M52A2 and M871 trailer

[rcflyer70]

Can the M871 trailer be towed with the M52A2 tractor?

 

[jasonjc]

The TM has a warning on the back of the front cover that says DO NOT TOW WITH THE M52,M52A1,M52A2.
Use would result in a serious compromise to the safety of personnel and equipment

 

[maddawg308]

Confirmed - I initially said it should not be a problem, but jasonjc is right, the manual states that using a M871 or M871A1 trailer with a M52 series tractor is inherently dangerous.

 

[jasonjc]

My TM is for the M871A2 , so looks like none of the M871's should be towed by the M54's.

 

[topo]

is this because of the air brake systems ?

 

[fasttruck]

Probably as m52 has a smaller air pump than a 809 series with the cummins. The 12 ton air over hydraulic brakes had one air cylinder not four. A similar cauton exists with m 872 34 ton trailers which have six air brake chambers.

 

[Old Lincoln County Iron]

Thanks for the info! I probably would not even of thought about that! Does anyone have an extra TM for the M871 Trailers? I am looking to get an M871 variant to pull behind my M915A1 Tractor.

 

[Autocar]

Could be a power issue. Even with the 250 Cummins an 818 struggles to pull M871. I think the M52 is 175 HP, so maybe it can't get out of its own way?

 

[rcflyer70]

I appreciate everyone's input...I've put on multiple miles on the one I have without any issues (brakes work great).
Autocar is correct about power, I'll get there but I'll need a sack lunch.

 

[topo]

I added a bigger air tank to my m269 wrecker low boy because of the small tank on it . my m52a2 pulls it fine about 45 mph that just what my truck runs . I think the m52a2 could use larger air tanks .