Do pranksters/jerks actually pull the pin when the trucker isn't looking?

If I pull your pin, backing against it won't do a thing. You have to pull ahead to clear the latch trigger plate and then back up to activate the latching mechanism.

Always set your trailer brakes or activate them with your trailer brake handle/johnny bar and tug against the kingpin.

I visually check the handle of both fifth wheels and tug the front box any time I return to the truck.

 

Ive only seen it happen one time. But it was enough too make me double check everytime I park. The poor guys trailer collapsed all the way on the nose with a full load of bottled water...

 

Takes 5 seconds to look.. about 10 minutes to get a loaded trailer up..(if it doesn't collapse landing gear)... then you're worn out and tired....

I don't get out and look every morning.. but I do back against it.. then pull on the trailer with trailer brakes set..

 

That's true, you should also tug forward with the trailer brake set or using the johnny bar.

 

Swift drivers would do it to each other. When I worked at Swift, there was a feud between the van drivers and the skateboarders, and their Gary terminal was a skateboard terminal. Well, the van drivers would pull the skateboarders kingpins and the skateboarders would flip the van placards to hazmat.

"But my PrePass blinked green!"

For some reason, my truck seems to have difficulty with the wind blade trailers. Hook to it and tug and everything feels locked. However, I look at the handle and it isn't all the way in. I inspect that jaws, and they're around the kingpin, but not locked. I have to shove the handle in and it will lock I will inspect the jaws again. I am paranoid about dropping a trailer.

 

I'd appreciate you call him Mr Johnson in future . . .

 

It is pretty sorry someone would lower themselves to those standards. It might cause injury to innocent victims then where are they?

If they do something like that they won't hesitate to have cases of road rage. There is no room for being vindictive as a truck driver. If one is they need to find a new career.

Part of having thick skin as a driver is to not let the dumb stuff bother you.

 

Not gonna get into hows/whys---BUT--if your concerned--when you park---hold trailer brakes and tug forward--once the pin is into the back of the jaws tight--#### near impossible to pull--still check etc before leaving--

 

Most drivers call it a Johnson Bar; just didn't want to set myself up for jokes...lol

 

It is really that difficult to get out and physically check to make sure pin is lock as well as doing the tug test?I mean you do a pre trip anyways right???????????????