when to use trailer handbrake?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Freebird135, May 14, 2009.

  1. FriedTater

    FriedTater Keeper of The Snakes

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    Thats RIGHT ! use their brakes instead of yours .


     
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  3. miakica

    miakica Light Load Member

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    Mar 17, 2008
    Great White North
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    Amen :biggrin_25525::biggrin_25525::biggrin_25525:
     
  4. JohnnyC

    JohnnyC Light Load Member

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    virginia beach, virginia
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    Only everused it to test trailer brakes. Never had a jack knift situation. I now have the kind that is spring loaded. I have always used my engine brake in the rain. Never saw a need in snow or ice.

    John
     
  5. Hyper

    Hyper Light Load Member

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    Post of the Year!
     
  6. L.B.

    L.B. Third Generation Truck Driver

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    Middle GA
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    Have you ever tried this? If your trailer is sliding out from behind you it has already lost traction. Applying the trailer brakes mean they will most likely lock the trailer brakes up, meaning you will not get traction back. If you can apply light pressure on the trailer brakes and accelerate, the trailer could get back under control. The key is the acceleration, not the trailer breaks.
     
    jlkklj777, Roadmedic and FriedTater Thank this.
  7. FriedTater

    FriedTater Keeper of The Snakes

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    United State of Texas
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    Well said,the trick is to not let your self get out of shape
    by "over driving" for conditions.Those trailers dont just walk outta line without help.

    Every one Ive ever seen step out,was preceded by a flash of brake lights.
    Driver error "every time".

     
  8. LandShark

    LandShark Road Train Member

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    I use mine only going down mountian grades...along with the jake....should something happen on the down hill side I still have "cool" tractor brakes if needed...
     
  9. Native Dancer

    Native Dancer Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 28, 2007
    Portland, Or.
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    Good to use when you have a steer tire blow. A little trailer brake, a little throttle, and gradually slow down in a straight line.

    We used them all the time when I was logging. Dropping down an 8% grade grossing 250,000 we would use 5# of pressure. Good for keeping your trailer behind you, especially on ice.
     
    panhandlepat Thanks this.
  10. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    Depends on where you lose traction....

    If the trailer loses traction and starts sideways, pulling on the trailer brake won't accomplish a darn thing...nothing.

    If the tractor loses traction...the trailer brakes might help...but in most cases if the tractor loses traction its too late...just hold on for the ride.

    I managed to get back under a trailer that started around on me one time (heavy rain, empty trailer hydroplaned)...ONLY because I had plenty of room to maneuver and hitting the brakes was NOT part of the equation.

    This happened at about 2am...no traffic anywhere near me (or even in sight). I know you're not supposed to swerve and all that...but I didn't feel like having a wreck that thought I could avoid...and in that one instance, it worked out OK.
     
  11. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    Somebody mentioned a skid pad...Schneider has (had?) one in Green Bay and I have played on it a couple of times. It is good experience for new drivers in my opinion.

    My Dad taught me how to drive in bad road conditions...and most of what he taught me was pretty similar to what most companies teach at their classes...but not all.

    Dad covered a few things that Schneider didn't...but when I got my CDL through Schneider I sat there in class just like the rest of those guys who had never been in a truck before...they thought I was just a fast learner. (you know how it is...if you let them think you know something, they will go out of their way to prove you wrong or make you look bad...just so they can be "right")
     
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