Chapter 5. HIGHWAY AND OFF-ROAD TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM 55-2330-200-15-1

CHAPTER 5

H I G H W A Y AND OFF-ROAD TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

characteristics diagrams of the M131A4 semitrailer

5-1. Scope

towed by the M52 tractor and of the M270A1

This chapter provides transportability guidance for

semitrailer towed by the M246 tractor, wrecker.

highway and off-road movement of the semitrailers

Similar turning characteristics are applicable to the

described in chapter 2. It covers general technical

other types of semitrailers of similar size covered in

and physical characteristics and safety con-

this manual.

siderations required for safe transport of these

semitrailers.

5-4. Limitations

The semitrailers described in this manual exceed

5-2. Safety

CONUS legal width limitations of 96 inches and

In addition to the safety precautions contained in

therefore require special highway permits. In some

chapter 3, the semitrailers are subject to all the

states the legal length limitations are also exceeded,

safety regulations applicable to commercial carriers

and consequently the local installation trans-

when moving over public highways in CONUS. In

portation officer should be consulted for ap-

oversea areas, movements are governed by theater

propriate clearance. The procedures for obtaining

and local regulations.

special permits in CONUS are outlined in AR 55-162.

5-3. Movement on Own Wheels

Legal limits of oversea areas are identified in "Limits

The semitrailers covered in this manual are designed

of Motor Vehicle Sizes and Weights," International

to be towed by a prime mover such as the 5-ton, 6x6,

Road Federation, 1023 Washington Building,

truck, tractor, M52, M818, or by a similar vehicle

Washington, D. C. 20005.

equipped with a fifth wheel, an air supply, and a 24-

5-5. Piggyback Transport

volt electrical system. In the case of the M172A1

The M127-, M172-, M269-, and M270-series

semitrailer, the 10-ton, truck, tractor, M123 is

semitrailers, when reduced to their minimum height,

recommended. The semitrailers are designed to be

can be piggybacked on another semitrailer of the

towed over prepared roads at up to 50 miles per hour

same series. The semitrailer can be stacked on top of

(mph) and over unimproved roads and open rolling

another either in the upright or inverted position.

terrain at up to 30 mph. For reasonable distances,

However, if long-distance hauling is required,

therefore, the desirable method of land movement of

transport by rail is recommended (see chapter 7).

the semitrailers would be by use of an appropriate

prime mover. Figures 5-1 and 5-2 show turning-

5-1