Why is it sometimes impossible to shut the trailer doors on sloped ground?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Sep 30, 2022.

  1. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    Several times in my career I have not been able to shut the trailer doors on sloped ground, but i was able to shut the trailer doors when i moved the trailer to flat ground.

    I know that when the trailer is lower than the tractor on sloped ground, gravity is pulling the trailer doors down. But gravity is pulling the trailer down too. So I would think the trailer being pulled down too would cancel out the effect of gravity on the trailer doors.

    Why is it sometimes impossible to shut the trailer doors on sloped ground?
     
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  3. Milr72

    Milr72 Medium Load Member

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    Your trailer is twisting just enough that the door latches won't line up.
     
  4. JoeyJunk

    JoeyJunk Road Train Member

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    Has happened to me many times. Make and model always different so couldn’t blame one type.
     
  5. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    Why don't the trailer doors "twist" with the trailer?
     
  6. InTooDeep

    InTooDeep Donner party survivor

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  7. Magoo1968

    Magoo1968 Road Train Member

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    The rear frame that goes around the trailer doors is weak and allows trailer to flex . Often all you have to do is put your hand under latch and push up your latch for it too catch.
     
  8. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Geometry completely lost to you huh?
    Not to be rude or anything, are you originally from American or somewhere else?
     
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  9. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    As others have said.. the surface you parked on is causing the trailer to twist. I’ve had it happen many times. Sometimes just pulling ahead a couple feet resolves the problem.
     
  10. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    Why would the rear flame flex on sloped ground but not on flat ground?
     
  11. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    In my best Alan Ludden voice..
    "Today's password is ....Flex"
     
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