Loading of HMMWVs on Steel-Deck Flatcars With Center Tiedowns

25 August 1988

TM 55-2320-280-14

NOTE

This procedure is unusual, and compared to more traditional methods, will require more time

and material.

(1) Step 1. Using a tensioning device (come-along), tighten tiedown cable until the vehicle height is

reduced between 1 and 3 inches front and rear. Measure the height at approximately the same points on the

left and right sides of the vehicle to ensure consistent height reduction. Do only one corner at a time. See fig-

ures 7-1 and 7-2.

(2) Step 2. Install wire rope tiedowns to tiedown shackles and to the stake pockets. Use metal filler or

thimbles sufficient to provide a suitable radius to protect the wire rope at the stake pockets and at the vehicle

tiedown shackles. Use clamp to prevent dislodgement, as shown in figure 7-3. Install cable clamps as shown

in figure 7-3. Manually tighten wire rope U-bolt clamp nuts to 65 foot-pounds. Make wire rope as tight as pos-

sible. Once installed, remove come-along. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the remaining three corners.

(3) Step 3. After all tiedowns are installed, check them for uniform tension by measuring the distances

between the left and right sides of the bumpers to the railcar floor. Readjust tightness of the tiedowns as re-

quired. Verify that the horizontal turnbuckles are dimensional at 33 inches + 1/4 inch.

NOTE

After the vehicle is tied down and blocked, apply the parking brake and place the transmission

select lever in N (neutral) position. Wire-tie or block parking brake and transmission select

lever.

7-7. Loading of HMMWVs on Steel-Deck Flatcars With Center Tiedowns

a. The HMMWVs can be placed in the tiedown position on the railcar by crane, or they can be driven or

towed onto a railcar provided a suitable ramp or bridge is available.

b. A HMMWV loaded on a railcar equipped with a center tiedown is shown in figure 7-4. The application of

chain tiedowns as well as general instructions for securing vehicles on flatcars with center tiedowns are pro-

Figure 7-4. HMMWV loaded on steel-deck flatcar with center tiedowns.

7-5