
- RP 728A, Trailer Axle Maintenance.
- RP 747, Drawbar Eye Maintenance Guidelines.
- RP 618B, Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedures.
- RP 640B, Alternate Wheel Bearing Adjustment Systems.
- RP 643A, Air-Ride Suspension Maintenance Guidelines.
- RP 650, Guidelines for Fifth Wheel Pre-Delivery Inspection, Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
- RP 751, Safety Chains and Attachments.
- RP 756, Ergonomic Design Parameters for Safe Maneuvering of Converter Dollies.
Comprised of a broad collection of experienced fleets, equipment suppliers and service providers, TMC (www.trucking.org/Technology_Council.aspx) is the only industry association that is focused solely on truck technology and maintenance.
Checklists
Silver Eagle’s Gaussoin offers this advice when it comes to scheduled maintenance and proper repair:
- All components and the entire dolly should be inspected according to a regular schedule.
- Never use a dolly that has damaged or inoperable systems.
- Ensure that all maintenance is performed by a qualified individual.
- Make sure that repairs are done using approved parts, components and procedures, otherwise the warranty may be voided.
Larry Adkins, product applications manager, commercial trailer products, Wabash National Corporation (www.wabashnational.com) – a diversified industrial manufacturer and a leading North American leading producer of semitrailers and liquid transportation systems – says key components to inspect on converter dollies include:
- Brakes.
- Lights and wiring.
- Tires.
- Wheels and wheel ends.
- Suspension components.
- Pintle eye.
- Slack take-up devices.
- Fifth wheel (which should be maintained in accordance with the vendor’s recommendations).
- Running gear.
- Frame and fasteners
