Braking in snow and ice

I would assume she means the Happy handle as I know it as or the handle on the right side of the steering column meant to only apply the trailer brakes.

 

Yes, its also called a Trolly brake among other things. Also, when turning, like at an intersection, be easy on the accelerator because your drives will want to push you in the direction they are pointing and not the direction the steers are pointed

 

NEVER touch that trailer brake in snow!!!! I've talked to many, many truckers and all agree - don't touch that brake if you start to slide or you may end up with your trailer in FRONT of you. Much better to do other things to slow down.

 

Minpins, when you say "start to slide", do you mean the truck (drives or steers) or trailer? Or doesn't it matter... that it's just not wise to use the trailer brake on any snow-covered pavement? What if you're not in a slide, but sensing that you do not have sufficient traction?

 

Experienced truckers have told us to NOT use that brake in the snow. Ever. It can just make the situation worse, so they say.

 

Thanks, minpins. I just running through the different scenarios in my head and some of them aren't coming together very well. But until I get it figured out, I'm gonna take your word for it!

 

If you use the trailer brake on snow the trailer is going to try and stop while your drive wheels are still under power. If your drives break traction the tractor is probably going to try and slide out from under the trailer or the trailer will start to jacknife on its own. The same thing will happen in reverse if you use your jake on a slick road. The tractor will be trying to slow down while the trailer is rolling free and will be trying to push the tractor down the road.

 

i assume it is refering to the trailer hand valve,,maybe johnson invented it??

 

These are two different situations..Snow, all these are good answers..
but may not work in your situation....GO Slooooooow
Ice (solid) Park it until it is safe to go (thawed out)
No freight is worth your life...

34+ years in trucking

 

Yes, VERY true. NEVER drive on ice!! You can't control anything, you can't turn, you can't stop. Great advice!!