proper use of divider lock, spike, engine brakes

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by mentality, Nov 27, 2007.

  1. Prairie Boy

    Prairie Boy Road Train Member

    3,258
    1,911
    Nov 18, 2010
    Edmonton, AB
    0
    One wibter drove from Fort St. John British Columbia all the way to Deadhorse with the ower Divider on. Just don't engage or disengage when torque is applied to the wheels.

    That was about 1900 miles.
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2012
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Prairie Boy

    Prairie Boy Road Train Member

    3,258
    1,911
    Nov 18, 2010
    Edmonton, AB
    0
    I would say that you experienced a Jake "Break" caused by a Jake "Brake" . :biggrin_25523:
     
  4. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

    6,920
    23,774
    Aug 18, 2007
    ~8600+' and loving it!
    0

    :biggrin_25514::biggrin_25514: Thanks for saving me a bunch of typing Mel!
     
  5. melpromud

    melpromud Medium Load Member

    463
    114
    Jan 29, 2010
    camden ny
    0
    Ya it took a while to type all that crap out. Especially the spelling so I didn't look like a dope!:biggrin_2559: Hope it helps someone figure out how it works.
     
  6. crazy canuck

    crazy canuck Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Jan 30, 2013
    0
    First things first... Using your spike, as already stated don't use it unless you are doing a tug test after hooking up to your trailer or there are certain types of sectors within the trucking industry. Like logging for example... But this not running your power devider? Sorry I disagree. Now I'm thinking there might be confusion between a power devider and a differential lock. Your power devider can operate at highway speeds in any weather conditions, that being said. If your drive tire slips another kicks in to keep you moving and not spin or lock up. But if you have your front or rear differential locked then as said above, only to get you out of a jam and shouldn't be used running down the road. Esp on dry pavement. A diff lock is like old school 4x4ing. And a power devider is push button 4x4:biggrin_255:ing.
     
  7. Icee

    Icee Light Load Member

    229
    123
    Apr 28, 2011
    Finland
    0
    So many bad tips here and a lot of good to.

    First of all "spike" that's trailer brake right? Perfect if you lose the steering in a corner, trucks wants to go forward on the ice. By using the trailer brake you can regain the front grip and may be able to make the turn without crashing.
    No problem using engine brake, jake brake, retarder so on the way down a hill. Just have good look in the mirror and feel the truck all the time, so you can get on the accelerator if the trailer wants to overtake you. I use it every day or I would have to change the brakes every week on roads I'm driving through the winter

    Also amazed how none has mentioned how important a well greased fifth wheel is in the winter for steering!!!!
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2013
  8. sedain

    sedain Medium Load Member

    419
    328
    Dec 4, 2010
    0
    applying the trailer brake causing the trailer to PASS the truck? that is counter intuitive, in actuality thats the reason WHY you would use it. i dont use the service brakes and the trailer brake at the same time. the trailer brake can be useful in bad weather, especially icy conditions when you have an especially light trailer imo.. i have never had any problems.

    not using the jakes in slick conditions is good advice, in actuality the jakes shouldnt be used very much at all unless youre driving in the mountains alot with steep declines.

    I use the power divider when im stuck OR in deep snow at slow speeds. turn traction control off, your traction control should be you letting off the gas or applying gas or using the brakes or trailer brake.
     
  9. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

    2,904
    41,004
    Dec 8, 2012
    hunting...../ retired
    0
    Best advice heard so far...nothing goes on ice....period.
     
  10. KenworthGuyNH

    KenworthGuyNH Road Train Member

    1,050
    2,686
    Dec 11, 2011
    Central, NH
    0
    A locked wheel ALWAYS will travel faster than a rolling wheel...........using the "spike" or trolley brake in slippery going is begging to lock the trailer up; and yes can cause a jackknife.
     
    25(2)+2 Thanks this.
  11. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,676
    43,100
    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
    0
    Ever go to a thrill show? Guess it's another grey hair thing.

    They used the emergency brake(rear wheels only) on a car to get the back end 'loose' so it slides around.

    ABS keeps the wheels from locking up, a turning wheel tends to keep it's directional stability.

    May be counter intuitive to not use the trolley handle, but if you are already having the trailer pass you because it's slippery, pulling that brake will make it worse
     
    Hammer166, rockee and jlkklj777 Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.