Premier 330 - User Manual

IMPORTANT
Read these instructions completely before installing, using or
attempting to repair this product. If you have any questions,
call Premier at (800) 255-5387 or (503) 234-9202.
Installation, Inspection, Operation
& Maintenance Guide
MANUFACTURING CO.
THE FIRST NAME IN QUALITY COUPLINGS
Model 330 / 330A
Hinge Assembly

Summary

Selecting The Right Equipment

Understanding Premier Load Specifications

Details Premier's load specifications, testing methods, and SAE guidelines for product selection.

Importance of Inspection and Maintenance

Stresses the necessity of regular inspection and maintenance for safe and efficient operation of Premier products.

Additional Product Resources

Lists customer service, sales reps, and website for further product information and support.

Product Specifications and Installation Drawings

Specifications

Provides key technical data including maximum gross trailer weight, bushing dimensions, and unit weight.

Standard Installation Drawing

Presents a detailed diagram of the hinge assembly and its components for installation reference.

Installation Procedures

356 Housing Installation

Guides the installation of the 356 Housing, emphasizing alignment, flush fit, and proper welding.

350 Bracket Installation

Outlines the steps for installing the 350 Bracket, ensuring correct positioning and flush mounting.

Inspection, Operation, and Maintenance

Inspection and Maintenance Steps

Details visual inspection, cleaning, and adjustment procedures to ensure hinge assembly integrity and performance.

Operating Guidelines

Provides critical advice on proper operation, load limits, safety chains, and avoiding field weld repairs.

Welding Procedures

GMAW Welding Procedure

Specifies parameters for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), including joint design, base metals, and filler materials.

SMAW Welding Procedure

Details Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) parameters, covering joint design, base metals, and filler materials.

FCAW Welding Procedure

Outlines Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) parameters, including joint design, base metals, and filler materials.

Important Attention and Warnings

End User Safety Instructions

Highlights critical safety advice for end users on capacity, inspection, and operation of the hinge assembly.

Distributor and OEM Guidelines

Advises distributors and OEMs to ensure customers receive and understand important product safety information.

Warranty and Disclaimer

Product Warranty

Covers the one-year warranty for Premier products, specifying terms and exclusions for defects and misuse.

Disclaimer of Liability

States Premier's right to alter product information and limits liability for consequential or incidental damages.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Premier Model 330 / 330A Hinge Assembly is a critical component designed for towing applications, specifically for full trailers. It functions as a hinge mechanism, allowing for rotational movement between the towing vehicle and the trailer, which is essential for proper trailer articulation and maneuverability. This assembly is designed to be used in pairs, ensuring stability and load distribution.

Function Description:

The hinge assembly facilitates the connection between a towing vehicle's front-end structure (typically 2 ½” round tubing) and a trailer's drawbar eye. It allows for controlled rotational movement, preventing binding or jackknifing during turns and over uneven terrain. The design incorporates a bushing system (either rubber or poly) to manage wear and provide a degree of shock absorption. Proper installation involves welding the 356 Housing to the front-end tube and the 350 Bracket to the mounting structure, ensuring precise alignment and flush fits to maintain the specified load capacities and operational integrity. The assembly's stiffness can be adjusted by tightening a locknut, allowing for customization based on desired rotational resistance.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Max. Gross Trailer Weight (pair): 100,000 lbs. (45,359 kg). This indicates the maximum combined weight of the trailers that a pair of these hinge assemblies can safely support.
• Bushing O.D.: 3 1/2 in. (89 mm). This refers to the outer diameter of the bushing, a key dimension for fitment and compatibility.
• Bushing Length: 4 1/2 in. (114 mm). This specifies the length of the bushing, impacting the overall dimensions and stability of the hinge.
• Unit Weight (pair): 50.2 lbs. (22.8 kg). This is the weight of a pair of hinge assemblies, useful for calculating overall vehicle weight.
• Accepts: 2 1/2 in. (64 mm) round tubing. This specifies the diameter of the front-end tube that the 356 Housing is designed to accommodate.
• Locknut Torque: 60 ft-lbs (initial), adjustable in 10-20 ft-lb increments, not to exceed 200 ft-lbs. This is crucial for setting the desired rotational stiffness and ensuring secure fastening.
• 351 Bolts Torque: 80 ft-lbs. These bolts compress the 350 Bracket, clamping the 359 Flange and 352 Taper pin.

Usage Features:

• Pair Operation: The Model 330 / 330A Hinge Assemblies are designed to operate in pairs, requiring simultaneous installation and ensuring balanced load distribution.
• Adjustable Stiffness: The rotational stiffness of the hinge can be adjusted by tightening the 321C Locknut, allowing users to customize the feel and response of the trailer connection.
• Compliance with Regulations: Installation must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically Section 393.70, Paragraph C: “Towing of Full Trailers.” Users are advised to consult local, State, and Federal agencies for additional applicable laws.
• Specific Bushing Replacements: Only Premier's 344 (Rubber) or 344A (Poly) Bushings should be used for replacement, ensuring compatibility and maintaining product warranty.
• Clearance Requirements: A 3/8" gap must exist between the 356 Housing and 350 Bracket after installation, as shown in Figure 1, which is critical for proper function.
• Warning Sticker: An "IMPORTANT WARNINGS!" sticker is enclosed and must be attached to the front end, adjacent to the drawbar eye, visible for the end user.

Maintenance Features:

• Regular Visual Inspection: Before each use, the hinge assembly should be visually inspected for cracks, impact damage, and/or deformation. Any such conditions necessitate immediate discontinuation of use.
• Scheduled Cleaning and Inspection: Every 90 days, or sooner depending on application, the hinge assembly should be cleaned and inspected for slack due to normal bushing wear.
• Bushing Wear Check: To check for bushing wear, a crowbar should be placed near the center of the bracket adjacent to the housing, and pressure applied to test for free-play between the bushing and the housing or the bushing and the taper pin.
• Bushing Adjustment/Replacement: If free-play is noted, the bushing should be tightened or replaced.
• No Welding for Repairs: Damaged or worn Premier parts should never be repaired by welding, as field or shop weld repairs are inadequate and can weaken the hinge assembly, potentially voiding the warranty.
• Use of Premier Parts Only: Only Premier parts should be used for maintenance and repair. Substitution with non-Premier parts will void the product warranty and could compromise the unit's integrity, leading to property damage, serious injury, or death.
• Torque Verification: The 351 Bolts must be loosened before any adjustment of the 321B Bolt for hinge stiffness and then retorqued to 80 ft-lbs after adjustment.

Premier 330 Specifications

General

Brand	Premier
Model	330
Category	Industrial Equipment
Language	English