The Revolutionary all-aluminum trailer

Contents

Table of Contents

Read this manual carefully and completely before operating or performing

maintenance on your Fontaine Trailer. If you have any questions regarding

your Fontaine Trailer, please contact Fontaine Tech Services by email at:

techsupport@fontainetrailer.net

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Operating Instructions ....................................................................................... 3

Operating Limits And Restrictions ...................................................................... 4

Decal Locations ................................................................................................. 5

Landing Gear .................................................................................................... 8

Suspension System: Axle Alignment .................................................................. 9

Suspension System: Ride Height Adjustment .................................................. 11

Suspension System: Height Control Valve Adjustment ..................................... 13

Anti-Lock Braking System ............................................................................... 14

Anti-Lock Braking System: Lamp Codes ......................................................... 15

Coupling and Uncoupling ................................................................................ 16

Accessing The Trailer Deck ............................................................................. 19

Load Securement: Anchor Points Working Load Limits ................................... 20

Load Securement: Winch and Strap ........................................................... 20-21

Load Securement: Chain ................................................................................. 21

DOT Bulkhead Securement ............................................................................. 22

Section 2 - Optional Features and Instructions

Sliding Suspension Operation .......................................................................... 23

Sliding Suspension Positioning ........................................................................ 23

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

Routine Maintenance ....................................................................................... 24

Basic Maintenance Schedule........................................................................... 25

Lubrication Notes ............................................................................................ 26

Basic Trailer Maintenance ................................................................................ 26

Leaf Type Springs Care And Maintenance ....................................................... 27

Wheel and Rim Care........................................................................................ 27

How To Service And Install Wheel Bearings ..................................................... 28

Wheel Installation and Maintenance ................................................................. 29

Self Adjusting Slack Adjuster ........................................................................... 31

Tips for Prolonged Brake Drum Life ................................................................. 32

Tire Maintenance ............................................................................................ 32

Demounting and Mounting Tires ...................................................................... 34

Electrical System ............................................................................................. 35

Care of Wood Decking for Platform Trailers...................................................... 36

Section 4 - Troubleshooting Guide

Brakes ............................................................................................................. 37

Wheels, Tires and Alignment ........................................................................... 38

Landing Gear .................................................................................................. 39

Electrical System ............................................................................................. 39

Section 5 - Important Information

Fontaine Trailer Parts ....................................................................................... 40

NHTSA Reporting ........................................................................................... 41

APPENDIX: Component Manufacturers ........................................................... 42

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability ......................................................... 44

Index ............................................................................................................... 52

Maintenance Record ....................................................................................... 55

It is important that every trailer owner and/or opera-

tor have an organized Trailer Preventive Maintenance

program (TPM). The United States Department of

Transportation requires by law that maintenance re-

cords be kept on every commercial highway vehicle.

It is to your advantage to be able to show that regu-

larly scheduled TPM inspection checks have been

made on every piece of equipment operated.

A regular TPM program will not only assure you will

get the most usage from your trailer, but will also

assist in demonstrating that the equipment has been

properly maintained.

You can get help in setting up and operating a trailer

preventive maintenance program by sending for a

“Maintenance Manual for Trailers and Contain-

ers”. Contact the Truck Trailer Manufacturers As-

sociation, 1020 Princess Street, Alexandria, Virginia

22314.

This manual has been prepared to assist you in the

safe operation and maintenance of your FONTAINE

Revolution trailer. It contains important information

on the proper use of your FONTAINE Revolution

trailer and the major components and optional equip-

ment included.

All operator instructions are provided for assistance

in the proper operation of your trailer. Speciﬁc com-

ponent operating instructions and your company’s

procedures should be consulted. These may include

DOT and employer training programs or instructions.

This manual includes safety checks the trailer opera-

tor must perform.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Operating Instructions

WARNING

THIS SYMBOL IS USED THROUGHOUT

THIS MANUAL TO CALL ATTENTION TO

THE PROCEDURES YOU MUST FOLLOW

EXACTLY. CARELESSNESS OR FAILURE

TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO

DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.

NOTE

THIS SYMBOL IS USED THROUGHOUT THIS

MANUAL TO CALL ATTENTION TO OPERA-

TIONS, PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS

THAT ARE IMPORTANT FOR PROPER SER-

VICE. IT MAY ALSO INDICATE INFORMA-

TION THAT CAN MAKE SERVICE QUICKER

OR EASIER.

IMPORTANT

Read this manual carefully. Should you

have any questions, contact a FONTAINE

factory representative immediately.

1-800-821-6535

For Warranty and

Technical Service call

1-205-485-1304

For Trailer Parts contact

Fontaine PartSource

parts@fontainetrailer.net

This manual should be kept with the trailer

at all times and should be left with the

trailer when/if it is sold.

www.fontainetrailer.com

CAUTION

THIS SYMBOL INDICATES A PROCEDURE

YOU MUST FOLLOW EXACTLY OR DAMAGE

TO COMPONENTS OR EQUIPMENT MAY

OCCUR. SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY MAY

ALSO RESULT FROM FAILURE TO FOLLOW

THIS PROCEDURE.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

3. The cargo should be properly loaded, blocked

and braced to prevent load shifts and to comply

with the following sections of the Department of

Transportation Regulations, Subpart 1 – Protec-

tion against Shifting and Falling Cargo:

• Section 393.100 – General rules for protection

against shifting or falling cargo.

• Section 393.102 – Securement systems. To

properly secure cargo, it is important that the

working load limits of the tie downs be known.

As well as the working load limit of the anchor

points.

• Section 393.104 – Blocking and Bracing.

• Section 393.106 – Front-end structure. Your

trailer may or may not be equipped with a

“rated” bulkhead. It is your responsibility to

ensure to ensure with 393.106.

Beginning March 1, 1998 all trailers are required by

law to have anti-lock brake systems on at least one

axle per FMVSS-121 (49CFR 571.121). A “4S-2M”

system means there are 4 sensors and 2 modulator

valves controlling the axles while a “2S-1M” system is

2 sensors and 1 modulator valve. Refer to the manu-

facturer of the ABS system for speciﬁc information on

the various components.

This FONTAINE trailer was designed for operation

within legal highway speed limits on reasonable road

surfaces for the type of service it was built to perform

in accordance with the following:

1. This trailer was built to carry cargo within the limi-

tations of two weight ratings on the identiﬁcation

plate. These ratings, GAWR and GVWR, are:

a. The GAWR (gross axle weight rating) is the

structural capability of the lowest rated mem-

ber of the running gear components: suspen-

sions, hub, wheels and drums, rims, bearings,

brakes, axles or tires.

b. The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the

structural capability of the trailer when sup-

ported by the kingpin and axles with the load

uniformly distributed throughout the cargo

space, as deﬁned by the V. I. N. plate.

2. The Concentrated load rating is the structural

capability of the trailer frame for non-uniform loads

that are concentrated on the deck of the trailer in

a speciﬁed location. Contact a Fontaine Dealer or

Representative for the concentrated rating for your

Trailer.

WARNING

THE PUBLISHED GVWR, GAWR, AND

CONCENTRATED LOAD RATINGS SHOULD

NEVER BE EXCEEDED.

NOTE

THE MAXIMUM LOAD INDICATED ON THE

IDENTIFICATION PLATE MAY OR MAY NOT

BE A LEGAL LOAD ON THE HIGHWAY YOU

PLAN TO USE.

Operating Limits And Restrictions

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Front Decals (See pages 41-48 for larger and easier to read decals)

NOTE

DECALS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE

TRAILER OPERATION. KNOWING WHERE

DECALS ARE LOCATED AND WHAT IN-

FORMATION THEY CONVEY WILL HELP IN

THE MAINTENANCE OF THE TRAILER, THE

SAFE OPERATION OF THE TRAILER AND IN

MAINTAINING COMPLIANCE WITH STATE

AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

NOTE

IF ANY OF THESE DECALS ARE MISSING

CONTACT FONTAINE TRAILER COMPANY

FOR REPLACEMENT INFORMATION. THE

FOLLOWING DECALS REPRESENT THE

STANDARD DECALS AND THEIR LOCA-

TIONS AT THE TIME OF PRINTING / TRAIL-

ER MANUFACTURE.

Decal Locations

Annual Vehicle Inspection

Label

Final Inspection Decal

Loose Component Caution

Decal

Trailer Tare

Weight Decal

Coupling

Requirement Decal

Torque Requirements DecalAir Ride

Suspension Decal

Note: This decal may be

on side of trailer also ...

if trailer is equipped.

Electrical Circuit / Pin Schematic

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Anchor Point Load Rating Decal

NOTE:

The decals appearing above are only a representation of some of the

decals that may be found in this area of your Fontaine Trailer. The

decals above are not, and are not intended, to provide a complete

representation of the decals that may be placed in this area.

Side Decals (See pages 41-48 for larger and easier to read stickers)

Decal Locations

VIN Plate

Location

Strap Direction Decal

Located on both

sides in front of the

landing gear

Vendor decals related to the suspension or the operation

of the suspension are located in this area. These decals

will change based on trailer speciﬁcations.

NOTE:

The decals appearing above are only a representation of some of the

decals that may be found in this area of your Fontaine Trailer. The

decals above are not, and are not intended, to provide a complete

representation of the decals that may be placed in this area.

Loose Component

Warning Decal

Single Coil Decal

The Coil Package itself is generally located

mid-way between the trailer king pin and the center

of the trailer suspension. The Revolution Trailer Coil

Package consists of 6 heavy duty boards denoted with

a raised I.D. mark on the top of the ﬂoor extrusion.

Concentrated loads should be placed in this area.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

ABS Indicator

Light Info

Decals if trailer has extra options (See pages 41-48 for larger and easier to read stickers)

Decal Locations

NOTE

IF ANY OF THESE DECALS ARE MISSING

CONTACT FONTAINE TRAILER COMPANY

FOR REPLACEMENT INFORMATION. THE

FOLLOWING DECALS REPRESENT THE

STANDARD DECALS AND THEIR LOCA-

TIONS AT THE TIME OF PRINTING / TRAIL-

ER MANUFACTURE.

NOTE

IF ANY OF THESE DECALS ARE MISSING CONTACT

FONTAINE PARTSOURCE FOR REPLACEMENT IN-

FORMATION AT 205-485-1300. IN SOME INSTANC-

ES DECALS MAY BE UPDATED OR REPLACED BY

OTHER DECALS. THE PRECEDING DECALS REPRE-

SENTED THE STANDARD DECALS AND THEIR LO-

CATIONS AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

TireMaax Equipped Decal is

only on Trailers with the option.

Located on trailer front.

Slider Operation Decal on

Trailers equipped with sliding

suspensions

Winch Restriction Decal is

only on trailers with sliding

suspension

NOTE:

The decals appearing above are only a representation of some of the

decals that may be found in this area of your Fontaine Trailer. The

decals above are not, and are not intended, to provide a complete

representation of the decals that may be placed in this area.

Landing Gear

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Your Fontaine trailer is equipped with an OEM

selected landing gear designed to meet the needs

of the industry. The mechanism features 2-speeds

for operator convenience. Push the crank handle in

for low speed and pull the crank handle out for high

speed. Rotate the crank handle clockwise to extend

landing gear, and counterclockwise to retract the

landing gear.

NOTE

LANDING GEAR BOLTS . . .

USE A MINIMUM 5/8” GRADE-5 BOLT ON ALL

LANDING GEAR CONNECTIONS EXCEPT ON

CROSS PIPE. ON CROSS PIPE USE A MINIMUM

5/16” GRADE-5 BOLT.

NOTE

TORQUE CHART . . .

5/16” Grade - 5 17 Ft Lbs Dry 13 Ft Lbs Oiled

5/8” Grade - 5 150 Ft Lbs Dry 110 Ft Lbs Oiled

CAUTION

1. Do not over extend landing gear.

2. Never drop trailer on landing gear. Al-

ways extend landing gear until the land-

ing gear foot contacts the ground, then

lift the trailer approximately 1 inch before

removing the tractor from the trailer.

3. Always ensure that the landing gear foot

rests on a hard surface capable of sup-

porting the trailer and load ( hard ground,

concrete etc. ).

If necessary, place foot pads on a sup-

port plank to prevent the landing gear

from sinking into the surface.

4. Always retract landing gear fully before

moving the trailer.

5. Always store the crank in the crank hold-

er after extending or retracting the land-

ing gear.

6. Replace all damaged or worn parts.

7. Failure to replace worn or damaged riser

nut and retracting screw assembly could

cause a failure.

High

Speed

Turn handle

clockwise to

extend legs

Turn counter-

clockwise to

retract legs

Low

Speed

2-Speed Landing Gear

For low speed push crank in.

For high speed pull crank out.

Crank Handle Rotation

Rotate handle clockwise to

extend landing gear and

counterclockwise to retract.

Landing gear handle

stowed in travel position

Your Fontaine Trailer is equipped with either an air

ride suspension or mechanical spring suspension.

Common suspension suppliers to Fontaine include

Hendrickson, Meritor and Hutch. Additional informa-

tion including installation, service, maintenance rec-

ommendations warranty and general sales data for all

of the systems can be found on their websites. Links

to their website are shown below.

Hendrickson: www.Hendrickson-Intl.com

Meritor: www.meritor.com

Hutchens Industries: www.hutchensindustries.com

AXLE ALIGNMENT

SINGLE AXLE TRAILERS

1. Raise or lower the landing gear legs to position

trailer kingpin plate at design height if known (use

49" if actual design height is unknown).

2. Remove the outer wheel assembly or the outer

tires and rims, depending on the wheel equip-

ment.

3. Remove any parts from under the chassis that can

interrupt measuring the distance between the king

pin and the ends of the axle.

4. Attach a steel measuring tape to a hook and the

hook over the kingpin. Measure the distance “A”

and “B” from the king pin to the ends of the axle.

The difference between the “A” and “B” measure-

ments must not exceed 1/8” (3.2mm).

Suspension System: Axle Alignment

A B

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

TANDEM AXLE TRAILERS

Measuring the alignment of a tandem axle trailer is

not very different from the procedure for the single

axle trailers. The trailer must be correctly positioned

before making the necessary measurements.

1. Move the trailer forward and backward over a level

ﬂoor, two or three times with the last movement

forward, to permit the suspension to become

correctly aligned to center the front and rear wheel

tracks.

2. Raise or lower the landing gear legs to position

trailer kingpin plate at design height if known (use

49" if actual height is unknown).

3. Remove the outer wheel assembly or outer tires

and rims.

4. Remove any parts from under the chassis that can

interrupt measuring the distances between the

kingpin and the ends of the forward axle.

5. Attach a steel measuring tape to a hook and the

hook over the kingpin. Measure the distance “A”

and “B” from the king pin to the ends of the for-

ward axle. The difference between the “A” and “B”

measurements must not exceed 1/8” (3.2mm).

6. Measure the distance “C” and “D” between

the front and rear axle centers. The difference

between “C” and “D” measurements must not

exceed 1/16” (1.6mm). See art below.

How to Correct the Alignment of Axles

To correct alignment measurements that are not within

the limits, inspect the suspension for worn, broken or

loose parts. Adjustment to the suspension, and the

replacement of worn or broken parts, must be made to

achieve an acceptable axle alignment.

NOTE: SEE HENDRICKSON PROCEDURE L579 FOR

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.

www.Hendrickson-Intl.com

Suspension System: Axle Alignment

A B

C D

CAUTION

CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE SERVICE IN-

STRUCTIONS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE

SUSPENSION MANUFACTURER WHEN

WORKING ON THIS COMPONENT.

NOTE

THE LIMITS OF 1/16” (1.6MM) AND 1/8”

(3.2MM) ARE THE INDUSTRY STANDARD

LIMITS FOR CORRECT ALIGNMENT OF THE

AXLES. THESE SMALL VARIANCES PERMIT-

TED BY THE STANDARD MAKE ACQUIR-

ING ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS ALL THE

MORE IMPORTANT AND CRITICAL TO THE

PROPER OPERATION OF YOUR TRAILER.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

DESIGNED RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT

1. Locate the suspension ID tag on the front

of the HT hanger, the front crossmember of

the HS slider bogie or on the inside of the

suspension beam for the Intraax (Figure 2).

CHECKING TRAILER RIDE HEIGHT

Operating your trailer with proper ride height is

critical to ensure proper load distribution be-

tween axles. The next section will identify how

to check and adjust your ride height if neces-

sary.

PREPARATION

1. Unload the trailer and park it on ﬂat, level ground

that is free of stones and debris.

2. Chock the wheels (Figure 1).

3. Check air pressure in tires. If necessary, inﬂate

tire(s) to proper pressure.

4. Maintain pressure in the air system.

DESIGNED KINGPIN HEIGHT MEASUREMENT

1. Measure the trailer's kingpin height. The trailer

may or may not be connected to a tractor during

the measurement.

2. If necessary, adjust the landing gear to place the

trailer at the designed kingpin height. The stan-

dard design kingpin height for a Fontaine Trailer is

49 inches for both ﬂat and step decks. Contact

Fontaine Trailer Company if you are unsure of your

trailer’s designed kingpin height.

3. Verify the measurement of the kingpin height on

the other side of the trailer.

Suspension System: Ride Height Adjustment

NOTE

WHEN THE TRAILER AND TRACTOR ARE

CONNECTED, THE TRACTOR’S 5TH WHEEL

HEIGHT MUST BE EQUAL TO THE DE-

SIGNED KINGPIN HEIGHT OF THE TRAIL-

ER. IF THE 5TH WHEEL HEIGHT DOES NOT

EQUAL THE DESIGNED KINGPIN HEIGHT,

DISCONNECT THE TRACTOR FROM THE

TRAILER.

NOTE

WHEN THE TRAILER IS NOT CONNECTED

TO A TRACTOR, MEASURE THE DISTANCE

FROM THE GROUND TO THE KINGPIN

MOUNTING PLATE. AIR PRESSURE TO THE

SUSPENSION MUST STILL BE MAINTAINED.

Figure 1: Chock the wheels.

Figure 2: Suspension ID tag

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Suspension ID tag

2. Check the indicated (underlined) number in the fol-

lowing examples to ﬁnd the designed ride height.

HT product: HT230-14-001

HS slider: HS190T-14-4801A

Intraax: AANT23K 14"

Flats will typically be set at 14"

Drops will typically be set at 6.5"

(If trailer is equipped with wheel pans in lieu of

continuous ﬂooring, typical ride height is set at 9")

3. Measure the ride height (Figure 4). The designed

ride height is the distance from the center of the

axle to the mounting surface of the suspension.

Tip: Measure from the bottom of the ﬂange to the

top of the axle and add half of the axle’s diameter

to the measurement shown on the tape measure.

If necessary, adjust the height control valve.

Reference Document L341 at

www.Hendrickson-Intl.com

Suspension System: Ride Height Adjustment

NOTE

TO DETERMINE THE RIDE HEIGHT, ADD

HALF OF THE AXLE’S DIAMETER TO THE

MEASUREMENT SHOWN ON THE TAPE

MEASURE. FOR EXAMPLE, A 5” DIAMETER

AXLE WOULD HAVE 2-1/2” ADDED TO THE

MEASUREMENT AND THE LDA AXLES WITH

5.75” DIAMETER WILL HAVE 2.875” ADDED.

Figure 4: Measure ride height.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Bottom of

mainbeam ﬂange

Note: When taking

measurement from

top of axle make

sure to add 1/2 of the

axle diameter to the

measurement.

HEIGHT CONTROL VALVE ADJUSTMENT

(Taken from Hendrickson document L 341)

1. Maintain pressure in the system. See Note below

on maintaining proper air pressure for air to ﬂow

through the system..

2. Install a locating pin into the adjusting block and

bracket on the height control valve.

3. Disconnect the linkage from one end.

4. Remove the pin and push the control arm up to

raise or down to lower the ride height until the

distance between the vehicle frame and the center

of the axle matches the suspension ride height.

Re-install the locating pin into the adjusting block

and bracket on the height control valve.

5. Adjust the linkage length by separating the two

halves and increase or decrease the length to

match the attachment points on the height control

arm and lower mounting point.

6. Remove the locating pin and verify the ride height

prior to putting the trailer back into operation.

Suspension System: Height Control Valve Adjustment

NOTE

THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 80 PSI

AIR PRESSURE IN THE AIR RESERVOIR

TO OPEN THE BRAKE PROTECTION VALVE

AND ALLOW AIR TO FLOW THROUGH THE

HEIGHT CONTROL VALVE.

NOTE

A 5 TO 10 SECOND DELAY MAY OCCUR BE-

FORE THE HEIGHT CONTROL VALVE WILL

ALLOW AIR TO FLOW TO OR FROM THE

AIR SPRINGS.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Adjust bracket

length to change

trailer ride height

Meritor WABCO Easy-Stop (TM) Anti-lock Braking

System (ABS) is standard equipment on all Fontaine

trailers with GVWR less than 120,000 lbs. The system

monitors wheel speed at all times and improves

vehicle stability and control by reducing wheel lock

during braking.

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT ( ECU )

MALFUNCTION

In the event of an ECU malfunction, the ABS, in the

affected wheels, is disabled. The affected wheels

should continue to operate in a non ABS braking

mode, if the braking valve itself has not failed. The

ABS should continue to operate on the wheels unaf-

fected by the ECU malfunction.

Two ABS indicator lamps (one on the dash of the

tractor and one on the side of the trailer) let the driver

know the status of the system.

Anti-Lock Braking System

CAUTION

ABS NOTICE - CONNECTOR

WIRING CHANGE

NOTICE TO ALL TRACTOR TRAILER OWNERS

AND USERS

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.

121, Air Brakes Systems, was amended by the

National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration of

the DOT to require that truck tractors manufac-

tured on or after March 1, 1997 provide con-

stant power for a trailers antilock brake system

(ABS). Some manufacturers will provide this

feature before the effect date.

These tractors using a single 7-way

electrical connector will have constant

power for ABS on the center pin when

the key switch is on.

Fontaine, as well as other tractor-trailer own-

ers and users who presently use the center

pin for auxiliary power to equipment other than

trailer ABS (for example, dome lights, backing

lights, bottom dumps, sliding undercarriages, air

ride dump valves, etc.) will be affected by this

change.

In certain uses of this constantly pow-

ered center pin connector, unexpected

or unintended activation of this equip-

ment may be hazardous or result in

personal injury.

BEFORE connecting your trailer to a tractor,

MAKE SURE that the constantly powered cen-

ter pin WILL NOT UNINTENTIONALLY TURN

ON TRAILER EQUIPMENT. If you have any

questions about your present wiring, or how to

rewire your vehicles, you should contact Fon-

taine at 1-205-485-1300.

CAUTION

ABS INFORMATION IN THIS OPERATOR’S

MANUAL WAS PROVIDED BY MERITOR

WABCO AND IS SPECIFIC TO ITS PROD-

UCTS. IF YOUR TRAILER IS EQUIPPED

WITH ANOTHER MANUFACTURER’S ANTI-

LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, YOU MUST CON-

TACT FONTAINE OR THE MANUFACTURER

OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM, FOR THE IN-

STRUCTIONS SPECIFIC TO THAT BRAKING

SYSTEM. VISIT WWW.MERITORWABCO.

COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

ABS INDICATOR LAMP

The ABS Indicator Lamp (amber) is located on the

road side (driver side), near the rear marker lamp

(red). The lamp is identiﬁed with the letters ABS. This

lamp indicates the status of the trailer ABS.

If the ABS lamp comes ON and stays ON when you

apply the brakes to a moving vehicle, there is an ABS

malfunction. It is normal for the lamp to come ON

and go OFF to perform a bulb check, but it should

not stay ON when the vehicle is moving about 4

MPH. As with any safety system, it is important not to

ignore this indicator. If the indicator lamp indicates a

malfunction, the vehicle can be operated to complete

the trip. However, it is important to have the vehicle

serviced as soon as possible using the appropriate

maintenance manual to ensure proper braking perfor-

mance and to ensure that the beneﬁts of ABS remain

available to the driver.

Anti-Lock Braking System: Lamp Codes

System Is Ignition Powered ( constant power)

Brakes Ignition

Fault in

System

Vehicle Speed

Indicator Lamps

(Trailer and Dash)

Released

OFF N.A. N.A. OFF

NO Less than 4 mph ON for 3 seconds then go OFF.

NO Greater than 4 mph OFF

YES N.A. ON

Applied

OFF

NO Less than 4 mph ON for 3 seconds then go OFF.

YES N.A. ON

NO Less than 4 mph ON for 3 seconds then go OFF.

NO Greater than 4 mph OFF

YES N.A. ON

Blink Codes: Blink codes are the number of times the ABS lamp blinks on and off. The number of

blinks refers to the problem area. See Meritor Wabco Maintenance And Troubleshooting Manual for

complete details.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

ABS Indicator

Lamp

Knowing how to couple and uncouple correctly is

basic to safe operation of combination vehicles.

General coupling and uncoupling steps are listed

below. Different tractors and coupling devices require

different techniques, so learn the details for coupling

and uncoupling the tractors and coupling devices you

operate.

COUPLING

1. INSPECT THE TRACTOR FIFTH WHEEL

• Check for damaged or missing part. Reference

the manufacturer’s service manual for the ﬁfth

wheel in use.

• Check to see that mounting to tractor is secure - -

no cracks in frame, etc.

• Be sure the ﬁfth wheel plate is properly greased,

failure to do so may cause severe friction leading

to loss of control.

• Check if ﬁfth wheel is in proper position for cou-

pling (Wheel tilted down towards rear of tractor,

jaws open and safety unlocking handle in the

automatic lock position).

• If you have a sliding ﬁfth wheel, make sure it is

locked.

• Make sure the trailer kingpin is not bent, broken or

damaged in any way.

2. INSPECT AREA AND CHOCK WHEELS

• Make sure area around vehicle is clear.

• Be sure trailer spring brakes are on.

• Check that all trailer cargo is secured against

movement.

3. POSITION TRACTOR

• Put the tractor directly in front of the trailer.

• Check position, using outside mirrors, look down

both sides of the trailer.

4. BACK SLOWLY

• Back until ﬁfth wheel touches the trailer.

• Do not impact the trailer.

5. SECURE TRACTOR

• Apply the parking brake.

• Shift the transmission into neutral.

6. CHECK TRAILER HEIGHT

• The trailer should be low enough so that it is

raised slightly by the tractor when the tractor

is backed under it. Raise or lower the trailer as

needed. Make sure the trailer is proper height and

the kingpin and ﬁfth wheel aligned.

7. CONNECT AIR LINES TO TRAILER

• Check glad hand seals and connect tractor supply

(emergency) airline to trailer supply (emergency)

gland hand.

• Check gland hand seals and tractor control (ser-

vice) airline to trailer control (service) gland hand.

• Make sure airlines are supported where they can-

not be hung-up or damaged while tractor is back-

ing under trailer.

Coupling and Uncoupling

WARNING

INCORRECT COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING

OF YOUR TRAILER CAN RESULT IN AC-

CIDENTS CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR

DEATH. NOT ALL TRACTORS ARE IDENTI-

CAL. BE AWARE OF THE DIFFERENCES IN

THE VEHICLES YOU OPERATE.

WARNING

DO NOT WALK OR STAND BETWEEN TRAC-

TOR AND TRAILER. TRACTOR MOVEMENT

CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

CAUTION

NEVER BACK A TRACTOR UNDER A TRAILER

AT AN ANGLE. PUSHING THE TRAILER SIDE-

WAYS CAN DAMAGE THE LANDING GEAR OR

OTHER STRUCTURES OF THE TRAILER.

CAUTION

IF TRAILER IS TOO HIGH, IT MAY NOT

COUPLE CORRECTLY TO THE TRACTOR.

IF IT IS TOO LOW, THE KINGPIN MAY BE

STRUCK AND BENT OR THE FRONT OF THE

TRAILER MAY BE DAMAGED.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

8. SUPPLY AIR TO TRAILER

• From the tractor cab, push in “air supply” knob

or move tractor protection valve control from the

“emergency” to the “normal” position to supply air

to the trailer brake system.

• Wait until the air pressure is normal.

• Check brake system for crossed airlines.

• Shut engine off to hear brakes.

• Apply and release trailer brakes, listen for the

sound of trailer brakes being applied and released.

• Check the air brake system pressure gauge for

signs of major loss.

• When sure trailer brakes are working properly,

start the engine.

• Check to see that tractor air pressure is greater

than 120 psi .

9. LOCK TRAILER BRAKES

• Pull out the “air supply” knob or move the tractor

protection valve from “normal (Trailer Brakes Re-

leased)” to “emergency (Trailer Brakes Applied)”.

10. BACK TRACTOR UNDER THE TRAILER

• Shift into lowest reverse gear.

• Back tractor slowly under trailer to avoid severely

impacting the kingpin.

• Stop when the kingpin is locked into the ﬁfth

wheel.

11. CHECK THAT CONNECTION IS SECURE

• Raise trailer landing gear slightly off the ground.

• Gently pull the tractor forward while the trailer

brakes are still locked.

• Fifth wheel should be locked into kingpin at this

time.

12. SECURE VEHICLE

• Shift the transmission into neutral.

• Apply parking brakes.

• Shut off engine and be sure someone else will not

move the truck while you are under it.

13. INSPECT COUPLING

• Use a ﬂashlight if necessary.

• Make sure there is no space between upper and

lower ﬁfth wheel. If there is space, something is

wrong! The kingpin may be on top of closed ﬁfth

wheel jaws; trailer would come loose very easily.

• Look into the back of the ﬁfth wheel with caution.

Make sure the ﬁfth wheel jaws have closed around

the shank of the kingpin.

• Check that the locking lever is in the “lock” posi-

tion.

14. CONNECT ELECTRICAL CORD and CHECK

AIRLINES

• Plug the electrical cord into the trailer and fasten

the safety catch.

• Check both airlines and electrical line for damage.

• Make sure air and electrical lines will not be

crushed or damaged by any of the vehicles mov-

ing parts.

• Visually inspect to see that the ABS light functions

correctly when the power cord is connected. If

the light stays on or comes on during use, have

the ABS unit repaired at once.

15. RAISE FRONT TRAILER SUPPORTS (LAND-

ING GEAR)

• Use low gear range (if equipped) to begin raising

the landing gear. Once free of weight, switch to

high gear range.

• Raise landing gear all the way up.

• After raising the landing gear fully, secure the

crank handle.

• When full weight of trailer is resting on tractor,

check for clearance between rear of tractor frame

and landing gear.

• Check that there is enough clearance between the

top of the tractor tires and the nose of the trailer.

Coupling and Uncoupling

WARNING

MAKE SURE THE PARKING BRAKE IS EN-

GAGED AND THE TRACTOR CANNOT BE

MOVED BEFORE PLACING ANY PART OF

YOUR BODY BETWEEN THE TRACTOR

AND TRAILER. TRACTOR MOVEMENT CAN

CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

CAUTION

NEVER DRIVE WITH THE LANDING GEAR

PARTIALLY DOWN; IT COULD HANG ON

RAILROAD TRACKS OR OTHER OBJECTS.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

UNCOUPLING TRACTOR-SEMITRAILERS

1. POSITION RIG

• Make sure the surface of the parking area can

support the weight of trailer.

• Have tractor lined up with trailer. (Pulling out at an

angle can damage landing gear.)

2. EASE PRESSURE ON LOCKING JAWS

• Shut off trailer air supply to lock trailer brakes.

Ease pressure on ﬁfth wheel by backing up gently

(this will help to release the ﬁfth wheel locking

lever).

• Put parking brakes on while tractor is pushing

against the kingpin. This will hold the rig with pres-

sure off the locking jaws.

3. LOWER THE LANDING GEAR

• If trailer is empty – lower the landing gear until it

makes ﬁrm contact with the ground, turn crank in

low gear a few extra turns; this will lift some of the

weight off the tractor. (Do not lift trailer off the ﬁfth

wheel.) This will make it easier to unlatch the ﬁfth

wheel and easier to re-couple.

4. DISCONNECT AIRLINES AND

ELECTRICAL CABLE

• Disconnect airlines from trailer. Connect airline

gladhands to dummy couplers at back of cab or

couple them together.

• Hang electrical cable with plug down to prevent

moisture from entering it.

• Make sure lines are supported so they won’t be

damaged while driving the tractor.

5. UNLOCK FIFTH WHEEL

• Raise release handle lock.

• Pull the release handle to the “open” position.

• Stay clear of the rear of the rear tractor wheels to

avoid serious injury in the event vehicle movement.

6. PULL TRACTOR PARTIALLY CLEAR

OF TRAILER

• Pull tractor forward until ﬁfth wheel comes out

from under trailer.

• Stop with tractor frame under trailer (Prevents

trailer from falling to ground if landing gear should

collapse or sink.)

7. SECURE TRACTOR

• Apply parking brake.

• Place transmission in neutral.

8. INSPECT TRAILER SUPPORTS

• Make sure ground is supporting trailer.

• Make sure landing gear is not damaged.

9. PULL TRACTOR CLEAR OF TRAILER

• Release parking brakes.

• Check the area, then drive the tractor clear.

Coupling and Uncoupling

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Always use caution when accessing the trailer deck.

Enter and leave the trailer deck only from a dock as

high as the trailer ﬂoor, or by means of a ladder or

stairs. Do not attempt to use items such as lights

or light brackets, landing gear, or wheel-ends/tires

as “footholds” when accessing the deck. The lights,

brackets or other items may break or allow you to slip

causing you to fall resulting in injury to you or others.

Accessing The Trailer Deck

CAUTION

WALK CAREFULLY ON TRAILER DECK.

USE CAUTION TO AVOID SLIPPERY CONDI-

TIONS WHICH MAY RESULT FROM WATER,

ICE, DIRT OR CARGO BEING CARRIED.

CAUTION

NEVER ATTEMPT TO STAND OR WALK ON

THE TRAILER DECK WHEN THE TRAILER

IS MOVING. THIS COULD CAUSE YOU TO

LOSE YOUR BALANCE AND FALL FROM

THE TRAILER RESULTING IN SERIOUS IN-

JURY OR DEATH.

CAUTION

USE CAUTION WHEN ENTERING OR LEAV-

ING DECK UNDER WET OR ICY CONDI-

TIONS. SIDE RAILS, FRONT SKIRTS, AND

TAIL SKIRTS CAN BECOME SLIPPERY RE-

SULTING IN A FALL. FALLS FROM TRAILER

DECK CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR

DEATH.

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Your Fontaine Trailer is equipped with approved

anchor points for cargo Securement with each having

an approved working load limit ( WLL ) established by

Fontaine. The approved working load limits for the

anchor points and Securement methods shown in the

following pages describe points that are considered

part of the trailer, NOT, the securing devices, such

as chains, cables or straps. Securing devices must

be of a sufﬁcient design not to cut into or deform the

anchor point, and be rated equal to or greater than

the WLL of the trailer structure anchor point to obtain

maximum published ratings.

All working load limits ( WLL ) pertain to standard test

results performed by Fontaine Trailer Company or a

qualiﬁed testing facility meeting or exceeding pub-

lished regulatory requirements or industry guidelines.

Customer speciﬁed anchor points are designed for

speciﬁc units and will be rated on a per customer

basis.

Load Securement: Anchor Points

Working Load Limits

CAUTION

ALL ANCHOR POINTS MUST HAVE A VI-

SUAL INSPECTION PRIOR TO USE. IF AN

ANCHOR POINT IS VISIBLY DAMAGED (DE-

FORMED, BENT, TORN, RIPPED, CRACKED

OR ANY OTHER STRUCTURAL DEFECT IS

FOUND) DO NOT USE IT AS AN ANCHOR

POINT.

WARNING

SIDE RUB RAILS ARE NOT CONSIDERED

ANCHOR POINTS AND SHOULD NOT BE

USED AS SUCH.

WARNING

DO NOT EXCEED THE WORKING LOAD

LIMITS OF ANY ANCHOR POINT.

Figures are representative of the methods used for

testing standard anchor points.

Load Securement: Winch and Strap

Figure 1: Sliding Winch in Integral Track on Siderail

WLL = 5400 lbs. (2449 kgs)

Figure 2: Strap Hook Secured in Side Rail Slot

WLL = 5400 lbs. (2449 kgs)

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

Figures are representative of the methods used for

testing standard anchor points.

Figures are representative of the methods used for

testing standard anchor points.

Load Securement: Chain

Figure 3: Chain Tiedown Securement

WLL = 5400 lbs. (2449 kgs)

Figure 4: External Chain Tiedown Securement

WLL = 5400 lbs. (2449 kgs)

Figure 5: Chain Securement - Slot/Slot combination

WLL = 5400 lbs. (2449 kgs)

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

WARNING

WHEN HOOKING TO A CHAIN TIE-DOWN

ALWAYS HOOK BETWEEN TWO CHAIN

LINKS. NEVER HOOK BETWEEN THE CHAIN

TIE-DOWN CAP AND A CHAIN LINK.

Load Securement: Winch and Strap (Continued)

With the Fontaine RASR siderail the strap should go straight up

and through the strap slot in the siderail as shown above.

CORRECT

STRAP PATH

IS STRAIGHT

UP THROUGH

SIDERAIL

INCORRECT

STRAP PATH

Note that the strap in the photo above angles outward

from the winch to accommodate an overhanging load.

THIS IS NOT PERMITTED. THIS IS NOT PROPER PROCE-

DURE AND CAN LEAD TO FAILURE, DAMAGE AND PER-

SONAL INJURY. If a load extends beyond the edge of the

deck you must ﬁnd a safe, legal way to secure it rather than

angling the strap outward from the winch.

A Bulkhead (Header Board) is a vertical member

across the front of the trailer. The Bulkhead must be

secured to the trailer properly to obtain the full load

rating shown on the Bulkhead nameplate. Ratings

are based on FMCSA Regulations Section 393.106—

Front End Structures.

The Revolution Trailer Requires a DOT Certiﬁed Wrap

around Style Bulkhead Installed per the Manufac-

turer’s Instructions.

Securement Requirements

The Bulkhead Assembly must be attached to the

ﬂoor/Skirt with bolts, washers and nuts across the

front of the Bulkhead and secured with fasteners in-

stalled one in the roadside stake pocket and the other

in the curbside stake pocket, (See Figure 2).

DOT Bulkhead Securement

1/2"-13 x 3-1/2" bolt

1/2" ﬂat washer

1/2" lock washer

1/2"-13 Nut

Figure 1: Typical Wrap-Around Bolt-on

Style Bulkhead

Figure 2:

CAUTION

THE BULKHEAD MUST BE SECURED BE-

FORE TRAILER IS TRANSPORTED. AL-

WAYS CHECK BULKHEAD BOLTS DURING

THE PRE-TRIP INSPECTION FOR LOSE OR

BROKEN BOLTS. TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE

BOLT AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN, BENT

OR MISSING BOLTS.

TIE-DOWN/

BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS:

1/2” GR-5 75 FT. LB. DRY 55 FT. LB. OILED

Section 1 - Operating Instructions

When a Trailer is equipped with a sliding suspension

follow these procedures.

1. Make sure the suspension is securely locked into

place. The suspension is locked into place when

the main body of each lock pin extends through

the holes in the rails.

Important!! Locking Pins Must Extend Thru

Holes in the Body of the Trailer Before Moving

the Vehicle

2. Inspect the suspension carefully to ensure it is

properly positioned and the main body of each

lock pin does extend through the holes in the rails.

3. Check area around and under trailer to be clear of

obstructions or personnel.

4. Apply the trailer brakes and gently rock the trailer

backwards and forwards to make sure the sliding

suspension is secure.

1. Set both the tractor and trailer brakes.

2. Turn the ball valve (shown above) on the side of the

slider box adjacent to the operating handle until the

arrow points upward. This will set the brakes on the

sliding axle and in the case of a drop deck, it will

inﬂate the air springs until the tires clear the side rail

winch track once the trailer emergency air supply is

reapplied.

3. To release the lock pins:

A. For suspensions with manual locking pins, pull

the operating handle all the way out and lock in

place.

B. For suspensions with air assisted lock pins, acti-

vate release by ﬂipping/pulling the labeled switch

on the slide box.

4. Release the tractor and trailer brakes and allow the

air springs to inﬂate until the tires clear the side rail

winch track. Carefully drive forward or backward

until the sliding suspension is at the desired location.

Make sure the winch track is clear of any object that

could hit the tires.

5. Release the operating handle and visually check all

lock pins for locking. The main body of each lock pin

must extend through the holes in the rails.

6. With the trailer brakes applied, gently rock trailer

backward and forward to ensure sliding suspen-

sion is properly locked and follow proper operating

procedures before pulling trailer. The lock pin must

be checked at each stop to ensure each is locked.

Note: Locator bars are not used on The

Revolution Trailer equipped with a single slider.

The trailer is equipped with stops at the front and

rear extremes of the slider movement.

Sliding Suspension Operation Sliding Suspension Positioning

WARNING

FAILURE TO LOCK A SLIDING SUSPENSION

CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL,

PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS BODILY

INJURY AND DEATH. ALWAYS CHECK TO

ENSURE THAT LOCK PINS ARE FULLY EN-

GAGED IN THE TRAILER FRAME OR SLIDER

RAIL BEFORE USE.

NOTE

REFERENCE THE SUSPENSION MANUFAC-

TURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MORE

DETAILED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS,

CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS.

Section 2 - Optional Features and Instructions

Lock Pin

Operating

handle

Lock Pin

Ball valve

Section 2 - Optional Features and Instructions

AIR BRAKE MAINTENANCE

Successful maintenance of the air brake system

depends upon systematic inspection and repair at

regular intervals. The length of these intervals de-

pends upon the trailer operation and mileage.

Adjustments, inspections and minor repairs that can

be performed by the operator are listed below. These

procedures must include immediate replacement of

all worn or damaged parts.

RESERVOIR TANK

The ﬁrst requirement in an air brake system is clean

air at proper pressure. The operator must open the

drain cock on the underside of the reservoirs until all

moisture has escaped.

Drainage should be done periodically to remove

water and sludge from the system. This is especially

important in cold weather to forestall freezing and

obstruction of the lines and valves. Each tank must

be drained completely to insure removal of condensa-

tion. After removing moisture, close the drain cock

and inspect reservoirs for looseness or damage.

Make sure all connections are tight and brake lines

are properly supported.

GLADHANDS

Inspect gladhands to insure proper operation without

obstructions. With the trailer connected to the truck

tractor and air in the system, coat the gladhands

and mounting with soapsuds to make sure there is

no leakage. Be certain gladhands seals are in good

condition and not saturated with grease, oil or other

foreign material. We recommended annual replace-

ment of gladhands seals.

BRAKE TUBING, LINES, FITTINGS & HOSES

Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for loose

connections, chaﬁng, cracks, breaks, cuts, bruises,

broken-out sections and deterioration. Replace

immediately upon ﬁrst sign of the above. Exercise ex-

treme caution when working or welding around nylon

tubing, if so equipped. It is recommended that tubing

in areas where welding operations are performed be

removed prior to welding operations and reinstalled

after welding is completed. If tubing removal is not

practical, the tubing must be shielded from welding

sparks and/or heat damage.

SERVICE AND SPRING BRAKE CHAMBERS

Visually check air chamber clamp bands and mount-

ing nuts for tightness. Torque chamber mounting

nuts 75 to 100 ft. lb. Check chambers for damage or

dents and sign of leaks.

AIR VALVES

Inspect all air valves for leaks. If excessive leakage

is found, the valve must be repaired or replaced. We

recommend that air valves be replaced when neces-

sary with new or rebuilt valves. Replacement mainte-

nance and seal kits are available from Your FONTAINE

Dealer. Call 1-800-821-6535 for the FONTAINE

Service Center and dealer nearest you. Inspect brake

drums. Any accumulation of mud, dirt or rust on the

drums should be removed. Any broken or cracked

drums should be removed from service.

BRAKE LINING

Inspect and check the brake lining thickness. Brake

lining must be replaced if excessively worn or if

coated with oil, grease, or foreign material.

Call 1-800-821-6535

For Fontaine Service Center And Dealer

Nearest You

Website: www.fontainetrailer.com

Routine Maintenance

CAUTION

DISASSEMBLY AND REPAIR OF ANY SPRING

BRAKE IS A DANGEROUS AND COMPLEX

TASK THAT SHOULD NOT BE UNDERTAK-

EN BY AN INEXPERIENCED MECHANIC.

SPECIAL TOOLS AND INFORMATION ARE

REQUIRED IF SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY

IS TO BE AVOIDED. REFER THESE REPAIRS

TO YOUR FONTAINE DEALER.

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

Frequent inspection and preventative maintenance

are important in the life of any machine. Your FON-

TAINE trailer is no exception. Proper care and mainte-

nance will protect the long life of your trailer and may

eliminate unnecessary repair costs and downtime.

DAILY INTERVALS (PRE-TRIP INSPECTION)

Drain Moisture:

Drain the moisture from air reservoir daily by opening

the drain cock on underside of reservoir. Leave the

drain cock open until the moisture disappears. After

all moisture has escaped, close the drain cock or

moisture trap.

Inﬂate Tires:

Check tire pressure daily or every 3000 miles. Re-

move all objects lodged between treads or carcasses

or from between duals. Refer to the Tire Manufactur-

ers Load/Inﬂation pressure settings for your appli-

cable tire size.

Tighten Mounting Nuts:

Check that all wheel and hub mounting nuts are pres-

ent and secure. If marked after torquing, insure the

torque identiﬁcation mark has not moved.

Wheel-ends:

Visually inspect the hubcap and around the wheel

seal for lubrication leaks.

Adjust Brakes:

Check the travel of brake chamber push rod and

adjust brakes if necessary. Push rod travel should be

kept at a minimum of 1/2” without brakes dragging.

Pushrod travel should not exceed 2”.

Check Lights:

Open and close trailer light switches to see if lamps

respond properly. Clean all lights and warning reﬂec-

tors. Make sure the ABS system is operating prop-

erly.

Check Tools & Equipment:

Check the tools, ﬂares and other equipment to make

certain all are present and in good condition. This

inspection should become a daily habit. Minor repairs

or adjustments depend to a great extent upon the

tools and equipment carried on the trailer.

MONTHLY INTERVALS

Inspect Hose Assemblies & Gaskets:

Inspect all hose assemblies and gladhand coupling gas-

kets for abrasions, swelling, or other damages. Replace

as necessary.

Check Brake Linings:

Check the brake lining thickness. Brake lining should be

replaced when the lining thickness approaches the wear

line indicator built into the lining or when the thickness is

at ¼”.

Inspect Reservoir & Brake Lines:

Inspect reservoir for looseness or damage. Make

certain all connections are tight, and that brake lines are

properly supported so as not to chafe on other trailer

parts.

Check Electrical System:

Inspect lights, wiring, and coupling sockets. Secure

loose wires.

Tighten Assembly, Screws & Nuts:

Tighten all wheel hub mounting nuts, spring clips, and U

bolts.

Measure and check all tires:

Measure and check all tires for proper mating and un-

serviceable condition. Serviceable tires which indicate

abnormal wear should be rotated to other wheel posi-

tions. Apparent mechanical defects should be cor-

rected.

Check Axle Alignment:

Check the axle for proper alignment. This deﬁciency is

the most probable cause of tire wear.

Inspect & Clean Under Side of the Trailer:

Clean out all objects lodged in the under-construction

including the suspension area. For mechanical spring

systems, inspect springs, bushings, and hangers for

cracks or excessive wear. Check all hanger bolts, “U”

bolts and other adjustable points. For air ride systems,

check air springs, and shocks for wear or damage.

Check the suspension rubber bushings and wear wash-

ers to make certain they are in good condition.

SIX (6) MONTH INTERVAL

Check structure for cracks in welds

or steel. Check for any other

structural damages. Fontaine

Commercial / Fontaine PartSource

should be consulted for

repair instructions.

Basic Maintenance Schedule

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

1. Coupler & Kingpin: Clean all sand, grit and other

foreign matter from coupler base. With a hand

paddle, coat the machined surface of coupler

base pickup ramps and edge of coupler hook.

Place a light ﬁlm of grease on the side surface of

kingpin. Lubrication Interval – every 5,000 miles

2. Cam Bearing: Lubricate sparingly with grease

gun. Excessive lubrication will force lubricant into

internal brake parts causing faulty brakes.

Lubrication Interval – every 10,000 miles

3. Wheel Ends: Most Fontaine Trailers are

Equipped with Hendrickson RTR suspensions

equipped with ﬁve (5) year wheel end warranty.

The typical lubrication for these wheel ends is

Chevron Delco SF grease. If no leakage is noticed

in the ﬁrst 5 years of service, no wheel end lubri-

cation maintenance is required. Units with sight

glasses in the hubcaps with removable plugs use

mineral based Hypoid Oil S.A.E. 80/90. NOTE:

On units with oil seals, change oil and seals every

100,000 miles.

4. Brake Shoes: Place several drops of oil on inner

and outer end of brake shoe where anchor pins

pass through the shoe. Place bar between spider

and brake shoe, and lift the cam end of shoe off

cam. Lubricate with several drops of oil on brake

shoe roller and rotate roller to new contact point.

Lubrication Interval – every 10,000 miles

5. Cam: When wheels are removed, place a light

ﬁlm of grease on top and bottom surface of S

cam. CAUTION: DO NOT ALLOW GREASE TO

COME IN CONTACT WITH BRAKE LINING.

Lubrication Interval – every 10,000 miles

KINGPIN AND FIFTH WHEEL AREA

Inspect the kingpin for excessive wear, rough edges,

looseness, broken or chipped out areas and cracks.

Any kingpin showing such condition must be replaced

at once. Do not, under any circumstance, weld the

kingpin to compensate for wear. Once a kingpin has

been heated its physical characteristics are changed

and its subsequent performance cannot be predicted.

Contact Fontaine Trailer Company Customer Service

for proper replacement services.

Check and inspect the ﬁfth wheel area for cracks or

breaks and for secure attachment to the trailer. Any

welding performed in this area is to be restricted to

those welds speciﬁed by Fontaine and is to be per-

formed in the manner prescribed by Fontaine.

REAR IMPACT GUARDS

Your new Fontaine Trailer has been designed & tested

to meet the requirements of N.H.T.S.A. article 571.223

and 571.224.

The rear bumper should be checked during regu-

lar maintenance for cracks, bonds & etc. If repair is

needed, please refer to T.M.C. Recommended Practice

732 (T).

Lubrication Notes Basic Trailer Maintenance

NOTE

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS SEC-

TION IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE SUGGEST-

ED BASIC MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.

REFER TO THE VENDOR COMPONENT

SUPPLIER’S INFORMATION FOR MORE DE-

TAILED MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS.

NOTE

FONTAINE RECOMMENDS THAT ONLY AN

AUTHORIZED FONTAINE DEALER PER-

FORM REPAIRS IN THE KINGPIN AREA.

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

The leaf springs in a heavy duty truck/trailer sus-

pension are working, ﬂexible components and the

main load supporting members in the assembly.

They cushion the vehicle and its load from various

road shocks and provide the necessary stability to

resist roll-over, brake and drive forces. A reason-

able amount of care and maintenance is required to

provide a satisfactory service life.

The spring stack must be tightly clamped to its spring

seat and the axle to prevent any movement between

the U-bolts. This area is a dead zone and all ﬂexing

must take place between the U-bolts and the dead

ends of the springs. Therefore, it is important the

spring U-bolts be checked for proper tightness once

or twice during the ﬁrst few months of service, until

such time as the spring leaves wear-in with usage.

Thereafter, they should be checked periodically as a

matter of normal maintenance.

One or more broken spring leaves near or through

the center bolt hole, indicates a loose U-bolt condi-

tion which has permitted excessive ﬂexing in the

clamp area. Failure to keep the U-bolts tight can also

cause sheared spring center bolts, broken U-bolts, or

rounding of the axle spring seat.

A broken spring leaf adjustment to or outside the

U-bolt clamp area indicates either there has been

an over-loaded condition or the spring assembly is

nearing the end of its service life. Single and multi-

leaf springs on trucks and trailers should be closely

inspected at regular intervals for signs of such failure.

Broken leaves in a multi-leaf pile should be replaced

immediately to prevent over-loading the remaining

leaves. Better yet, the complete spring stack should

be replaced. If just the broken leaf is replaced, other

leaves in the stack will break in a short length of time.

Springs exhibit a ﬁnite (limited) service life. Failures

can be expected from normal fatigue after a respon-

sible service use.

In suspensions using the vari-rate springs and frame

brackets, the wear pads and main spring leaves

should be checked periodically for excessive wear.

Replacement wear pads are available for most

suspensions, and it may be necessary to install them

long before the main leaf requires replacement. Ex-

cessive wear at these load contact points eliminates

the vari-rate effect resulting in a rough ride. If these

load bearing points are left unattended, wear can

progress to the point where a complete frame hanger

replacement will be necessary. In some instances, an

occasional dab of grease at these points will greatly

reduce the fretting and wearing away of the wear

pads and main spring leaf.

SERVICE TIPS

To obtain maximum service life from a spring assembly

the following steps should be followed:

1. Before placing trailer in service, torque all U-bolts

evenly to manufacturer’s recommendation.

2. Retorque at 3,000 miles and every 3 months there-

after.

3. Broken spring leaves between the U-bolts indicates

loose U-bolts. Replace broken leaves at earliest

opportunity and lubricate the U-bolt threads before

tightening.

4. Spring leaf failures outside U-bolt area are an indi-

cation of:

a. Repeated overload.

b. Spring assembly has completed its normal life

cycle. In either case the entire spring assembly

should be replaced.

5. On vari-rate spring suspensions, periodically apply

lubricant between the spring assembly and hangers

to obtain maximum service life.

Leaf Type Springs Care And

Maintenance

Standard wheel material on your Fontaine trailer is

aluminum or steel disc wheels. Wheel nuts are in-

spected and tightened to speciﬁcations at the factory

and must be checked again at pre-delivery. To main-

tain the correct torque on the wheels of a new trailer

the nut torque must be checked periodically. During

normal highway operation of a new trailer, this check

should be made at the ﬁrst 100, 500, and 1,000

miles and every 5,000 miles thereafter. Severe service

conditions may require more tightening. Loose wheel

nuts may cause shimmy, uneven tire wear, and vibra-

tion. Elongated stud holes in the wheels may result

from loose hub nuts. Wheel and hub nuts must be

torqued to proper speciﬁcations to provide maximum

service life.

Wheel and Rim Care

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

Wheel bearing life depends on three things: (1)

Proper lubrication; (2) Cleanliness; and (3) Proper

adjustment. Trailer axle bearings are normally pro-

vided with wheel seals which require only keeping the

lubrication at the proper level. Whether installing new

bearings or servicing a trailer in the shop, here are the

steps to follow.

Remove the wheel hub and bearing cones. Clean all

the old grease from wheel hub, bearing cones, and

hub cap with kerosene or diesel fuel oil (not gasoline

and not in hot solution tank or with water-alkaline

solutions). Use a stiff ﬁber brush, but not a steel or

brass wire brush. Dry the parts with a clean absor-

bent cloth or paper. Compressed air can be used to

dry the bearing only if the air is ﬁltered, since water

in the air line can cause rusting. Also clean and dry

the hands and tools, since grease will not adhere to

a surface wet with solvent. If bearings are not to be

used soon, pack with wheel bearing grease and wrap

in clean wax paper. Don’t lay clean bearings on ﬂoor

or dirty workbench.

INSPECT FOR DAMAGE

While the bearing is clean and free of grease, inspect

it for signs of wear or damage. Excessive wear

caused by abrasive dirt is the most common cause

for premature bearing failure. This can be recognized

by a dull appearance to the rollers and raceways;

they may feel rough or show pit marks or indenta-

tions. Flaking or spalling on the small end of the

rollers on their corresponding cup and cone rolling

surfaces is caused by improper loose adjustment.

Spalling or excessive wear at the large end of the roll-

ers indicates an overly tight adjustment.

Fractures or ﬁne hairline cracks across the cup or

cone may be caused by forcing a cone assembly on

an oversize spindle, or forcing a cup into warped hub

bore, or by a cocked cup or a cocked cone. Brinnel-

ing (a series of lines or indentations on the raceways

spaced to a deﬁnite pattern) indicates a driving force

has squeezed the bearing and damaged the roll-

ers and raceways. This can be caused by improper

mounting practices or by sudden excessive shock

loads.

Corrosion or its pock-marks on the raceways and

rollers, resulting from water getting into the lubricant,

can be caused by a worn or damaged grease seal,

or by handling the bearing with moist hands, or by an

improper type of lubricant. Overheated bearings have

a blue or brown-blue discoloration, and deﬁnitely indi-

cate that the bearing metal has been damaged. This

can be caused by dirt, lack of lubricant, excessive

friction, or over adjustment (too tight).

Be sure to check the bearing cone for wear and pits.

After the bearing is clean, hold it up so that the bearing

is between the eye and the light. Look between the

rollers so that the raceway or outer surface of the cone

can be seen. Holding the cage, rotate the cone to

check for pits over its entire outer surface.

Replace bearings if any of these conditions exist. Also

replace worn or damaged grease or oil seals. Always

replace a seal if it has been removed from the axle. Be

sure to grease the lip of the grease seal before sliding

it on the axle. Check the condition of the hub and axle

spindle, and remove any nicks or burrs which might

prevent proper seating.

The bearing cup must ﬁt tightly in hub. This must be

a press ﬁt. Use an arbor press to install the cup in the

hub, checking to make sure that it is square and com-

pletely bottomed. If an arbor press is not available, use

an old bearing cup as a driving tool and tap it lightly

with a hammer. Never strike the narrow section of a

cup directly with a hammer, since this can chip or crack

the case hardened surface.

ADJUSTMENT OF BEARINGS

There have been many changes in the spindle nuts

being used on trailer axles. The new designs have

changed the method required to properly adjust the

bearings. While many wheel end systems still use the

old three (3) piece system, there are inherent differenc-

es even in this system depending on the source for the

spindle nuts. Adjustment of bearings requires a full un-

derstanding of the different spindle nut systems offered

and where to ﬁnd the correct adjustment procedure.

Feel free to contact Fontaine PartSource, a Fontaine

dealer or the OEM factory for help in determining the

system on your trailer.

How To Service And Install

Wheel Bearings

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

Some links to popular websites pertaining to trailer

axle and suspension information including wheel end

adjustment procedures are shown below. Copy the

link into your web browser to access recommended

adjustment procedures:

Hendrickson International: www.Hendrickson-Intl.com

Arvin Meritor: www.Meritor.com

Stemco Bearing Adjustment Procedure

https://www.fontainetrailer.com/pdfs/Stemco_

Bearing_Adjustment_Procedure.pdf

Hendrickson Poster – Precision Nut System

https://www.fontainetrailer.com/pdfs/T71005.pdf

Hendrickson Standard Wheel end Maintenance

https://www.fontainetrailer.com/pdfs/L496.pdf

Hendrickson HXL3 Wheel end Maintenance

https://www.fontainetrailer.com/pdfs/T72006.pdf

Hendrickson HXL5 Wheel end Maintenance

https://www.fontainetrailer.com/pdfs/T72007.pdf

Hendrickson HXL7 Wheel end Maintenance

https://www.fontainetrailer.com/pdfs/T72002.pdf

Adjustment Info can also be found in the TMC

Recommended Practices:

RP618A

RP622A

Disc Wheel Mounting Instructions for 6 & 10 Stud

Hubs with BALL SEAT Mounted Disc Wheels.

Rims must be correctly assembled, using the correct

capnuts and must be correctly aligned to assure maxi-

mum service life and maximum safety.

1. All parts must be clean, free of rust, dirt or paint.

2. Position the inner wheel over the studs being careful

not to damage the threads.

3. Install inner capnuts and tighten to 50 FT. LBS. in

the sequence shown

Then tighten to full torque using the same sequence

Thread Size Torque

Standard Capnut 3/4-

16 and 1-1/8-16

450-500 Ft. Lbs.

How To Service And Install

Wheel Bearings

Wheel Installation and

Maintenance

CAUTION

DISASSEMBLY AND REPAIR OF ANY WHEEL

END IS A COMPLEX AS WELL AS A SAFE-

TY RELATED TASK THAT SHOULD NOT BE

UNDER TAKEN BY AN INEXPERIENCED

MECHANIC. SPECIAL TOOLS AND INFOR-

MATION ARE REQUIRED. REFER THESE

REPAIRS TO YOUR FONTAINE DEALER.

CAUTION

THE TORQUE LISTED IS FOR DRY THREADS

WITH NO LUBRICANT. PROPER CAPNUT

TORQUE IS IMPORTANT. INSUFFICIENT

TORQUE CAN CAUSE STUD BREAKAGE

AND DAMAGE. OVER TORQUE CAN OVER

STRESS THE STUDS AND STRIP THE

THREADS.

6 stud 10 stud

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

4. Position the outer wheel over the inner capnuts be-

ing careful not to damage the threads.

5. Install the outer capnuts and tighten to 50 FT. LBS.

in the sequence shown in Step 3. Then tighten to

full torque using the same sequence.

6. After the ﬁrst 50 to 100 miles of service the capnut

torque should be rechecked.

A. Loosen the outer capnuts.

B. Check the torque of the inner capnuts in the

tightening direction.

C. Tighten the outer capnuts to 50 FT. LBS. in

the sequence shown if Step 5. Tighten to full

torque using the same sequence.

Disc Wheel Mounting Instructions for 8 & 10

Stud Hubs with HUB PILOTED Disc Wheels.

1. All parts must be clean, free of rust, dirt or paint.

2. Position the inner wheel over the studs being care-

ful not to damage the threads.

3. Position the outer wheel over the studs being care-

ful not to damage the threads.

4. Install ﬂange nuts and tighten to 50 FT. LBS. in the

sequence shown

Then tighten to full torque using the same sequence.

Thread Size Torque

M-22 x 1.5 500-550 Ft. Lbs.

5. After the ﬁrst 50 to 100 miles of service the cap-

nut torque should be retightened to 500-550 ft.

lbs.

6. Make sure the surface on the disc wheel, which

is contacted by the ﬂange nuts is ﬂat.

7. Disc wheel mounting surfaces should not have

more than 1-1/2 Mil. Thickness of paint. Ex-

cessive paint thickness can cause loose disc

wheels.

Wheel Installation and

Maintenance

CAUTION

THE TORQUE LISTED IS FOR DRY THREADS

WITH NO LUBRICANT. PROPER CAPNUT

TORQUE IS IMPORTANT. INSUFFICIENT

TORQUE CAN CAUSE STUD BREAKAGE

AND DAMAGE. OVER TORQUE CAN OVER

STRESS THE STUDS AND STRIP THE

THREADS.

CAUTION

BEFORE INSTALLING TWO PIECE CONE

LOCK CAPNUTS, LUBRICATE THE CON-

TACT SURFACES BETWEEN THE CAPNUT

AND WASHER WITH SAE30W OIL. THIS

WILL MINIMIZE CORROSION BETWEEN

THE MATING SURFACES. WHEEL STUDS

ON HUBS OF VEHICLES UTILIZING THE

HUB-PILOTED WHEEL SYSTEM HAVE

RIGHT-HAND THREADS.

8 stud 10 stud

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

OPERATIONAL CHECK

Trailers equipped with Drum Brakes utilize slack

adjusters to control the relationship of the brake lining

relative to the brake drum surface to minimize spring-

brake pushrod stroke and maximize braking power.

It is important to ensure the slack is properly

adjusted prior to each trip.

Functional operation of the slack adjuster can be

performed on the vehicle by:

1. Block wheels to prevent

vehicle from rolling.

2. Check that the push rod

is fully retracted; apply air

to release spring brake.

3. Manually de-adjust

brakes (turn adjustment

hex counterclockwise)

to create an excessive

clearance condition. (A

ratcheting sound will oc-

cur)

4. Make a full service brake

application, on release; allow sufﬁcient time for

brake to fully retract. During the brake release,

observe rotation of the adjustment hex (attaching

a wrench on the hex will make this rotation easier

to see). This rotation indicates that an excessive

clearance condition has been determined by the

slack adjuster, and it is making an adjustment to

compensate. On each subsequent brake release

the amount of adjustment and pushrod travel

will be reduced until the desired clearance is

achieved.

5. Refer to the Slack Adjuster manufacturer’s lit-

erature for more detailed information and proper

pushrod stroke requirements.

LUBRICATION

The Self-Adjusting Slack Adjuster should be lubri-

cated in conjunction with the lubrication prescribed

for vehicle chassis. The lubrication interval should not,

however, exceed 10,000 miles or 3 months. No spe-

cial grease is required, however the use of moly-disul-

phide loaded grease or oil is not recommended since

it may lower friction capabilities in the adjusting clutch

parts, and decrease automatic adjustment reliability.

INSPECTION

1. During normal lubrication intervals, visually inspect

slack adjuster and anchor bracket for damage.

Check that anchor bracket is tight and the control

arm is in its "Full Release" position (refer to manu-

facturer literature).

2. Maintaining proper brake adjustment and brake bal-

ance cannot be accomplished by the slack adjuster

alone. The condition of foundation brake compo-

nents has a direct bearing on the effectiveness of

brake adjustment; therefore, periodic inspection of

these components is necessary.

a. BRAKE CHAMBERS

Check that brake chamber mounting bolts are

tight and proper alignment is maintained to avoid

interference between chamber pushrod and

chamber housing. Verify that the brake cham-

ber pushrod length is equal on opposing brake

chambers of the same axle.

b. CAMSHAFT BUSHINGS

Optimum brake adjustment cannot be achieved

when worn bushings are used

c. WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT

Accurate wheel bearing pre-load is necessary to

maintain proper alignment between the brake

drum and brake shoes.

MAINTENANCE

During normal chassis lube, adjusters should be in-

spected for damage. Check anchor brackets to ensure

that they are tight.

During reline, check the de-adjustment torque. Place

a torque wrench on the 7/16" adjusting hex. Turn the

torque wrench counterclockwise and check that the

clutch does not slip at a torque less than 13 Ft. Lbs. A

ratcheting sound will occur while backing off. If clutch

slips at a lesser torque, the adjuster must be replaced.

Self Adjusting Slack Adjuster

NOTE

REFER TO THE SLACK ADJUSTER MANU-

FACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

COMPLETE DETAILS ON MAINTENANCE,

INSPECTION AND TROUBLESHOOTING OF

THIS COMPONENT.

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

1. Allow periodic cooling off stops when operating in

mountainous terrain but do not set brakes when

drums are extremely hot. Park on level ground, in

gear for cooling-down period.

2. If possible, avoid water pockets in road that may

drench red hot drums and cause cracking.

3. Do not favor tractor or trailer brakes at the ex-

pense of other. This reduces braking action of

the unit and places a severe burden on the brake

components doing the work.

4. Periodically inspect valves, linings, drums, cams

and other brake parts to see that they are properly

adjusted and in good working order.

5. Replace bent or distorted brake shoes immedi-

ately.

6. Replace worn brake linings before the bolts or

rivets have a chance to score the drums.

7. Remove small stones or foreign matter that may

occasionally get inside drums.

8. Consult reputable brake lining specialists for

recommended makes and grades of lining that will

prolong drum life.

9. Make sure tractor-trailer units have an adequate

ratio of surface lining area to gross vehicle weight.

10. Do not overload.

11. Balance loads wherever possible to maintain uni-

form axle-load and therefore brake-drum distribu-

tion.

12. Use brake drums of adequate weight and thick

ness for unusual or severe applications.

13. Practice safe, sensible driving habits.

INFLATION PRESSURE

The most critical factor in tire maintenance is proper

inﬂation. No tire or tube is completely impervious to

loss of air pressure. To avoid the hazards of under

inﬂation, lost air must be replaced.

Driving on any tire that does not have the correct

inﬂation pressure is dangerous and will cause tire

damage.

Any under inﬂated tire builds up excessive heat that

may result in sudden tire destruction. The correct

inﬂation pressures for your tires are a function of

many factors including: load, speed, road surface and

handling. Consult your tire dealer for the proper inﬂa-

tion pressures for your application.

Check inﬂation pressures on all your tires at least

once a week, including spares.

Pressure should be checked when tires are cold,

before they have been driven over the road. The ideal

time to check tire pressures is early morning. Driving,

even for a short distance, causes tires to heat up and

air pressures to increase.

Never bleed air from hot tires as your tires will then be

under inﬂated. Make sure to check both tires in a dual

ﬁtment. Pressures should be the same.

For optimum tire performance it is usually best to use

the tire inﬂation pressure recommended by the tire

manufacturer for the particular axle load. Exceed-

ing this pressure could result in reduced traction and

tread life.

Tips for Prolonged Brake Drum Life Tire Maintenance

CAUTION

FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CORRECT INFLA-

TION PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN SUDDEN

TIRE DESTRUCTION, IMPROPER VEHICLE

HANDLING, AND MAY CAUSE RAPID AND

IRREGULAR TIRE WEAR. THEREFORE,

INFLATION PRESSURES SHOULD BE

CHECKED WEEKLY AND ALWAYS BEFORE

LONG DISTANCE TRIPS.

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

TIRE INSPECTION

While checking inﬂation pressures, it is a good time

to INSPECT YOUR TIRES. ANY TIME YOU SEE

ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR TIRES OR WHEELS/

RIMS, SEE ANY OF YOUR TIRE DEALERS AT

ONCE.

Before driving, inspect your tires, including the spare,

and check your air pressures. If your pressure check

indicates that one of your tires has lost pressure of

four pounds or more, look for signs of penetrations,

valve leakage, or wheel/rim damage that may ac-

count for air loss.

Always examine your tires for bulges, cracks, cuts

or penetrations. If any such damage is found, a Tire

dealer must inspect the tire at once. Use of a dam-

aged tire could result in tire destruction, property

damage and personal injury.

DRIVE CAREFULLY

All tires will wear out faster when subjected to high

speeds as well as hard cornering, rapid starts, sud-

den stops and frequent driving on surfaces that are in

poor condition. Surfaces with potholes or rocks and

other objects can damage tires and cause vehicle

misalignment. When you drive on such surfaces, drive

on them carefully and slowly, and before driving at

normal or highway speeds, examine your tires for any

damage, such as cuts or penetrations.

DO NOT OVERLOAD

The maximum load that can be put on a truck tire is

dependent upon the speed at which the tire will be

used. Consult your Tire dealer for complete informa-

tion on the allowable loads for your tires in your ap-

plication. Tires that are loaded beyond their maximum

allowable loads for the particular application will build

up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire de-

struction, property damage and personal injury.

Do not exceed the gross axle weight ratings for any

axle on your vehicle.

DRIVE AT PROPER SPEEDS

The maximum speed at which tires can be operated

is indicated in the tire manufacturer's data book. This

speed varies for each type of tire and depends on the

type of application. Consult your Tire dealer for assis-

tance in determining the maximum speed for your ap-

plication. You should not exceed reasonable speeds

indicated by the legal limits and driving conditions.

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CORRECT

INFLATION PRESSURE IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT.

However, at these speeds, even with correct inﬂa-

tion pressures, a road hazard, for example, is more

difﬁcult to avoid and if contact is made, has a greater

chance of causing tire damage than at lower speed.

Moreover, driving at high speed increases the pos-

sibility of an accident as a greater distance is required

to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

BALANCING

Under normal conditions, truck tires do not need to

be balanced. Common practice is to check tire bal-

ance if a ride complaint is made by the driver. Before

removing the tire-wheel assembly from the vehicle,

check for radial and lateral runout. Bent wheels and

rims or improper mounting can cause excessive

runouts. If balance is still required, a simple static

balance with bubble balance or a wall mounted axle

bearing and hub type gravity balance should be suf-

ﬁcient.

ROTATION

Tires should be rotated only when necessary. If the

tires are wearing evenly, there is no need to rotate. If

irregular wear becomes apparent or if the wear rate

on the tires is perceptively different (from axle to axle),

then the tires should be rotated in such a manner as

to alleviate the conditions.

Tire Maintenance

CAUTION

EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM SPEED FOR

VEHICLE YOUR TIRES IS RATED CAN RE-

SULT IN SUDDEN TIRE DESTRUCTION,

PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL IN-

JURY.

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

STORAGE

All tires should be stored in a cool dry place indoors

so that there is no danger of water collecting inside

them. Serious problems can occur with tube-type

tires when they are mounted with water trapped

between the tire and tube. Due to pressurization, the

liquid can pass through the inner liner and into the

casing plies.

This can result in sudden tire failure. Most of the

problems of this nature have been due to improper

storage that allowed water to enter the casing. This is

a particular problem with tube-type tires because of

the difﬁculty in detecting water that collected between

the tire and tube. When tires are stored, they should

be stored in a cool place away from sources of heat

and ozone such as hot pipes and electric generators.

Be sure tires do not contact surfaces which could

deteriorate the rubber. TIRES EXPOSED TO THESE

SUBSTANCES COULD BE SUBJECT TO SUDDEN

FAILURE.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF DYNA-

MOMETERS

Severe damage can result in the crown area of radial

truck tires when run on dynamometers for extended

periods. Quite often the damage is internal and not

discovered until after the vehicle has been put back in

service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Always use a safety device when inﬂating. Never

stand over tire or in front of valve when inﬂating.

Before ﬁnal inﬂation, check the assembly carefully for

apparent sign of weakness or irregularities.

TIRE MIXING

Tire Maintenance Demounting and Mounting Tires

CAUTION

DEMOUNTING, MOUNTING AND INFLA-

TION OF TIRES SHOULD BE COMPLETED

BY A PROPERLY TRAINED, EXPERIENCED

AND EQUIPPED MECHANIC/TECHNICIAN.

BODILY HARM OR DEATH CAN OCCUR IF

CAUTION IS NOT EXERCISED DURING THIS

PROCESS.

CAUTION

IMPROPER TIRE MIXING CAN BE DANGER-

OUS ON VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR MORE

WHEEL POSITIONS. RADIAL AND NON-RA-

DIAL TIRES SHOULD NOT BE MIXED IN A

DUAL FITMENT.

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

LIGHTS AND WIRING

The lighting system for your trailer is a heavy duty,

12-volt, 30-amp system. The 7-way receptacle is

located on the front of the trailer near the glad-hands.

The jumper cable from the truck tractor plugs into the

trailer’s 7-way receptacle to complete the electrical

circuit to the trailer. The receptacle is equipped with

a hinge type cover to protect it from exposure to dirt

and water. The same light switches that control the

lights on the truck tractor control trailer lights.

Proper maintenance of the lighting system requires

periodic cleaning of lamps, and reﬂectors to assure

maximum visibility of the tractor and trailer. Use a

damp cloth to wipe the lenses. A dry cloth will cause

the dirt to act as an abrasive and scratch the lenses.

A daily cleaning can be worth the time invested, plus,

it’s a good safety practice. Maintenance of the lighting

and wiring system consists of an occasional inspec-

tion to see that all wiring connections are tight. Make

sure the lighting units are securely mounted, and the

wiring is not pinched or damaged. Inspect lights, cou-

plings and sockets for their serviceability and replace

as required.

TURN SIGNAL and HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM

The turn signal lever and hazard ﬂasher are located in

the truck tractor. To operate the turn signals, the igni-

tion switch must be in the ON position. The hazard

ﬂasher system is operated independently of the igni-

tion system in most cases. All turn signal lights can

be made to ﬂash simultaneously by pulling out the

activating knob on the hazard ﬂasher switch.

Two ﬂasher units are used for the trailer. One unit is

used in the turn signal circuit and the other for the

hazard ﬂasher system located in the truck tractor. The

most common problems with the turn signals and

hazard ﬂasher system are defective ﬂashers, burned-

out bulbs, blown fuses, defective switches or faulty

wiring.

REFLECTORS

Reﬂectors are located on the front, sides and rear

sections of the trailer. They should be kept clean by

wiping with a damp cloth. Replace any reﬂectors that

are cracked or broken.

STOP, TAIL, TURN, MARKER & IDENTIFICATION

LIGHTS

To remove lens and bulb with grommet mount instal-

lations, insert a screwdriver under the lens ﬂange and

pry lens out of the soft housing.

LICENSE LAMP

To remove license bulb from the license lamp, remove

the mounting screws and remove license lamp cover.

Follow the same instructions used for the clearance,

marker and identiﬁcation lights above. Re-install cover

using the mounting screws.

CONSPICUITY/RETRO-REFLECTIVE TAPE

Proper maintenance of the conspicuity/retro

reﬂective tape system is the responsibility of

the owner/operator as outlined in DOT 49 CFR

393.11 (b). Conspicuity reﬂectivity require-

ments and vehicle coverage requirements are

contained in CFR Part 571 under FMVSS 108

Regulations.

Electrical System

NOTE

ALL FONTAINE TRAILERS MANUFAC-

TURED AFTER MARCH 1, 1997 ARE WIRED

TO PROVIDE CONSTANT POWER TO THE

TRAILER’S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

(ABS) FROM THE CENTER PIN OF THE MAIN

7-WAY CONNECTOR AT THE FRONT OF

THE TRAILER. IF YOU NEED HELP DETER-

MINING HOW YOUR PARTICULAR TRAILER

IS WIRED, CONTACT FONTAINE TRAILER

COMPANY AT 1-205-485-1300.

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

Platform trailers that set idle for periods of time are

exposed to the elements where they may suffer

weather damage. This damage results from excessive

sunlight, temperature and/or moisture. The damage

from sunlight and high temperatures may take the

form of shrinkage to the top face of the decking caus-

ing larger than normal spacing to appear between

boards. Often this will be accompanied by concave

cupping of the decking, which is more pronounced

in wider width pieces and cracking or splitting of the

decking known as season checking. These cracks

may cause other problems. The cracks ﬁll with

rainwater and absorption of water into the wood can

lead to degradation as trapped water penetrates the

interior portion of the boards.

Prevention of weather damage can be greatly

minimized by applying a good water repellent wood

preservative to all visible surfaces of the decking. The

cost of labor to apply the treatment and the material

is modest when compared to the potential degrada-

tion from the weather elements. It takes less than

one hour of labor and approximately four gallons of

repellent using a hand roller or preferably, a hand held

pump up sprayer.

Various types of products used are Thompson’s and

Baer’s Waterseal, linseed oil and Wood Guard* which

contains a preservative agent that may produce bet-

ter results. Any of these products will help increase

the life of the decking. Incorporate a maintenance

program for coating the decking will beneﬁt the end

user, especially if the trailer has been setting idle for

any length of time.

Applying UV-inhibitors and water repellents twice an-

nually (spring and fall) creates the best results. A lib-

eral coating when trailer is new will begin the process

of limiting the effects of the environment.

Remember, wood is a product of nature and will

acclimate to its surrounding environment. Properly

seasoned decking can change dimensions after

installation given the right conditions and excessive

swings in the environment (winter/summer) will take

its toll on decking. Platforms setting dead lined or idle

are subject to a different environment than those in

operation even in the same locations.

*Wood Guard by ISK Biosciences, Memphis, TN

(800-524-1093).

Care of Wood Decking for

Platform Trailers

Section 3 - Preventive Maintenance

To directly assist in keeping your trailer on the road

and rolling, the following troubleshooting guide has

been prepared for your convenience. You can avoid

serious delay and downtime in servicing your trailer if

the cause of the trouble can be diagnosed and cor-

rected quickly by you.

Brakes

BRAKES WILL NOT RELEASE

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Low air Pressure 1. Check air line connections & verify

sufﬁcient air in tank

2. Brake shoes bound up at cams 2. Lubricate brake operating parts.

3. Brake out of adjustment. 3. Adjust brakes.

4. Damaged brake assembly. 4. See your nearest Fontaine Service

Center

5. Source of air supply shut off at tractor 5. Push control valve IN

BRAKES GRABBING

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Foreign material on brake lining 1. Reline brakes

2. Brakes out of adjustment 2. Adjust brakes

3. Brake drum out-of-round 3. Replace brake drum

4. Damaged brake chamber or internal

assembly

4. See your nearest Fontaine Service

Center

5. Leaky or broken hose between

relay valve and brake chamber

5. Replace or repair as required

SLOW BRAKE APPLICATION OR RELEASE

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Lack of lubrication 1. Lubricate brake operating parts

2. Excessive pushrod travel in spring

brake air chamber

2. Adjust brakes

3. Restriction in hose or line 3. Replace broken hose or line

4. Defective brake valve 4. Replace brake valve

NO BRAKES OR INSUFFICIENT BRAKES

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Low brake line pressure 1. Check air pressure gauge on trac-

tor - Inoperative

2. Brake lines between tractor and

trailer not properly coupled

2. Properly couple brake lines

3. Reservoir drain cock open 3. Close drain cock.

BRAKES DRAGGING

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Out of adjustment 1. Adjust brakes

2. Binding cam, anchor pins or cham-

ber rod end pin

2. Lubricate and free up

3. Damaged brake assembly or brake

drum out-of-round

3. Replace. See your nearest Fontaine

Service Center

Section 4 - Troubleshooting Guide

Wheels, Tires and Alignment

PULLING HARD

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Broken or cracked spring 1. Replace complete spring

2. Uneven load distribution

2. Rearrange load for proper

distribution

3. Weak spring 3. Replace complete spring

4. Axle out of alignment 4. Align axle

5. Tracking to one side or excess tire

wear

5. Align axle

UNEVEN TIRE WEAR

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Over and under inﬂation 1. Inﬂate to proper pressure

2. Loose wheel stud nuts or clamps 2. Tighten wheel stud nuts or clamps

3. Loose or tight wheel bearing adjust-

ment

3. Adjust bearings

4. Axle bent or out of alignment 4. Replace axle

5. Tires not properly matched 5. Match tires

6. Improper brake actuation 6. Correct brakes as required

7. Rapid stopping 7. Apply brakes slowly when

approaching stop

8. High speed driving on turns 8. Reduce speed

WHEELS, HUBS AND TIRES

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Tire wobble due to uneven rim

clamping

1. Torque tighten all rim clamps

2. Burnt, worn or damaged wheel bear-

ings

2. Replace bearings

3. Bent wheel or rim 3. Replace wheel or rim

4. Bent axle 4. Replace axle

TRACKING TO ONE SIDE

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Leaf spring broken 1. Replace complete spring

2. Bent axle 2. Replace axle

3. Axles out of alignment 3. Align axles

LOSS OF TIRE AIR PRESSURE

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Puncture in tire 1. Repair or replace tire

2. Faulty valve or valve core 2. Replace valve assembly or core

SCUFFED TIRES

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Over and under inﬂation 1. Inﬂate to proper pressure

2. Excessive speed on turns 2. Reduce speed

Section 4 - Troubleshooting Guide

Landing Gear

Electrical System

DIFFICULTY IN TURNING HANDCRANK

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Bent crank shaft 1. Straighten or replace shaft

2. Bent cross shaft 2. Replace shaft

3. Lack of lubricant or correct lubricant 3. Lubricate in accordance with lubri-

cation chart

4. Gears or components damaged 4. Free up or replace

5. Jackscrew nut jammed 5. Replace inner leg assembly

WIRING, FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKER

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Circuit breaker kicks off 1. Correct short. Splice or repair wir-

ing

2. Wires burned 2. Replace wiring

3. Contact points dirty or corroded 3. Remove lamp unit and clean

4. Loss of ground at bulb 4. Repair as necessary

COMPLETE LOSS OF TRAILER LIGHTS

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Broken main harness 1. Repair or replace wire

2. Blown fuse or breaker 2. Replace fuse

3. Broken ground lead between tractor

and trailer

3. Check, repair or replace jumper

cable if equipped

4. Loose or corroded connection in

ground lead between tractor and

trailer

4. Repair or replace

DIM OR FLICKERING LIGHTS

Probable Cause Remedy

1. Battery on tractor not sufﬁciently

charged

1. Change battery

2. Damaged wire in jumper cable 2. Repair or replace wire

3. Dirty or corroded contact blades 3. Clean contact blades

4. Loose connection 4. Repair as necessary

5. Poor ground at socket 5. Repair as necessary

Section 4 - Troubleshooting Guide

Always insist on Fontaine parts and service.

To ﬁnd the Fontaine service center and dealer

nearest you visit www.fontainepartsource.com

or email: parts@fontainetrailer.net

Fontaine Trailer Parts

Section 5 - Important Information

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which

could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,

you should immediately inform the National High-

way Trafﬁc Safety Administration (NHTSA) in

addition to notifying FONTAINE TRAILER COMPANY.

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 any individual problems between you, your

dealer or FONTAINE TRAILER COMPANY.

To contact NHTSA you may either call the Auto

Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (366-0123

in Washington DC area) or write:

NHTSA

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

400 7th Street SW, (NSA-11)

Washington, DC 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor

vehicle safety from the NHTSA Hotline.

FONTAINE TRAILER COMPANY

P.O. Box 619

430 Letson Rd

Haleyville, AL 355656

Toll-Free: 1-800-821-6535

www.fontainetrailer.com

NHTSA Reporting

Section 5 - Important Information

AXLES and SUSPENSION:

Hendrickson

Trailer Suspension Systems

2070 Industrial Place SE

Canton, OH 44707-2600

Phone: (800)-455-0043

www.hendrickson-intl.com

Hutchens Industries, Inc.

P.O. Box 1427

Springﬁeld, Missouri 65801-

1427

Phone: (800)-654-8824

ArvinMeritor

2135 West Maple Road

Troy, MI 48084 USA

Phone: (800)-535-5560

www.arvinmeritor.com

BRAKE SYSTEMS:

Meritor WABCO

Vehicle Control Systems

2135 West Maple Road

Troy, MI 48084 USA

Phone: (800)-535-5560

www.meritorwabco.com

Haldex Brake Products

10707 N.W. Airworld Drive

Kansas City, MO 64153-1215

Phone: (816) 891-2470

www.hbsna.com

Meritor (Auto Slacks)

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems

2135 West Maple Road

Troy, MI 48084 USA

Phone: (800)-535-5560

www.drivetrainplus.com

Sealco Commercial Vehicle

Products

215 East Watkins Street,

Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Phone: (602) 253-1007

www.sealcocvp.com

MGM Brakes

8530 Cliff Cameron Drive

Charlotte, NC 29269-9786

Phone: (800) 527-1534

www.MGMBrakes.com

APPENDIX: Component

Manufacturers

Knorr/Bendix

901 Cleveland Street

Elyria, Ohio 44035

Toll-Free: 1-800-AIR-BRAKE

http://www.bendix.com/

TSE Brakes

2310 Industrial Drive S.W.

Cullman, AL 35055

http://www.tsebrakes.com

TIRE INFLATION SYSTEMS:

Hendrickson

Trailer Suspension Systems

(See Above)

Meritor WABCO

(See Above)

LIGHTS / HARNESSES:

Truck-Lite Company, Inc.

310 E Elmwood Ave.

Falconer, NY 14733

Phone: (800) 562-5012

www.truck-lite.com

Phillips Industries

12012 Burke Street

Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

Phone: (800) 423-4512

www.phillipsind.com

Peterson Manufacturing Co.

4200 E. 135th Street

Grandview, MO 64030

Phone: (816) 765-2000

www.pmlights.com

Grote Industries, Inc.

2600 Lanier Drive

Madison, IN 47250

Phone: (812) 273-1296

www.grote.com

Section 5 - Important Information

WHEELS

Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.

Akron Operations

428 Seiberling Street

Akron, OH 44306-3282

Wheel & Rim Customer Service:

Phone: (800) 337-0457 or 0458

http://ch.hayes-lemmerz.com

Accuride Corporation

7140 Ofﬁce Circle

P.O. Box 15600

Evansville, IN 47716-0600

Phone: (888) 770-7282

www.accuridecorp.com

Alcoa Inc. Wheel Products

1600 Harvard Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44105

Phone: (800) 242-9898

www.alcoa.com

APPENDIX: Component

Manufacturers

Section 5 - Important Information

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability

Section 5 - Important Information

FONTAINE TRAILER

Trailer Tare Weight

XXXX LB

Section 5 - Important Information

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability

Section 5 - Important Information

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability

Section 5 - Important Information

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability

Section 5 - Important Information

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability

Section 5 - Important Information

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability

Section 5 - Important Information

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability

Section 5 - Important Information

APPENDIX: Trailer Decals for Readability

ABS NOTICE - Connector Wiring Change ......... 14

Accessing The Trailer Deck ................................ 19

Anchor Points .................................................... 20

Anti-Lock Braking System ................................. 14

Anti-Lock Braking System: Lamp Codes ........... 15

Axle Alignment ..................................................... 9

Basic Maintenance Schedule ............................. 25

Basic Trailer Maintenance .................................. 26

Brake Drum ....................................................... 32

Brakes ............................................................... 37

Bulkhead Securement ....................................... 22

Care of Wood Decking ...................................... 36

Chain ................................................................. 21

Checking Trailer Ride Height .............................. 11

Conspicuity ....................................................... 35

Contents ............................................................. 2

Coupling ............................................................ 16

Coupling and Uncoupling .................................. 16

Decal Locations ................................................... 5

Decals if trailer has extra options ....................... 7

Front Decals ...................................................... 5

Side Decals ....................................................... 6

Demounting and Mounting Tires ........................ 34

Electrical System ......................................... 35, 39

Fifth Wheel ........................................................ 16

Fontaine PartSource .......................................... 40

Fontaine Trailer Parts ......................................... 40

Hazard Flasher System ...................................... 35

Hub/Wheel Installation and Maintenance ........... 29

Kingpin .............................................................. 11

Landing Gear ................................................. 8, 39

Leaf Type Springs Care And Maintenance ......... 27

License Lamp .................................................... 35

Lights ................................................................. 35

Lights and Wiring ............................................... 35

Load Securement: Anchor Points ...................... 20

Load Securement: Chain Securement ............... 21

Load Securement: Winch and Strap .................. 20

Lubrication Notes .............................................. 26

Maintenance

Daily Intervals and Pre-Trip .............................. 25

Monthly Intervals ............................................. 25

Six Month Intervals .......................................... 25

Maintenance Record ................................... 54, 55

NHTSA Reporting .............................................. 41

Index

Section 5 - Important Information

Operating Instructions ......................................... 3

Operating Limits And Restrictions ........................ 4

Reﬂective Tape .................................................. 35

Reﬂectors .......................................................... 35

Reporting Safety Defects ................................... 41

Ride Height Measurement ................................. 11

Self Adjusting Slack Adjuster ............................. 31

Slack Adjuster ................................................... 31

Sliding Suspension Operation ............................ 23

Sliding Suspension Positioning .......................... 23

Strap ................................................................. 20

Suspension System Axle Alignment

How to Correct the Alignment of Axles ............ 10

Suspension System: Axle Alignment .................... 9

Single Axle Trailers ............................................ 9

Tandem Axle Trailers ....................................... 10

Suspension System: Height Control................... 13

Suspension System: Ride Height Adjustment .... 11

Tire Maintenance ............................................... 32

Trailer Preventive Maintenance program (TPM) ..... 3

Trailer Ride Height ............................................. 12

Troubleshooting

Brakes ............................................................ 37

Electrical System ............................................. 39

Landing Gear .................................................. 39

Wheels, Tires and Alignment ........................... 38

Turn Signal ........................................................ 35

Uncoupling ........................................................ 18

Wheel and Rim Care .......................................... 27

Wheel Bearings ................................................. 28

Wheel Installation and Maintenance ................... 29

Wheels, Tires and Alignment .............................. 38

Winch 20

Wood Decking ................................................... 36

Index

Section 5 - Important Information

Date Maintenance Performed

Section 5 - Important Information

Maintenance Record

Date Maintenance Performed

Section 5 - Important Information

Fontaine Commercial Platform

430 Letson Road

Haleyville, Alabama 35565

800-821-6535