Manufacturing Ltd. Owner s Manual

Manufacturing Ltd. Owner s Manual

Serial # Paint Color

Table of Contents Introduction.... 2 Knowing Your Trailer Stock Trailer............................. 3 5 Flat Deck Trailer.......................... 6 7 Recommended Usage of Sure-Lube System........... 8 The Power of Protection.... 9 Bearing Maintenance Guide.... 10 11 Recommended Wheel Bearing Lubrication Specifications. 12 General Maintenance Brake Adjustment... 13 Brake Cleaning and Inspection.... 14 Brake Lubrication........................... 14 Magnets... 14 15 Shoes and Linings...................... 15 16 Exploded View of a 7000 lb. Electric Brake........... 17 Exploded View of a 7000 lb. Hydraulic Brake......... 18 Torque Requirements... 19 Breakaway System.... 20 21 Battery................................... 21 22 Service Load and Inflation Table................... 23 Tire Wear Diagnostic Chart....................... 24 Trip Preparation Checklist... 25 Maintenance Schedule.... 26 Trailer Plug Wiring Diagrams...................... 27 Warranty... 28 Warranty Claim Procedure... 29 Paint Warranty................................. 30 Axles Assembly Warranty......................... 31 1

Introduction Congratulations on the purchase of your New Norbert Trailer. You have just bought one of the most durable trailers on the road today. Whether it s for work or pleasure, your trailer will give you years of trouble free use with proper care and maintenance. Norbert s Manufacturing Ltd. has been in operation since 1990. A farmer named Norbert Vanwynsberghe founded the company in the mid 80 s. Norbert started welding in his small shop as a secondary income to farming. Norbert soon found himself very busy and felt he could build a better trailer than what was available on the market. Norbert being a cattle man himself, designed a unibody stock trailer that would suit his needs as well as others. A strong, easy cleaning, rattle free trailer was built and the company has been growing since. In January 1996 Norbert was taken from us in a tragic snowmobile accident. Taking on the family run business are Norbert s two children. Norbert s Manufacturing currently employs 45 local people with approximately 550-600 trailers being sold North American wide per year. Norbert s Manufacturing uses the finest products available and each trailer is checked before it leaves the facility to ensure quality control. Norbert s is always striving to build a better trailer and to stay on top as an industry leader. For all your trailer needs Make It Norbert s 2

Knowing Your Trailer Stock Trailer 1) Your stock trailer has a high grade automotive finish on the outside and epoxy coating on the inside. Just like your vehicle it must be washed and maintained to keep it looking new. Wash trailer frequently with soap and water to rid trailer of salt and other debris. If pressure washer is to be used, hold it away from paint. Try not to use direct pressure as some washers have a tremendous amount of PSI which is hard on paint finishes. Waxing the exterior will help in the prevention of oxidation and keep your trailer looking like new. Try and clean the inside of your trailer as often as possible. Use a plastic shovel rather than steel, as plastic will not scrape the paint off the sides. If mats are used, try and pull them out frequently to avoid manure build up against walls. 2) Your trailer is equipped with grease fittings on side and rear doors. Grease regularly to avoid hinges from seizing. This should be done at least a couple of times a year. The rear door has two spring pin closures on the left and a spring lever on the lower middle. The three levers will help hold the door closed in three points to avoid bending. The center closure will prevent slide door from opening and is lockable. The left lower closure has a safety feature in that if livestock were to kick the rear door the catch on the closure will stop the door from hitting you. The slider door can also be opened from the inside of the trailer by pushing down on the lever in the right corner. 3

3) There is an oiling hole located on the top of the jack handle shaft. A couple drops of oil will help ease shaft movement. 4) The neck is adjustable and should be checked frequently to ensure it is tight. There is an adjuster bolt on the rear of the neck to snug the tube tight so as not to move. 5) The center gate has a locking lever on the outside of the trailer. When moved to the left placing it under the locking tab the gate cannot be opened from the inside of the trailer. When moved to the right the lever can be pulled from the outside to release the gate. This eliminates the need to go in the trailer. 6) Your wheels must be checked and re torque after first 10 miles, 25 miles and at 50 miles. Check periodically thereafter. See (Torque chart p.19) 7) Every trailer equipped with electric brakes will have a Breakaway System installed. The battery is mounted inside the neck and the breakaway switch is located beside the coupler. The breakaway switch is a safety feature designed to power the magnets and apply braking force in the event the trailer becomes disconnected. In order for this to happen the battery must be charged and maintained. See (Breakaway System p.20) 8) Brakes and bearing preload should be adjusted after the first 200 miles. See (Brake adjustment p.13) It is good practice to inspect and clean your trailer brakes at yearly intervals or more often as use and performance requires. 4

9) All Norbert trailers are equipped with greaseable hubs on 7000 lb. axles and under. You must maintain grease in the axle by pumping grease into the zerk located on the outside of the hub by way of a grease gun. There is a relief hole on the backside of the spindle so you cannot overfill. Axles larger than 7000 lb. are filled with oil. Levels can be checked by viewing through the glass caps on the outside of the hub. Oil must be level with the filling site on the glass. If oil is to be added it can be filled by removing the black rubber plug on the outside of the glass cap or the one located on the side of the hub. See (p.12) For proper wheel bearing lubrication. It is a good idea to check condition of bearings once a year to see if they need repacking, fresh oil or replacement. 5

Flat Deck Trailer 1) Your flat deck trailer has an industrial finish on the exterior. Just like your vehicle it must be washed and maintained to keep it looking like new. Wash trailer frequently with soap and water to rid trailer of salt and other debris. If pressure washer is to be used, hold it away from paint. Try not to use direct pressure as some washers have a tremendous amount of PSI which is hard on paint finishes. Waxing the exterior will help in the prevention of oxidation and keep your trailer looking like new. 2) Flat decks equipped with beavertails have four grease fittings. Two are located on the bottom side of the center drop at the hinge. The other two are located at the hinge of the fold down gate that holds up the center drop. Grease regularly to avoid hinges from seizing. The beavertail ramps are spring loaded to assist in the lifting of the ramps. There is an over center latch located on the underside of each ramp. These latches hold the ramps down to avoid being flipped over and dragged down the highway. Both ramps are adjustable inwards so smaller equipment can be loaded. 3) There is an oiling hole located on the top of the jack handle shaft. A couple drops of oil will help ease shaft movement. 4) The neck is adjustable and should be checked frequently to ensure it is tight. There is an adjuster bolt on the rear of the neck to snug the tube tight so as not to move. 5) Your wheels must be checked and re torqued after the 6

first 10 miles, 25 miles and at 50 miles. Check periodically thereafter. (Torque chart p.19) 6) Every trailer equipped with electric brakes will have a Breakaway System installed. The battery is mounted underneath the neck and the breakaway switch is located beside the coupler. The breakaway switch is a safety feature designed to power the magnets and apply force in the event the trailer becomes disconnected. In order for this to happen the battery must be charged and maintained. See (Breakaway System p.20) 7) Brakes and bearing preload should be adjusted after the first 200 miles. See (Brake adjustment p.13) It is good practice to inspect and clean your trailer brakes at yearly intervals or more often as use and performance requires. 8) Norbert trailers are equipped with greaseable axles on all axles up to 7000 lb. These axles are equipped with a grease zerk. You must maintain grease in the axle by pumping grease into the zerk by way of a grease gun. There is a grease hole on the backside of the spindle so you cannot overfill. Axles larger than 7000 lb. are filled with oil. Levels can be checked by viewing through the glass caps on the outside of the hub. Oil must be level with the filling site on the glass. If oil is to be added it can be filled by removing the black rubber plug on the outside of the glass cap or the one located on the hub. See (p.12) For proper wheel bearing lubrication. It is a good idea to check condition of bearings once a year to see if they need repacking, fresh oil or replacement. 7

Recommended Usage of Sure-Lube System Usage of the Sure-Lube system will not eliminate the need for general maintenance and inspection of the hub/drum components. However, will aid in the savings of time and effort. Recommended maintenance of this system is to insert Lithium base wheel bearing grease through the Zerk fitting provided in the end of the dust cap until it flows freely from the vent hole located in the rear of the spindle. The above procedure should be followed at regularly scheduled intervals; such as oil changes or chassis lubrications with usage and climactic conditions in mind. It is strongly urged that bearing components be inspected every 12,000 miles or annually to insure that no abnormal wear or bearing setting has resulted. 8

The Power of Protection When it comes to protection, nothing beats the patented power of Sure Lube. There s no springs. Or rubber plugs. Or O-rings. Sure Lube uses a revolutionary double lip springloaded seal that ensures outer/inner bearing protection from corrosion, wear and water entry. It s a time-saver, too. Sure Lube lets you grease or re-pack bearings with just a grease gun without disassembly. Sure Lube. When only the best will do. 9

Bearing Maintenance Guide 10

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Recommended Wheel Bearing Lubrication Specifications Grease: Thickener Type.................. Lithium Complex Dropping Point........... 230 C (446 F) minimum Consistency......................... NLGI No. 2 Additives... EP, Corrosion & Oxidation Inhibitors Base Oil............. Solvent Refined Petroleum Oil Base Oil Viscosity... @40 C(104 F) 150cSt (695 SUS) Min. Viscosity Index...................... 80 Minimum Pour Point...-10 C(14 F) Minimum Oil: SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (Hypoid Rear Axle Oil) Use only with hubs equipped with oil option Hydraulic Brake System Lubrication All hydraulic brake systems be it Surge, Electric/Hydraulic, Vacuum/Hydraulic all require reservoirs to be filled with a D.O.T. 3 or D.O.T. 4 fluid. 12

GENERAL MAINTENANCE BRAKE ADJUSTMENT On trailers equipped with 8,000 15,000 lb. axles brakes are self adjusting. Brakes should be adjusted after the first 200 miles of operation when the brake shoes and drums have seated, and at 3000-mile intervals or as use requires. The brakes should be adjusted in the following matter. 1. Jack up trailer and secure on adequate capacity jack stands. Support trailer on rear bumper or trailer frame located just behind the rear axle. Never lift or support trailer on axles. Check that the wheel and drum rotate freely. 2. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting slot on the bottom of the brake backing plate. 3. With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool, rotate the starwheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings against the drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn. 4. Then rotate the starwheel in the opposite direction until the wheel turns freely with a slight lining drag. 5. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower the wheel to the ground 6. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes. 13

Brake Cleaning and Inspection Your trailer brakes must be inspected and serviced at yearly intervals or more often as use and performance requires. Magnets and shoes must be changed when they become worn or scored thereby preventing adequate vehicle braking. Clean the backing plate, magnet arm, magnet, and brake shoes. Make certain that all the parts removed or replaced in the same brake and drum assembly. Inspect the magnet arm for any loose or worn parts. Check shoe return springs, and adjuster springs for stretch or deformation and replace if required. Brake Lubrication Before reassembly, apply a light film of Lubriplate, anti-seize compound, or similar product on the brake anchor pin, adjuster threads, the actuating arm bushing and pin and the areas on the backing plate that are in contact with the brake shoes and magnet lever arm. Apply a light film of grease on the actuating block mounted on the actuating arm. Magnets Your electric brakes are equipped with high quality electromagnets that are designed to provide the proper input force and friction characteristics. Your magnets should be inspected and replaced if worn unevenly or abnormally. As indicated below a straightedge should be used to check wear. 14

Even if wear is normal as indicated by your straightedge, the magnets should be replaced if any part of the magnet coil has become visible through the friction material facing of the magnet. It is also recommended that the drum armature surface be refaced when replacing magnets. Magnets should also be replaced in pairs both sides of an axle. Shoes and Linings A simple visual inspection of your brake linings will tell if they are usable. Replacement is necessary if the lining is worn (to within 1/16 or less), contaminated with grease or oil, or abnormally scored or gouged. Hairline heat cracks are normal in bonded linings and should not be a cause for concern. It is important to replace both shoes on each brake and both brakes of the same axle. This is necessary to retain the balance of your brakes A properly installed vacuum / hydraulic, air / hydraulic or electric hydraulic system should not require any special attention with the exception of routine maintenance such as shoe and lining replacement. If problems occur, the entire tow vehicle/ trailer braking system should be traced by a qualified 15

mechanic using a methodical approach to determine the exact source of the problem. Typical problems in a hydraulic braking system are: Air or Vacuum leaks Hydraulic system leaks Air in brake lines Water or other impurities in brake fluid Rusted or corroded master or wheel cylinders Most of the brake components are very similar to those used in electric brakes, and maintenance is comparable for the hub and drum, shoes and linings, and bearings. 16

Exploded View of a 7000 lb. Electric Brake Assembly 17

Exploded View of a 7000 lb. Hydraulic Brake Assembly 18

Torque Requirements Wheel nuts must be re torqued after the first 10 miles, 25 miles, and again at 50 miles. Check periodically thereafter. Wheel Torque Requirements 1/2 studs 95 ft. lbs. 9/16 studs 110 ft. lbs. 5/8 studs 200 ft. lbs. M21 450 ft. lbs. Torque Tightening Sequence 19

Breakaway System Your trailer is equipped with a breakaway switch. The switch is designed to operated only when the towed trailer separates from the towing vehicle. When this happens the lanyard cable pin is pulled out of the breakaway switch and the switch will close the circuit from the trailer battery to the brakes and put the brakes on. For the breakaway switch to operate properly it is important that the terminal connections are clean, the battery is fully charged and the switch is installed according to the following installation instructions. 1) There should be no obstacles or strain on the lanyard cable to the tow vehicle. The tow vehicle must be able to make sharp left and right turns without strain on the lanyard cable. 2) The lanyard cable should pull out before safety chains become fully extended. 3) Do not let lanyard cable dray on the ground. Fasten cable to the tow vehicle frame or hitch. Never hook on safety chains or tow ball. 4) Test the breakaway switch on a regular basis and make sure the lanyard cable is not damaged and the battery is fully charged. 5) When testing the switch disconnect trailer cord from tow vehicle. Pull lanyard pin out, this will take approximately 20 lbs. of pull. You should hear brakes engage. To double check, move tow vehicle forward to make sure brakes are locked and operating properly. 20

6) When test is complete make sure lanyard pin is fully pushed back in. To maximize the life of the battery the following conditions should be met: 1) Avoid over or undercharge. This is the single worst enemy of lead-acid batteries. 2) Batteries should not be stored in a discharge state or at elevated ambient temperature. 3) Avoid exposing batteries to heat! Service life is shortened considerably at ambients above 30 celsius. 4) Due to the characteristics of this battery, after six to nine months of storage, the battery should be recharged. 5) Charge the battery at the proper rate. Current should be limited to less than 1.2 amps. Charge current above 1.2 amps will result in shortened service life. 6) Provide adequate air circulation when charging battery. Do not charge battery in any other container besides the battery box provided. 7) Do not place battery in close proximity to objects which can produce sparks or flames. 8) Do not expose battery case to organic solvents or adhesives. 9) Do not attempt to disassemble batteries. Contact with sulfuric acid may cause harm. 10) Do not throw batteries into fire; batteries so disposed may rupture or explode. 21

Battery Data 12 Volt Gel Cel Max Discharge Current = 40 amps Max Charge Current Must Be Limited to 1.2 Amps Under Normal Operating Conditions Service Life: 4 5 years in standby applications or 200 1000 charge/discharge cycles depending upon depth of discharge cycles depending upon depth of discharge and rate of charge. To only charge the breakaway battery when the vehicle is running, a battery isolator may be installed in the 12 volt supply line. 22

Service Load and Inflation Table PSI: 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 ST 205 75r 15 single 1380 1500 1655(c) 1850 1950 2040(D) ST 225 75r 15 single 1880 2020 2150(C) 2270 2380 2540(D) LT 235 85r 16 single 1870 2030 2006(C) 2335 2485 2623(D) 2765 2905 3042(E) 3170 3300 3415(F) 3550 3675 3750(G) dual 1700 1845 2205(C) 2125 2260 2381(D) 2515 2645 2778(E) 2885 3005 3085(F) 3230 3345 3415(G) 215 75r 17.5 single 3695 3860 4020 4180 4340 4495 4650 4805(H) dual 3490 3645 3800 3950 4100 4245 4395 4540(H) 255 70r 22.5 single 3815 4005 4190 4370 4550 4675 4875 5056 5205(G) 5510(H dual 3585 3765 3870 4110 4275 4410 4455 4610 4675(G) 5070(H) **Letters in parenthesis denote load range for which BOLD FACE loads are minimum. ** 23

Note: Tire wear should be checked frequently because once a wear pattern becomes firmly established in a tire it is difficult to stop, even if the underlying cause is corrected. Tire Wear Diagnostic Chart Wear Pattern Cause Action Center Wear Over Inflation Adjust pressure to particular load per tire catalog Edge Wear Under Inflation Adjust pressure to particular load per tire catalog Side Wear Loss of camber or overloading Make sure load doesn t exceed axle rating. Align at alignment shop. Toe Wear Incorrect toe-in Align at alignment shop. Cupping Out-of-balance Check bearing adjustment and balance tires. Flat Spots Wheel lockup & tire skidding Avoid sudden stops when possible and adjust brakes. 24

Trip Preparation Checklist It is extremely critical to follow the steps on this checklist prior to starting a trip with your trailer. By doing so, you are assured that you are taking all the necessary precautions to extend the life of your suspension system. Be sure to allow yourself sufficient time to perform the maintenance required. 1. Check your maintenance schedule to ensure that all maintenance matters are current. Perform any neglected maintenance. 2. Check trailer hitch for signs of wear. Lubricate the hitch if necessary. 3. Make sure that the breakaway battery is charged and inspect safety chains. 4. Inspect the tow vehicle s towing hookup. 5. Load the trailer and adjust the tongue weight so that 8% - 10% of the load is on the tongue. 6. Ensure that you are not over loaded and are staying within the capacity rating of the trailer. 7. Inspect tires for wear and adjust tire pressure according to the tire manufacturer s recommendations. 8 Check wheel nut or bolt torque values. Adjust per the specifications in this manual. 9. Make sure that the brakes are adjusted and synchronized properly. 10. Check all suspension fasteners and retorque if necessary following the procedures outlined in this manual. 11. Check all light operation. Replace any faulty bulbs. 12. Check and adjust your tow vehicle s tow height to make sure that the trailer is being towed level. 25

Maintenance Schedule Item Function Required every Use 3 Months or 6 Months or 12 Months or 3000 Miles 6000 Miles 12000 Miles Brake Adjustment Adjust to proper operating clearance Brake Controller Inspect for correct amp. & modulation Brake Cylinders Inspect for leaks, sticking Brake Lines Inspect for cracks, kinks & leakage Brake Linings Inspect for wear or contamination Brake Magnets Inspect for wear & current draw Brakes Test that they are operational Breakaway System Check battery charge and switch operation Clean Trailer Wash with soap & water Flooring Condition Inspect for wear & breakage Grease Hubs Grease sure-lube system Hub/Drum Inspect for abnormal wear or scoring Lights Inspect for breakage Adjustable Neck Make sure securing devices are tight Seals Inspect for damage and leakage Tire Condition Inspect for cuts, wear, bulging, etc Tire Inflation Pressure Inflate to mfg's. specifications Trailer Body Inspect for cracking, damage, peeling etc Trailer Hinges Inspect for grease Wheel Bearings & Cups Inspect for corrosion or wear. Clean & repack Wheel Nuts & Bolts Tighten to specified torque values Wheels Inspect for cracks, dents or distortion 26

Trailer Plug Wiring Diagrams 6-Prong Plug *Back view of plugs* RV-Plug Semi-Plug 27

WARRANTY Effective: 01/12/10 This trailer is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship to the original equipment manufacturer for of period of two (2) years, one (1) year on paint, five (5) years on axles from date of purchase. Please see attached warranties on axles and paint. 1. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER a. Lights; b. Batteries; c. Tires; d. Loss of wheels once trailer has left Norbert s Mfg; e. Towing and freight charges to and from Norbert s Manufacturing Ltd. or a qualified repair shop; f. Damage to trailer caused by misuse or abuse for what trailer is intended for; g. Any damage whatsoever to vehicle caused by trailer; h. Any responsibility whatsoever for monetary or business losses incurred by trailer downtime. All warranty work must be performed at Norbert s Manufacturing Ltd. in Glenboro, Manitoba or this will cause warranty to be voided unless approved in writing by Norbert s Manufacturing Ltd. Any alterations to interior or exterior of trailer such as; welding, bolting, painting etc. without prior written authorization from Norbert s Manufacturing Ltd. will cause warranty to be voided. Norbert s Manufacturing will not be responsible for any consequential or incidental damages incurred as a result of any defect. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND NORBERT S MANUFACTURING LTD. DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Norbert s Mfg ltd. Box 280, Glenboro, Manitoba ROK OXO 28

WARRANTY CLAIM PROCEDURE Effective: 01/12/10 1. No warranty claim will be processed until Service Request form is filled out in full. 2. Request forms can be received from your Norbert dealer where the trailer was originally purchased. 3. Completed request form can be mailed or faxed to Norbert s Mfg. Ltd. 4. a clear-labeled picture must accompany Request Form if a Norbert s Mfg. Ltd. Warranty personnel cannot view alleged defective part. 5. All returned parts must be sent prepaid to Norbert s Mfg. Ltd. (Freight charges will be refunded if part is found defective). 6. Any parts or service required immediately while waiting for warranty will be paid by customer up front and will only be refunded in part or whole when Warranty Part and Service Request form is received, reviewed and approved in writing. 7. In the event the trailer needs service work, Norbert s Mfg. Ltd. will give 14 days for the customer to receive 2 quotes after the request form has been approved in writing. The customer then has 30 days to repair the trailer unless otherwise stated after Norbert s Mfg. Ltd. has approved the quote in writing. 29

Paint Warranty Norbert s paint is covered by warranty for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. All warranty work must be performed at Norbert s Manufacturing Ltd. in Glenboro, Manitoba or this will cause warranty to be voided unless approved in writing by Norbert s Manufacturing Ltd. Conditions of Warranty Warranty 1. applies only to surfaces painted directly by Norbert s Manufacturing Ltd. 2. is only valid to the original owner of the trailer and is not transferable. 3. does not apply to any Covered Defect, which is directly the result of any negligence by the customer. Terms of Warranty Warranty 1. applies to the finished areas indicated above and covers the following defects, if they are prominent and extensive and were not apparent at the time the owner accepted the trailer. a. Cracking or checking: b. Hazing, chalking or fading leading to a severe loss of gloss; c. Peeling of the topcoat or any layers from the substrate. 2. Exclusions d. System failures due to pre-existing rust; e. Deterioration of the finish caused by waxes and detergents not intended for automotive use, acid rain, industrial fallout or other environmental effects; f. Scratches, abrasions or stone chips whether intentional or accidental; g. Damages caused by another collision. 30

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Manufacturing Ltd. Box 280, Glenboro, Manitoba R0K 0X0 Phone: (204) 827-2015 Fax: (204) 827-2495 www.norberts.com Leech Printing 193549