Dropped a trailer pulling away from the dock.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Freddy811, Feb 23, 2025.

  1. Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    You should be fine. Lesson learned.
     
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  3. upnorthwpg

    upnorthwpg Road Train Member

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    You did the right thing imo. Better to be honest that not say anything and someone else reports it. Will be considered a preventable. Take the letter and move on.
     
  4. Zonno

    Zonno Light Load Member

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    I ALWAYS do the tug test when hooking up. Just this past week I had to change trailers, and after backing to the trailer, it would come loose every time I tug tested. Turns out it was sitting up too high, just like you said. I drive a tractor-trailer dump, so it’s only occasionally hook/unhook, so I’m always overly cautious.
     
  5. wulfman75

    wulfman75 Road Train Member

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    need to do a visual check as well. I do 3 tugs and get out and do a visual check. Can't be too cautious lol
     
  6. Freddy811

    Freddy811 Bobtail Member

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    A day later I think I hooked and tested it like 40 times. different trailer heights, etc. I think i heard a click 2 times out of 38. Was my first time using this tractor.

    I know it's 100% my fault but is it common for locking jaws to have issues, etc?

    All 40 times it hooked correctly. My only guess is the trailer was too high and I got a false connection?
     
  7. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    When was the last time all that nasty old grease was cleaned off the jaws and other moving parts?
     
  8. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    When I back under a trailer, I can feel when the fifth wheel makes contact and see if the trailer is raising up any as I back under it. My window is down so I can hear the fifth wheel latch. Then I shine a flashlight and check to see the jaws locked as part of the pre-trip.
    I've been doing this the same way since right after I started driving and had to crank up a dry van with 44k in the box. Lesson learned and never forgotten.
     
  9. Freddy811

    Freddy811 Bobtail Member

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    Even more reason to be extra careful and inspect. We slip seat and this tractor was a rental not a truck in our fleet(other tractor in shop). I noticed some old chunks of grease had fallen down afterwards. Those are probably issues since it hardly ever clicked.
     
    hope not dumb twucker Thanks this.
  10. wulfman75

    wulfman75 Road Train Member

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    I do the same after learning the same lesson lol
     
    260REM, Lonesome, Zonno and 2 others Thank this.
  11. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    IF there was no damage whatsoever (which is kind of hard to believe), then i don't think you will be fired. I don't even see why you reported it IF there was no damage. I only report damage that I do to my company.
     
    hope not dumb twucker Thanks this.
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