Newbies watch them trailer tires

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by BubbaTrucker, Nov 26, 2007.

  1. BubbaTrucker

    BubbaTrucker "Iam Hanging in there"

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    108
    Nov 12, 2007
    Pennsylvania
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    for the newbies out there, i do have to tell you, cause it has happened to me 11 yrs ago on my first ever run, it was 5 below and i was parked for a day, without thinking i pulled out and started to go, i didn't realize the breaks on the trailer didn't release right and they were frooze. needless to say, i paid for 4 new tires with the next pay check.

    b sure you check to make sure them tires are going when you go to pull out and its cold out .........
     
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  3. Too-Tall

    Too-Tall Light Load Member

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    Jul 6, 2006
    Pittsburgh PA
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    goin on my 4th month of driving 1st month of winter and what ive started doing is i do my brake check every mornin to ensure all my brakes are working properly. including a tug test. then when i start rolling i turn to the left so i can see my wheels in my mirror. then i turn tot he right so i can see the otehr ones. and if they are all rolling im good.

    now i would assume that if the brakes were froze, that it would be the same as having the brakes set and i would know somethings up when im doing a 'tug test' and the brakes are all released.. right?

    oh well im gonna use my trick until i devise something better.

    oh uh quick question.. wouldnt you of had to buy 8 new tires? or were they the super singles? cuz you said u had to buy 4 new tires and trailers have 8.
     
  4. Burky

    Burky Road Train Member

    Most likely, he only had one axle hamg up, so only 4 tires refused to turn. As a tip here, a lot of times, the brakes will break loose easier if you try backing up than they will going forward. never quite figured out why, but a lot of times if I have a frozen brake, or just one sticking, a little bit of reverse will break it loose.

    As for swiveling from side to side, that works as a visual aid, and I do that anyhow because i never feel that a trailer os fully latched until I have made a turn or two with it. I swing a good turn from side to side to ensure my trailer is on solidly, and it's helped out a few times when I had a 5th wheel that was kind of tricky to latch. I used to have a tractor that would occasionally get a false hook, never could find anything wrong with the plate, just the way it was.
     
  5. Big Red

    Big Red Lonestar

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    2,694
    Nov 11, 2007
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    It just doesn't get to be too wintery where I live. Haven't forgot how, just a bit rusty.

    I used to keep a 18 inch or so piece of 2x4 to aid in breaking ice loose on trailer brakes. Put er in there along the shoe and drum and give it a thump with your hammer. Worked for me when some extra persuasion was necessary.

    I've got a simple rule here too. If the weather's so bad I won't drive my Ford in it...I'm NOT going to drive the companys Freightliner in it either.
     
  6. Dreaman

    Dreaman Medium Load Member

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    Sep 18, 2007
    Iowa
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    Side to side works. Also push the clutch in and see if you feel the brakes grabbing. When you are stopping for the night, fueling, taking a break make sure you don't set the trailer brakes. They will freeze up pretty quick if the weather is bad.:biggrin_25525:
     
  7. swerve

    swerve Bobtail Member

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    Nov 26, 2007
    Marietta, GA
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    Thats how I do it (only when parking on a relatively level spot) -- they will STILL occasionally freeze up though - usually easier to break in the morning...

    Another trick is if it is REALLY wet out -- to drive with your brakes slightly engaged for a few seconds prior to parking -- dries out the chamber...

    In regards to doing the side to side thing to test the 5th wheel connection -- UMMMM -- wouldn't a visual check PRIOR to driving be the way to go???

    Or did I misunderstand what you were talking about...
     
  8. Etosha

    Etosha World Citizen

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    Aug 19, 2007
    Edmonton, AB
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    I think you did misunderstand... he was talking about going one way, and looking out his window to see if the wheels are actually turning, then turning to the other side to do the same. I also use this trick.
     
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