NOTE: Since the vehicle file can be used to track more than just vehicles (forklifts, mowers, buildings, building equipment, etc.), the term "unit" in this section refers to vehicles, equipment, buildings, and other items that have been set up through the [Vehicle] File Maintenance option (MVM). 
It is possible to link one vehicle (or unit) to another vehicle (or unit) in the RTA system. For example, a truck can be linked to a compressor or generator—a bus can be linked to a wheelchair lift or fare box—a building can be linked to an A/C unit. It is also possible to link multiple vehicles (or units) to one another—a tractor can be linked to a trailer to a lift gate, and so on.
Linking units to one another allows them to be grouped together on certain reports, which makes it easy to identify all associated costs, activity, history, etc. for the linked units. For example, the Print PMs by Vehicle Link report groups linked units together on the PM due report (VK). This makes it is easy to determine, at a quick glance, which PMs are needed and if they can be completed together rather than having to bring the vehicle in multiple times.

Adding a Link Through the Vehicle Record

1. Bring up a vehicle (unit) record (MVM) and then select Utilities > Link Vehicles from the menu or click on the Link Vehicle icon in the toolbar.
2. The selected unit number displays in the Edit Vehicle Links window. With the mouse pointer anywhere in the window, click the right mouse button and then choose Add Link from the menu.
3. By default, the selected unit number is automatically assigned as the parent. Enter the unit number to link or press F1 to select a unit from the lookup list. If the specified unit is already linked to another unit, an error message appears and prompts for another number.
4. Enter up to 60 characters to describe the link between parent and child or miscellaneous notes.
5. Choose OK to link the child unit to the parent.
6. Repeat steps 3 – 5 to link additional units to the parent and then choose Cancel to return to the Edit Vehicle Links window.

At this point, the parent is shown with a symbol to indicate at least one link exists. To expand the list and see the link(s), click once on the symbol or double-click on the parent unit number.
To link a unit to the child, place the mouse pointer on the child unit number and then complete steps 2 – 6.
 The symbol indicates the child is also a level 2 parent; click to expand

Adding a Link Using the Unit Link Program

This option allows links for multiple vehicles to be added without having to bring up individual vehicle records. This method also allows the ability to see link relationships for all the vehicles in your fleet.

1. Select Master > Vehicle > Unit Link Maintenance from the RTA main menu (MVK).
2. When the Edit Vehicle Links window is first brought up, the list only displays level 1 parent vehicles and unlinked vehicles. To expand the list, click the symbol or double-click the parent vehicle number and the linked units will display. Place the mouse pointer on the unit to link, click the right mouse button, and choose Add Link.
3. Enter the unit number to link or press F1 to select a unit from the lookup list. If the specified unit is already linked to another unit, an error message appears and prompts for another number.
4. Enter up to 60 characters to describe the link between parent and child or miscellaneous notes.
5. Choose OK to link the child unit to the parent.
6. Repeat steps 3 – 5 to link additional units as needed and then choose Cancel to return to the Edit Vehicle Links window.
7. Repeat steps 2 – 6 until all units have been linked.
   

Unlinking a Vehicle

To unlink a vehicle, do the following:

1. Bring up a vehicle (unit) record (MVM) and then select Utilities > Link Vehicles from the menu or click on the Link Vehicle icon in the toolbar. OR
2. Select Master > Vehicle > Unit Link Maintenance from the RTA main menu (MVK).
3. Place the mouse pointer on the unit to unlink, click the right mouse button, and choose Unlink Vehicle.
4. Choose Yes to confirm and unlink the unit from its parent.