Multiple truck fires on I-40 in TN in the last few days.

Those guys still think they bought a semi. I see them pulling 40-foot flatbeds all the time. I'll bet the trucks are shot by the time they hit 200k miles. They're not built for it.

 

I also see them pulling those trailers. I saw a pick up a while back pulling a car hauling trailer. That was awkward. I was not driving and was glad. It looked scary to be near.

 

A lot of those hot shots are trying to pull heavy trailers with Dodge Rams,Ford Super Dutys and Chevy Silverado HDs,thinking they can pull heavy stuff like a semi,the problem is that they typically don’t have the truck and/or trailers properly set up or equipped properly and they end up over stressing the drivetrain,the chassis,trailer hitches or all of the above at once. Even those trucks have a finite lifespan if you don’t pay attention to tongue weight,axle ratings,etc.

 

Companies think the wheel end is never needs to be checked. The wheel bearing are running grease, not oil. The seals still wear out and start leaking the grease into the bottom brake shoe cavity. The bearing runs dry, gets hot and then the grease catches on fire. The companies are told the wheel end is good for a million miles, but they need attention way before that.

 

Another reason a complete pretrip is very important!