Strange or bizarre tips for drivers

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by jlkklj777, Oct 25, 2007.

  1. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Many drivers I work with argue like mad over this topic. TN also sets a kingpin to tandem length for any trailer longer than 48 ft length overall. These drivers seem to think the "bridge law" only applies to them when the trailer is loaded.

    I can't tell you how many times I have offered to help them slide their tandems forward from the fully to the rear position to hear the reply "oh, that's OK the trailer is empty."

    One way to double-check the 41ft length on a 53 ft trailer is to make sure the mud flap of the last tandem axle is ahead of the latch or post used to hold the open trailer door in the open position. My account has numerous trailers with a plain black mark somewhere along the side of the trailer. Some of these marks have nothing to do with the 41 foot point. Some of these marks were placed only for weight distribution for a dedicated customer.

    It will not get the driver out of an over-length ticket just because you were blindly following a black mark on the side of the trailer. We hve black marks on the side that are 5-10 feet from the 41ft position.

    It is ILLEGAL to pull a 53 ft trailer in TN with the tandems slid fully to the rear and it can be enforced by an officer on the side of the road, not just at the scale house.
     
    TNspeedy, Baack and jlkklj777 Thank this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Kansas

    Kansas Road Train Member

    2,541
    2,579
    Apr 14, 2009
    aircap, Ks.
    0
    Way back in the day I had a trainer show me that one. Using an erasable marker Of Course lol.

    When I am in unfamiliar territory or big city where its hopeless trying to read a map while navigating traffic. I simply right the highway number and direction N S E or W, and Exit numbers. I cant tell you how many times this has saved my butt.
     
  4. muscletruck7379

    muscletruck7379 Light Load Member

    87
    12
    Nov 23, 2008
    scottsbluff, nebraska
    0
    in theory you could still use your backscratcher for this... but your hubby might not agree as much.
     
  5. bulldozerbert

    bulldozerbert Medium Load Member

    622
    240
    Oct 5, 2008
    Ontario
    0
    Just finished reading this thread. Lots of good advice in here.

    Just one more tip. When you crank down those support legs, be sure to crank them back up before you pull ahead.:biggrin_25525:
     
  6. muscletruck7379

    muscletruck7379 Light Load Member

    87
    12
    Nov 23, 2008
    scottsbluff, nebraska
    0
    heres one my grandpa did. he would put a cigarette between his fingers, then put a rubber band around his fingers, lit the cig and go to sleep. when it got close to his fingers it would wake him up and he would go on his way. use 100's for a longer nap.
     
    Baack Thanks this.
  7. Chuk510

    Chuk510 Bobtail Member

    45
    13
    Jul 25, 2009
    Kamloops B.C.
    0
    Yes automatic slacks can and do fail but heaven forbid you get into an accident and they find your trailer brakes didnt work. Best to wait for the service truck than getting sued for a possible preventable accident
     
  8. LPGregory

    LPGregory Bobtail Member

    16
    9
    Jun 27, 2009
    King, NC
    0
    Those little "hocky puck" shaped led lights that can be found at Wal-Mart or other places can be used as backup guides and markers at night or when you are backing into those inside docks when the light outside makes the dock opening too dark to see the dock. They have a small magnet and a hook that can attach it to different surfaces. For the occasions that neither will work, carry a small roll of tape double sided or otherwise to attache it. Makes lining up on target and backing in a lot easier.

    Lynnie G.
     
  9. Ignatius

    Ignatius Light Load Member

    143
    67
    Jul 6, 2009
    Tanasi
    0
    One thing I've found to be useful to me is a small tape recorder... er, digital voice recorder. I keep it in my briefcase on the passenger seat. I use it mostly to make my shopping list & a "to do" list. When I get home I play it back and write my list out. Have also used it record directions during phone calls, mileage, etc. I've found it to be easier & much safer than trying to make a note of something while driving, and I think it saves time. I picked up mine at some big box store for around $35.
     
  10. L.B.

    L.B. Third Generation Truck Driver

    2,654
    1,055
    Jul 23, 2007
    Middle GA
    0
    I have an app on my iphone that does that.
     
  11. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    Don't let the law catch you peeing on tires, or other places you shouldn't be doing it !! It can lead to a obscenity charge, and a quick end to your career. Honest, it happens.........
    Honest, you can even end up classified a sexual deviat or whatever that is...
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2009
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.