Tips for new drivers (things to do)

Your legal argument might hold a little bit of weight.

However, how the hell is applying the trailer brakes to a trailer with its parking brake set going to "stop it sooner"?

 

Both of yu guys make very valid points...............

 

There is absolutely no reason to hook up air lines before backing under any trailer built after 1975 (Which is most of 'em). If the spring brakes don't hold the trailer, your air brakes aren't either. Consider this. Lets say that you back up to a trailer, hook up your air lines, and begin to back under. The trailer begins to slide backwards down hill due to ice, etc. If you hit the brakes, nothing will happen. The spring brakes already are on and the air will not make them "come on harder", nor will the trailer stop moving (unless stopped by friction or gravity), and now not only have you lost the trailer, you've also ripped off your gladhands!

Trailers built before 1975 have an emergency air tank on them to hold the brakes on, but many of them leak off air releasing the brakes. Thats why before you hook up to them, you SHOULD charge the emergency portion before backing under them. In reality though, finding one of these trailers still in road-worthy condition will be rare. More rare that the buffet roast beef at the TA.

Don't bother hooking up before you back under. Waste of time.

However, in very cold weather, when you back under, keep pushing gently on the trailer with the tractor for 5-7 seconds after the kingpin goes into the fifthwheel so that the jaws have time to close. In cold weather, the grease on the fifthwheel makes 'em move more slowly than normal. Then tug test twice.

Good luck guys and stay safe!
Russ

 

I am currently in CDL school.. what exactly is the "tractor protection valve"? Does it have something to do with the trailer emergency brakes ??(the red knob).I am kind of confused on that one...and thanks for starting this thread...novices like myself can always use the advice...

 

Thank you....

 

the tpv is so if you have air pressure loss at the trailer, like if your 5th wheel isn't completely engaged and you lose it while goin down the road. it rips the glad hands off and you get a very big air leak. the tpv senses this loss and keeps the tractor from losing all of its air so you can safely stop it. your post-75 trailer, since it has no air left. fully applies the spring brakes causing a minivan to rear end your now stopped trailer and sue you like crazy for losing the trailer, no brake lights, etc.

I have never worried about hooking up the glad hads prior, but I have alway done a tug and checked to make sure it wasn't only half engaged (it will still pull, but can pop in or out)