To drive or not to drive!

brake or turn signal being out is a no go, marker lights maybe. Chances are you will make it etc, but what if?

 

Run the load and stop at a TA or Petro garage or run the load and leave the problem for the next driver.

 

I dropped an empty at Keebler that had a blown out tire

 

Before CSA-2010 I would have picked up the load and took the trailer and got it fixed. Since CSA-2010 I don't put any piece of equipment on the road till it is 100% road legal. The fines can be expensive and I just don't want the points. For me this is not hypothetical it has happened several times. One of the most frustrating parts of being a truck driver is being put into a bad situation like this because a lazy no count piece of trash steering wheel holder decides not to take a few minutes and report a problem, or worse won't do a pre/post trip on the trailer!

 

^^^^ i agree, @Exrayman4000 ! Couldn't've said it better myself. PS: Change your avi, back to the original. Thanks, man...and KUDOS! Great post.

 

I typed in my problems into the internet and a YouTube video popped up showing me how to fix it.

 

First I would attempt a fix. Is the socket loose or just one pin? Sounds like a single pin. In that case I would slather it with dielectric grease and wedge the pig tail in with a shim. A dime or something similar.

Provided that worked, I would roll the load, then get the trailer properly fixed.

If that didn'the work, I'd check the bulbs and wiring. Again, fix if I could. If not, roll the repair truck. I don't drag broke down junk.

There is a special hot place for drivers who drop busted trailers for someone else to deal with. Don't be that guy.

 

Exray is right. A driver who leaves a pile of crap behind for the next guy is just plain trash. I hate that so many drivers think it's OK to hose the next guy. I mean it, hate is strong medicine, I know, but it's just so messed up, that kind of thinking and that kind of driving.

In Calexico, a dropyard there, drivers strip sitting trailers for parts to get their trailer going. Hilarious, and annoying.

My solution to the light problem is as follows:
1. carry one spare belly light and at least 2 taillights.
2. Lately I carry a spare flasher.
3. Carry electrical connections and a electrical pliers, repair corroded wires at a safe stop.
4. Drive to the next truckstop or dealer, buy the bulbs, or whatever, do the repair myself. If I get a pop from a LEO while I'm on the way, I'm just hoping for some understanding and a warning worst case.

In any of these scenarios, the driver who left me this problem is a POS and no friend of mine. Although I want to mention, bulbs or corroded wires have a beginning to their fail, and sometimes (rarely) it goes into the $%&# happens file.