Sec. 11.13.08.10. Tables  


Latest version.
  • A. Table 1.

    LIGHT SERVICE DEVICES
    BREAKING STRENGTH FOR COUPLINGS AND BALLS
    Trailer Classification Trailer Couplings Designation Minimum Ball
    Diameter-Inches
    (Where Ball-Type
    hitch is used)
    Minimum Breaking
    Point Requirements
    Pounds
    Class 1
    (2,000 lbs. or less MGTW)
    No. 1 1-7/8 Longitudinal tension: 6,000
    Longitudinal Compression: 6,000
    Transverse thrust: 2,000
    Vertical tension 2,500
    Vertical compression: 2,500
    Class 2
    (2,001 thru 3,500 lbs. MGTW)
    No. 2 2 Longitudinal tension: 10,500
    Longitudinal compression: 10,500
    Transverse thrust: 3,000
    Vertical tension: 4,500
    Vertical compression: 4,500
    Class 3
    (3,501 thru 5,000 lbs. MGTW)
    No. 3 2 Longitudinal tension: 15,000
    Longitudinal compression: 15,000
    Transverse thrust: 4,000
    Vertical tension: 7,000
    Vertical compression: 7,000
    Class 4
    (5,001 thru 10,000 lbs. MGTW)
    No. 4 Ball & Bolt shall be of such size and strength as to conform to the minimum breaking strength requirements of the mating coupling required for the specific load of Class 4 trailer. Longitudinal tension:
    MGTW x 3
    Longitudinal compression:
    MGTW x 3
    Transverse thrust:
    MGTW x 1
    Vertical tension:
    MGTW x 1.3
    Vertical compression:
    MGTW x 1.4

    Figure 1.-TYPICAL COUPLER AND BALL TEST FIXTURE ARRANGEMENT

    B. Table 2.

    HITCH TEST FORCES*
    STEP WEIGHT
    CARRYING
    HITCH
    WEIGHT
    DISTRIBUTING
    HITCH
    Force Direction Force Direction
    1. V= .47R + 480 Downward V = .045R + 1650 Downward
    L = .47R + 480 Compressive M = 51,000 See Figure 2
    2. L = .23R + 1530 Tensile L = .067R + 2070 Tensile
    V = .15R Downward V = .15R Downward
    3. L = .23R + 1530 Compressive L = .067R + 2070 Compressive
    V = .15R Downward V = .15R Downward
    4. T = .20R + 500 Leftward T = .20R + 500 Leftward
    5. T = .20R + 500 Rightward T = .20R + 500 Rightward
    6. Not applicable Not applicable M = 93.2X + 21000 See Figure 2
    V = .15R Downward

    V = Vertical Force (lbs.)
    L = Longitudinal Force (lbs.)
    T = Transverse Force (lbs.)
    M = Spring Bar Moment (inch-lbs.)
    R = Hitch Rating in Terms of MGTW (lbs.) (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight)
    X = Hitch Rating for Maximum Vertical Load on Hitch (lbs.) (Tongue Weight)

    Figure 2

    * Footnotes to Table 2 and Figure 2.

    (a) When a hitch is to be tested:

    (1) Assemble the hitch in its normal configuration as recommended by the hitch manufacturer.

    (2) Attach the hitch to a non-yielding restraining fixture. The hitch-to-fixture attaching means shall be the same as the normal hitch-to-car attaching means recommended by the hitch manufacturer.

    (3) The points of hitch-to-fixture attachment shall be located in the same positions as the hitch-to-car attachment point locations recommended by the manufacturer.

    (4) Attach a ball to the ball support platform in the manner recommended by the hitch manufacturer.

    (b) Hitch Test Force Applications. With the hitch attached to the test fixture as specified in footnote (a), above, successively apply the forces designated in Table 2, as follows:

    (1) Apply the specified downward vertical force concurrently with the specified compressive longitudinal force or spring bar moment.

    (2) Apply the specified tensile longitudinal force concurrently with the specified downward vertical force.

    (3) Apply the specified compressive longitudinal force concurrently with the specified downward vertical force.

    (4) Apply the specified leftward transverse force.

    (5) Apply the specified rightward transverse force.

    (6) For hitches with weight distributing capability, apply the specified spring bar, or leveling moment, concurrently with the specified downward vertical force.

    All forces in steps (1) through (6) are to be applied along an axis which intersects the center of the ball. All forces are to be applied with an onset rate of not more than 150 pounds per second, and maintained at the maximum specified force level for at least 5 seconds.

    (c) Each hitch, when tested as specified above, shall be capable of withstanding the forces applied in accordance with footnote (b), immediately above, without causing permanent deformation of the ball platform, such that the final position of the ball axis may not depart more than 5 degrees from its original, nominally vertical position.

    C. Table 3.

    MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED TONGUE WEIGHTS
    BY TRAILER CLASSIFICATION FOR TRAILER DESIGN
    Class Trailer Maximum Gross
    Trailer Weight
    (MGTW, lb.)
    Maximum Static
    Tongue Loads, Lb.
    Recommended
    Type of Hitch
    1 Up to 2000 200 Weight carrying hitch
    300 Weight distributing hitch
    2 2000 to 3500 300 Weight carrying hitch
    500 Weight distributing hitch
    3 3500 to 5000 15% MGTW* Weight distributing hitch
    4 5000 to 10,000 15% MGTW* Weight distributing hitch

    * Maximum Gross Trailer Weight

    D. Table 4.

    LIGHT SERVICE DEVICES-MINIMUM STRENGTHS
    OF SAFETY CHAINS AND ATTACHING MEANS*
    Trailer
    Classification
    Minimum Longitudinal Load, Tension,
    Pounds (See Figures 2 and 3)
    Each Safety Chain Each of Two Chain
    Attaching Means
    Class 1 2,000 2,000
    Class 2 3,500 3,500
    Class 3 5,000 5,000
    Class 4** MGTW MGTW

    * Load shown shall be applied in the same manner as would prevail if the trailer were being towed by the safety chain in a straight ahead direction.Safety chain, when formed, fastened, or rigged as on the vehicles, shall withstand load shown without breaking.Local marking, denting, or gouging of the chain attaching means at the points of safety chain contact is not considered excessive distortion. The intent is that the chain attaching means shall have sufficient strength to break the safety chain consistently.

    ** "MGTW" means the maximum gross trailer weight, pounds, which is to be towed.

    E. Table 5.

    Figures 3 & 4. TYPICAL SAFETY CHAIN INSTALLATION