Tagging a dolly/gear

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by JReding, Sep 27, 2017.

  1. JReding

    JReding Road Train Member

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    Okay, folks. This topic has been brought up here before, but the last post I saw on another thread was five years ago, so it's probably time to update the information.

    I'm looking for input on properly tagging a dolly, either behind a bobtail or a single pup.

    We don't tag them where I work now, but it's common practice at FedEx Freight where I used to work.

    Last I had heard before I left there, both airlines should not only be attached to the gladhands, but must also be open. The red, obviously so the little ram is engaged, and also keep the dolly from locking up it's brakes (if you're are equipped to do so). But apparently, the regs state that the service line is also to be open so that when you step on the brakes, they are also working on the dolly. The majority of us agreed that this is actually unsafe, and it's better to leave the dolly wheels free rolling in a braking situation.

    Feedback? Can anyone find that regulation, and what do the rest of you do?
     
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  3. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    Regulations Section

    Question 2: Are unladen converter dollies covered by the exemption in §393.42(b)(3)?

    Guidance: Yes. However, if the converter dolly is laden, the brakes must be operable.

    <<>>

    Hint, if you Google FMCSA and what you are looking for you will usually see the results.

    I Googled.

    fmcsa and regulations on dolly's
     
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  4. JReding

    JReding Road Train Member

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    Well, aren't you the smartypants???:p

    Thanks for finding that, I probably just didn't use the right search terms when looking for it.
     
  5. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    :cool:

    I usually preface the search with FMCSA and xxxxxxxxx

    This usually brings back good results.
     
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  6. ChaoSS

    ChaoSS Road Train Member

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    No, the smarty pants posts this link:

    LMGTFY
     
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  7. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    That is too funny...
     
  8. mugurpe

    mugurpe Medium Load Member

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    actually I've just been working on this issue a we just bought one.
    If the dolly is unladen it's considered it's own trailer and under 3000lbs, so no brakes, but electrical has to work if it blocks the view of your other lights. When it's laden, it's part of the trailer, and therefore runs under the trailer's plate/registration
    without a trailer on it, it's considered a tow dolly, small trailer so it'll need it's own tag (in Massachusetts anyway).

    I think some companies don't tag/register them because their local state doesn't require it and it will always be laden out-of-state, or the only time it will be unladen is in the company yard. Or, maybe they figure why bother because they almost never get busted for it.

    That's what I came up with.
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2017
    Reason for edit: typo/autocorrect correction
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