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Tipping Trailers can be used as flatbed trailers when bodywork is removed. However, it is
inadvisable to do so with the headboard removed
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this being the last line of defence against
the load sliding forwards under emergency braking.
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Where weight distribution permits, the load should be placed against the headboard so that,
in the event of it sliding forwards during emergency braking or an accident, the headboard
does not suffer additional force due to impact.
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Where the load is short and weight distribution demands that is positioned some way behind
the headboard it is recommended that substantial wooden spacers are fitted between
headboard and load.
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Loads must always be secured against rolling sliding sideways by a combination of chocks and
ratchet tensioner straps. A load that comes loose in an accident may be judged to have caused
the accident.
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The load must be secured against sliding or rolling into sideboards which will not survive the
resulting impact loads.
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Vehicles which have been loaded using the optional skids must be restrained using special
straps similar to Ifor Williams part P1042.
3.4
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Unloading
3.4.1
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Rear Discharge
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Tilting Tailboard Function
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The tailboard will hinge at the top or the bottom. The choice depends on the nature of the
load.
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Use the top hinged method for aggregate type loads (typically sand or gravel) where the free-
flowing nature of the load means that it will easily pass underneath the top edge of the
tailboard. Using the top hinged method is always preferred because it means the tailboard
cannot hit the ground.
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Use the bottom hinged method where it is likely that the load will jam against the top edge of
the tailboard. Logs would be a good example of such a load. However, using the bottom-
hinged method means that the tailboard will hit the ground well before maximum tip angle is
achieved. If the tailboard does strike the ground damage is almost certain so a bottom-hinged
tip requires careful monitoring of the clearance between ground and tailboard.
