Armored Trailer M8 - TM 9-791 War Department Technical Manual

a. This manual is published for the information of the using arms and services. b. In addition to a description of the Armored Trailer M8, this manual contains technical information required for the identification, use, and care of the materiel. c. Disassembly, assembly, and such repairs as may be handled by the using arm personnel may be undertaken only under the supervision of an officer or the chief mechanic. d. In all cases where the nature of the repair, modification, or adjustment is beyond the scope or facilities of the unit, the responsible ordnance service should be informed so that trained personnel with suitable tools and equipment may be provided, or proper instructions issued. a. The trailer (figs. 1 and 2) is a two-wheeled, rubber-tired vehicle to be towed behind tanks, half-tracks, or 2V2-ton trucks. It permits carrying a reserve supply of fuel and ammunition with the column. The box is mounted on a channel iron framework to which is also welded the axle. The box is constructed of steel plates and has two hinged covers. Web straps, inside the box and on the covers, hold the cargo in place. b. The pintle hitch by which this trailer is towed is supplied with the unit and is secured to the rear of the towing vehicle. The pintle hitch is equipped with a cable release, operated from the towing vehicle, for disconnecting the trailer while the vehicle is moving forward. Combat vehicles other than tanks usually have pintle hitches that are suitable for towing these trailers installed pernianently. c. The wheels are equipped with brakes which are operated by a hand lever located on the front of the trailer box. These brakes are to be used for parking purposes only. Figure Armored Trailer M8--Leff Front Figure 2 — Armored Trailer M8—Wifh Covers Open Overhead Weight of trailer complete with tools Weight of pintle hitch Combined weight of trailer and pintle hitch Wheel tread Over-all length Armor thickness Sides and back Bottom Tire pressure Towing speed % in. Ya in. Ys in. 35 lb 40 mph General information on controls 4. GENERAL INFORMATION ON CONTROLS (figs. 3 and 4). a. Parking Brake. The parking brake lever is located at the right front of the box. The brake should be applied whenever the trailer is disconnected from towing vehicle, whether on a slope or on level ground. The brake should never be used for any other purpose than parking, and must be released before the trailer is transported. b. Light Switch. The taillights are operated by the switch at the front of the battery box which is located at the front of the vehicle (fig. 1). c. Web Straps. All web straps inside the box and on the box covers must be kept tight when vehicle is loaded to secure cargo. d. Pintle Hitch. When not in use, the pintle hitch is carried on the front of the trailer frame and is secured by two pins. e. Cable Release. The 15-foot cable which may be operated by the tank personnel provides a quick release for disconnecting the trailer from the tank. f. Bracket. The pintle hitch bracket which carries the cable release pulley is hinged at the lower end. By pulling the cotter pin and removing the locking pin the bracket can swing down, permitting cranking of the tank engine. a. Secure lunette of trailer to pintle hitch. h. Raise the stand supporting front end of trailer. c. Release parking brake by moving lever toward center of trailer. This is irhportant, since damage may result if brakes are locked when trailer is pulled. d. The trailers may be towed in tandem by attaching the lunette on trailer hitch to rear coupler of the front trailer. a.

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