TrailMax TRD-54-FBR, Manual

Page: 18 / 60

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page 18
TRD-54-FBR
12" MAX.
22" MAX. (UNLOADED)
The above illustration shows the dimensions for a properly located Rear Impact Guard
Maintenance
2.3 Rear Impact Guard (RIG)
Your trailer may be fitted with an energy absorbing RIG system that retracts auto-
matically when the deck is tilted for loading and unloading. An elastomeric torsion
block assembly is part of the system and absorbs the excess travel of the retraction
hardware. Normally the RIG requires no maintenance other than checking for loose
fasteners or missing cotter pins.
In the event of a rear impact to the trailer, check the RIG system thoroughly for bent
or damaged components. There are two sacrificial elements in the system called crush
blocks that are intended to deform while absorbing the forces of an impact. If they show
any signs of deformity from having been impacted by the RIG pivot arms, they should
be replaced immediately. In no case should the crush blocks be ‘straightened’ or re-
paired in any way; they both must be REPLACED if deformed by the RIG pivot arms.
Also check the deck beam flanges that the crush blocks bolt to for damage or bending.
The flanges may have to be straightened if the impact was particularly severe.
Other areas to check include cracked welds, damaged lighting or electrical har-
ness, bent hinge tube or hinge pin, bent retraction push rod, and bent or broken pivot
pins and fasteners. If, after impact, the RIG does not hang normally from the trailer
deck and no other damage can be found, it is possible that the torsion block assembly
has been overstressed and should be inspected and replaced if necessary.
As a last check, tilt the deck while observing the RIG and make sure that it retracts
and extends normally.