Pulling doubles

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by SHOJim, Apr 27, 2014.

  1. SHOJim

    SHOJim Road Train Member

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    I was curious as to what is the hardest part about pulling doubles? I've heard that they can "whip-lash" fairly easy.

    Thanks
     
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  3. Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

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    From what I have seen, only haven't driven them once, the hardest part would be waiting for the wrecker to pull you out of the ditch during ice storms in Oklahoma.
     
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  4. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    I pulled them for 8 years and never had that problem with them. The hardest thing I found about them is hooking them up, especially if you have a ragged converter dolly to use. Also you just have to keep in mind that you never want to get in a situation where you have to back them because its next to impossible. Youd probably have to disconnect them and move them 1 at the time if you do get into one of those situations. Quite frankly, I prefer to pull doubles. If youre going down the road and let one drop off on the shoulder it will probably whiplash with you and probably wreck you but other than that as long as you keep them from wiggling a lot they actually pull better than a 53' trailer.
     
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  5. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    There is no hard part. They bend in the middle making for a tighter turning radius. The rear trailer will follow the front trailer. I've never had a set whiplash.
     
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  6. upnorthwpg

    upnorthwpg Road Train Member

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    15 years pulling doubles and triples. Good point about getting into tight spots... Only did it once. When hooking, try to line up the front trailers drivers side tire with the drivers side dolly tire. You will line up the pintle pretty close every time. Just drive defensively, don't drive like a raped ape all the time, you will be fine. Take it easy on on and off ramps too.
     
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  7. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Road Train Member

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    They will lash, they will steer the truck around, and they will turn over a lot easier. Just be aware.

    They are good for getting in tight spaces but you cannot back out of tight spaces so know where you are going.

    This is like the second or third question about this week so do some searching if you need more info.
     
  8. browndawg

    browndawg Medium Load Member

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    learn how to back the dolly when it is hooked to your front trailer makes things a whole lot easier (if your company will let you) when hooking a set, and yes if you get two good trailers they pull better than one, I love pulling doubles. another plus is when its real windy and I pass other drivers they never crowd the zipper
     
  9. yuban

    yuban Medium Load Member

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    Parallel parking can be a challenge.

    Best thing is you get paid twice because you are hauling double the freight.
     
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  10. fuzzeymateo

    fuzzeymateo Heavy Load Member

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    :biggrin_25525: You guys are killin me! Lol!! The crack the whip can be used to your benefit......when a four wheeler or "professional driver" runs along the side of you and refuses to pass, just turn the wheel a bit back and fourth...... This will get that back box moving around quite a bit and scare the motoring public... They will also quickly pass you and give you a crazy look.....I call it "the sway of persuasion."
     
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  11. Moon_beam

    Moon_beam Heavy Load Member

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    Been pulling doubles for 7.5 years and love them, right turns are so much easier than with a 53 foot trailer. About twice a year I get stuck with a 53 foot trailer and hate it because if I forget about the 53 footer being pulled I could make a bad right turn. Biggest issues are stringing sets, pulling empties in the wind, and single drive axle spinning on snow packed roads.
     
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