New to side loaders; advice?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by 338-Dark-Knights, Feb 26, 2012.

  1. 338-Dark-Knights

    338-Dark-Knights Light Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2011
    Canton, GA
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    I've been hauling OTR for several months now, almost never touching the freight to ld/unld. Standard sleeper and cab (T2000) with a 53' dry van.
    I am about to start driving a different trailer now and would like to know what I should expect as far as changes in operation, driving, pre-trip, and things similar. Not sure yet if I will have a single or dully tractor, but I'm sure it's going to be a day cab.
    I would guess the turning will be a concern as it may be a bit easier/faster to jack knife, and checking the tires on a trailer that has side walls which cover the majority of the tire (again, not sure what equipment I will operate) would be the more obvious first questions I' m going to have.
    Would the location have determining factors for the tractor? I'm going to be in a port city, probably some side streets that might be a bit narrow. Hilly, and I'm good with a clutch.
    Beverage truck, might have to watch for turn speed still, yes? Outside temp? I would think the truck moving would keep things from freezing; are there temp controlled trailers?
    I don't know much about the job, yet. I'm sure some questions will resolve as I go foward, and others will need more info once I start. For now, I will have to see where this thread takes me.
     
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  3. Gizmo_Man

    Gizmo_Man Road Train Member

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    Just drive it like you stole it..[​IMG]

    seriously, do what YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO, regarding pre and post trip inspections.

    Always remember to keep the doors closed when driving, lest you lose your load.

    I mean, I can't see too much difference. If you are a truck driver, then drive!!:biggrin_25522:
     
  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Yeah, single screw day cab with short trailer......cake walk
     
  5. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    I have done things with a pup and single axle I don't think I would to with my pickup and tag trailer, takes some gettin used to but you can't put them any where
     
    double_r Thanks this.
  6. double_r

    double_r Heavy Load Member

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    Pittsburgh,PA
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    Um, no. They back a lot different then a 53' trailer. Takes a lot of getting use to. Hardest part when drivers come from a OTR company and get a local job pulling short trailers is the backing. They take off on you real quick. Takes some time and a lot of practice to get use to one. In all honesty, I would rather pull a 38' or 48' around with a twin screw then pull the 28' pup with a single screw.
     
  7. 338-Dark-Knights

    338-Dark-Knights Light Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2011
    Canton, GA
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    I should find out more tomorrow. Thanks to all for the info so far. I'll keep you posted.
     
  8. 338-Dark-Knights

    338-Dark-Knights Light Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2011
    Canton, GA
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    both class a combos and class b stright trucks, and apperently a variety of both. more news as to what exactly I will be assigned tomorrow.
    bbl for now
     
  9. Wiggle Wagon

    Wiggle Wagon Light Load Member

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    Dayton OH
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    In 1964, my grandfather was on a Pepsi route with a sideloader. He called in to the company from a gas station and was informed that grandma had just went into labor. He ran to the truck, put her in gear and started speeding to the hospital. He made a hard left and thousands of Pepsi cases dumped all over the road. He had left 3 of the side doors open.:biggrin_25519:

    He went on to work there for 45 more years, eventually retired, and people still give him hell over it.
     
  10. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    ANY truck driver worth his salt can back up ANY trailer, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, in ANY situation. 28', 48', 53', spread axle, whatever. Trust me on this....
     
    double_r Thanks this.
  11. 338-Dark-Knights

    338-Dark-Knights Light Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2011
    Canton, GA
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    It's not like I have to do it blindfolded guys. GOAL still applies to the places where I grab gear 'R'!
     
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