Explain this old school wisdom I get told by some oldtimers.

If you're ancient, trailers didn't have spring brakes back in the dark ages. LOL

 

I always used the tug test. I don't think I've ever seen someone do what you described, but I'm not saying it didn't happen. There's lots of things I haven't seen.

 

I do 3 things. Frist- (2) Tug Tests at hookup. Second- Go underneath with flashlight and look. Third- Get rolling, and 3rd Tug Test with Johnny Bar. If it comes unhooked after all that, I don't know what to tell you...

 

You are right. I have seen it done a bit. A tug test from a stop is better for the reasons you mention.

 

I haven't seen that, but after 2 tug tests I back into the trailer a 2nd time, engage the truck spring brakes, then get out, push handle in, and finally check jaw with flashlight from underneath trailer.

 

I do pretty much the same way as @LOTSO described.

The old guys told me the actual reason for pulling forward and pulling the spike was to ensure the trailer brakes are applying and releasing properly.

It IS kind of a "final test" of the fifth wheel/kingpin coupling. If you're looking in your driver's side mirror as you do the test, you should be able to see if the trailer comes loose. And you should be going slowly enough that you can catch the trailer on the tractor frame rails before it completely nose-plants itself.

 

I used to see guys 'chasing' the trailer as it drifted backwards slamming the pin closed...didn't always happen.

Last trailer I saw without spring brakes was the old fuel trailer at the Matlack terminal.

The look on a rookie's face after his first try to hook up was priceless.

 

Why don't you ask the offenders why they choose to do it the way that annoys you?