Dropping a Trailer Properly

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by CondoCruiser, Aug 28, 2010.

  1. lonewolf4ad

    lonewolf4ad Road Train Member

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    Condo you weren't driving for frequently F*d employees lmao. Seriously though, I know where the switch USUALLY is, our trucks just didn't have them. My worst one was in ATL rail yard, trailer was loaded, and all the way on the ground:biggrin_25516:. Took 2 hours of cranking to get that SOB up, and on top of it, the handle was broken and I didn't have any extra bolts so .....yea you get the idea.
     
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  3. truckerdaddy24

    truckerdaddy24 Road Train Member

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    it may have a identifier that says something like tractor air bags dump... And then some warnings and stuff... :biggrin_2557::biggrin_25524: But it is a secret till you find it then you ecome a member of the OMD don't tell club...
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2010
  4. Emulsified

    Emulsified Road Train Member

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    First few trucks I drove didn't have the switch. Didn't have sliding 5th's either.
    Come to think of it, they DID have roll up windows.
    When I got to some of those 'modern' new trucks made after 1990, I thought it was the cat's pajamas with some of these new tricks and knobs!
    Now I have electric windows, sliding 5th, air dump switch on the dash and even a switch to lock my third axle into action when I'm in a slippery place.
    What will they think of next?!!
     
  5. lonewolf4ad

    lonewolf4ad Road Train Member

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    I had power windows, but I also had a leaking roof lmao
     
  6. Jolsen

    Jolsen Heavy Load Member

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    I asked for one Was told you get what we give you or you go home and we will call you if a truck becomes available aka never.
     
  7. djtrype

    djtrype Heavy Load Member

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    I show all of my guys the method the OP explained and every time, it never fails if I have a hard headed trainee with me, he'll roll the landing gear all the way to the ground on a drop and hook. So, to teach 'em, I'll get under a 40K+ pound trailer, roll the landing gear to the ground, put it in low gear and roll it further then have them try and roll up the landing gear in high and watch them sweat. Have yet to have one not learn that way.
     
  8. mattbnr

    mattbnr Road Train Member

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    The way i do a drop and hook is this- i get the trailer where it needs to be, roll the landing gear down to the ground, then go in high gear about 20-25 more turns until it lifts off the back of the truck a bit. then just drive on out. works everytime. no problems so far.
     
  9. djtrype

    djtrype Heavy Load Member

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    I bet it does. I'm sure that driver after you, that you never see, is cursing you up a storm too, especially, if that load is heavy.
     
    DannyB Thanks this.
  10. mattbnr

    mattbnr Road Train Member

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    why would he be cursing me? if its high enough for me to pull out without the trailer dropping at all then he should have no problems backing under the #### thing to hook up to it.
     
  11. djtrype

    djtrype Heavy Load Member

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    You missed the point of this thread entirely.
     
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