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

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

Page 1 of 7
  1. Nov 19, 2011 #1
    Countess

    Countess Bobtail Member

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    Aug 19, 2011
    San Antonio, TX
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    This guy sure wished he had. Note the wrecked landing gear.

    He was pulling out of an overnight spot in Brownsville Tx. Oopsie.

    Oops.jpg

    I may be fairly new as a driver, but this is one thing I ALWAYS check. Now more than ever! ;-)
     
    Countess, Nov 19, 2011
    Countess, Nov 19, 2011
    #1
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  3. Nov 19, 2011 #2
    Kansas

    Kansas Road Train Member

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    aircap, Ks.
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    Bummer, that just ruined somebodies day.
     
    Kansas, Nov 19, 2011
    Kansas, Nov 19, 2011
    #2
  4. Nov 19, 2011 #3
    georgeandson

    georgeandson Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 18, 2011
    1 mile down the road.
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    He pissed someone off at the truck stop.
    I seen this when I first started driving truck in 03 and the dude got on the CB and told the other driver "I told you to shut the f up or else....well...or else is here m fer." I never forgot that.
    Then a few years a go I saw a guy in Bozman MT pull out of a refer company lot and drop his trailer in the intersection. I try to tug test every time. Have I missed a time or two? Maybe but I sure as hell try not to.

    No tug test = dropped trailer.

    Now with that said I have seen 5th wheel fail and watched a guy in our yard do a tug test and fifth wheel came off the frame. He stopped and caught it but it was done.
     
    georgeandson, Nov 19, 2011
    georgeandson, Nov 19, 2011
    #3
    HwyPrsnr Thanks this.
  5. Nov 19, 2011 #4
    georgeandson

    georgeandson Heavy Load Member

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    Here was a rookie at the rail yard a while back. [​IMG]
     
    georgeandson, Nov 19, 2011
    georgeandson, Nov 19, 2011
    #4
  7. Nov 19, 2011 #5
    Wiseguywireless

    Wiseguywireless Road Train Member

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    Dec 21, 2007
    Petoskey, MI
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    Uhhhh.... Yes.
     
    Wiseguywireless, Nov 19, 2011
    Wiseguywireless, Nov 19, 2011
    #5
  8. Nov 19, 2011 #6
    Countess

    Countess Bobtail Member

    21
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    Aug 19, 2011
    San Antonio, TX
    0
    I once tug tested an empty trailer and had it come off onto my tires. Thankfully was easy to crank back up and rehook. Learning all the time out here.



    That's what I'm always afraid of. I feel like I have a double chance of that happening- not that I'd piss anybody off, but there are always those who like to pull such stunts for their own amusement. That, and being a woman out here (with flashy long blond hair to boot) puts me at double risk from those who might think they have something to prove about "wimmens" legitimacy in being out on the road, lol.

    Makes me a careful person out there. But I do have to say, I see FAR more super nice, helpful guys out there, and only see the misogynists on the radio. :)
     
    Countess, Nov 19, 2011
    Countess, Nov 19, 2011
    #6
    The Challenger and MS Lady Trucker Thank this.
  9. Nov 19, 2011 #7
    georgeandson

    georgeandson Heavy Load Member

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    1 mile down the road.
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    When you park for the night or any were that your truck is out of sight....SET YOUR TRAILER BRAKE ONLY. PUT YOUR TRUCK IN GEAR AND CREEP FORWARD A FOOT OR UNTIL YOU FELL IT NOT WANT TO GO. THEN HOLD IT WITH THE CLUTCH AND THEN SET YOUR TRUCK BREAK. THIS WILL KEEP YOU STRETCHED AND PRESSURE ON YOUR FIFTH WHEEL LOCK.
    Then go under and try to pull on your fifth wheel handle. it ain't gonna happen. NO ONE can pull it out from under you.
    That's what I do. Then I also do tug test when leaving.
     
    georgeandson, Nov 19, 2011
    georgeandson, Nov 19, 2011
    #7
    Nitemare13, PayCheck, cableclown and 16 others Thank this.
  10. Nov 19, 2011 #8
    georgeandson

    georgeandson Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 18, 2011
    1 mile down the road.
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    btw when you can't pull your fifth wheel loose thats why, your stretched and got pressure on it. IF that happens do the opposite. Set trailer break and back up till you can't move. Set tractor break and get out and pull your handle with zero effort.
     
    georgeandson, Nov 19, 2011
    georgeandson, Nov 19, 2011
    #8
    Southpaw7391 Thanks this.
  11. Nov 19, 2011 #9
    walstib

    walstib Darkstar

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    Since you aren't there, your house!
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    >>>>Do *you* check your fifth wheel pin before pulling out?

    Religiously...It has to be the most preventable AND embarrassing incidents,,,
     
    walstib, Nov 19, 2011
    walstib, Nov 19, 2011
    #9
  12. Nov 19, 2011 #10
    bubba mark

    bubba mark Medium Load Member

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    Apr 9, 2009
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    Everytime. It's one of the first things I do before I leave.
     
    bubba mark, Nov 19, 2011
    bubba mark, Nov 19, 2011
    #10
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