Do *you* check your fifth wheel pin before pulling out?

Discussion in 'Road Stories' started by Countess, Nov 19, 2011.

  1. seinb

    seinb Light Load Member

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    Dec 19, 2011
    richfield id
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    how about a lock
     
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  3. Rocks

    Rocks Road Train Member

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    Jan 13, 2008
    Somewhere
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    OF COURSE! Don't you???? I just imagine the trailer falling in the middle of the road as I drive, or somewhere as I pull out... :biggrin_25521: ALWAYS CHECK. And after I hook up, I do a tug test twice. Twice... And I go under trailer and visually make sure locking jaws are around king pin. Be safe. :biggrin_25519:
     
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  4. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Troutman NC
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    Effin' A bro! :biggrin_25514: I have an itsy, bitsy flashlight that I carry in the left pocket of my jeans. It comes out at night!!!:biggrin_25525:
     
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  5. flyingmusician

    flyingmusician Road Train Member

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    yep.....every time.....stop to fuel, anytime i leave the truck and come back, start of the day, swapping trailers.....the flashlight comes out even in the daylight hours just to be sure....less than 30 seconds to squat under the trailer and visibly verify it's wrapped around that kingpin.....and then a tug test as well.....always....every time before the truck moves....mash the yellow button in, tug on it once, mash the red button in and go......had it happen once that it looked secure but popped loose when i tugged on it.....it only takes once for something like that to happen and it'll make a believer out of you lol.....such a simple thing to do to avoid a ruined day, damaged equipment, and a new job search
     
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  6. zboyer

    zboyer Bobtail Member

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    Feb 19, 2012
    Ross, North Dakota
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    Everytime, Tug Test
     
  7. Ex-Con-Trucker

    Ex-Con-Trucker Medium Load Member

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    Oct 1, 2011
    Atlanta, Ga
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    I was dropping in Valdasta Ga a few months ago, and ran into a situation. After backing into the parking spot, I got out, pulled the pin, undid the hoses, and lowered the landing gear. Had about 33k in the box. I start to pull out, and something didn't feel right. As soon as I stop, the trailer falls off the fifth wheel, and onto the back of the frame.

    When I lowered the landing gear, the passenger side didn't lower. Luckily my frame caught it, or else it would have rolled over onto the trailer in the next spot. Had the driver side landing gear been down anymore, I believe the trailer would have rolled. With the help of another driver was able to raise the driver side leg, fix the landing gear, and lower both sides together enough to get out from under the trailer. I got lucky, and learned a valuable lesson. Accidents like this, and others seem to happen when you're in a hurry. It pays to take your time, and be thorough.
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2012
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  8. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    Mar 12, 2009
    Mo Via Blackpool,Lancs.
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    Picked up too many reefers and dry boxes that fell off the truck to not check my own. Pulling RGN and having ramps on my truck does come in handy. If I can pick up my RGN off the ground with 50-60k lbs on it, I can guarantee picking up any box trailer out here as a rule.
    Mind, I have had a few funny looks when I drop or pick up my trailer, as I pull the kingpin out of the neck when I leave it anywhere:biggrin_25523:
    Martin
     
  9. TORQUE WRENCH

    TORQUE WRENCH Bobtail Member

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    Jan 10, 2008
    CHANDLER,AZ.
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    I always get out and look to see if the king pin is in front of the lock. Never trust a tug test alone.......EVER!
     
  10. Mike'

    Mike' Medium Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2010
    Toledo, Ohio
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    I dropped a flatbed with a 52k pound coil on it...in Alabama...in July...what do you think? :biggrin_25521:
     
  11. Vito

    Vito Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 4, 2012
    North Carolina
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    No chances, no failures. Great advice!
     
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