TEA PAM 55-20 Tiedown Handbook for Truck - Military Surface ...

FOURTH EDITION SDDCTEA PAMPHLET 55-20
SECTION IV. PAYLOAD VEHICLE TIEDOWN TIPS
A. PREPARING PAYLOAD VEHICLES PRIOR TO LOADING
1. Be sure that all shackles are on the vehicle. Do not use bumperettes, axles,
towing pintles, or towing hooks as points of attachment for chains.
2. Be sure fuel tanks of payload vehicles are no more than three-fourths full.
3. Remove or band canvas and bows to prevent wind damage.
4. Protect windshields of payload vehicles if needed.
5. Reduce payload vehicles to their lowest height configuration consistent with the
operational requirements and unit standing operating procedures.
6. Secure any materials or equipment loaded in the beds of cargo vehicles by
banding, chains, or cargo straps.
7. Remove all sensitive or pilfer able items that cannot be secured.
B. LOADING PAYLOAD VEHICLES
1. Make sure tractor and semitrailer parking brakes are on to assure maximum
vehicle stability during drive-on operation.
2. If vehicle is on a grade, block the downhill side of wheels.
3. Put blocks under the M747 rear frame if loading payloads of more than 55 tons
(fig 31).
4. Position a guide in a prominent location to assure constant visual contact with
payload vehicle driver.
5. Position a ground guide off the rear corner of semitrailer to maintain visual
contact with guide in the prominent forward location.
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