How do you hook up to the trailer

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BigD 757, Apr 13, 2011.

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  1. ladywrongway03

    ladywrongway03 Heavy Load Member

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    hmmm do you do that to the ladies too?
     
    ladywrongway03, Apr 14, 2011
    #21
  2. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    It doesn't matter how you hook up to it.... Just hope that you don't jump the king pin!
     
    REDD, Apr 14, 2011
    #22
  3. stillayoungman

    stillayoungman Light Load Member

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    The very first time our instructor demonstrated backing up and coupling he forgot that he dumped the air and backed too far and jumped the kingpin. Snapped off both rear mudflaps when they hit the landing gear.
     
    stillayoungman, Apr 14, 2011
    #23
  4. BigD 757

    BigD 757 Bobtail Member

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    Well I'm mainly in a mechanics class, but I also signed on for the driving course
     
    BigD 757, Apr 14, 2011
    #24
  5. popmartian

    popmartian Road Train Member

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    It's Simple, I call this the hook up. There is the King Pin and the Fifth Wheel. Back that thang and grab the King pin. Sometimes you have to hit it hard and fast, I prefer slow and easy. And be sure and have some lube on it so it slides in. Don't forget you got to tug hard on it after your connected. Them video are good info too. :biggrin_25521:
     
    popmartian, Apr 15, 2011
    #25
  6. Mr Ed

    Mr Ed Road Train Member

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    Works every time !
     
    Mr Ed, Apr 15, 2011
    #26
  7. Jynxx

    Jynxx Medium Load Member

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    Hahaha thats great. :biggrin_2559:
     
    Jynxx, Apr 15, 2011
    #27
  8. THBatMan8

    THBatMan8 Road Train Member

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    To add another note;

    I drop the frame before I back under the trailer. This is so I don't ram the header board with the 5th wheel. Dont back in all the way though, as you'll end up with a trailer in the sleeper birth. Stop backing when the 1st drive axle goes under the trailer. Get out and check your alignment. If aligned, raise the frame. There should not be a gap between the apron and 5th wheel.

    I do this as it beats the alternative, which is having to raise the trailer. If I only had a dollar for every time I picked up a trailer that was dropped to low.
     
    THBatMan8, Apr 15, 2011
    #28
    davetiow Thanks this.
  9. Freebird135

    Freebird135 Road Train Member

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    all these stories about jumping the kingpin or ramming the header board make me appreciate that back window of my daycab even more
     
    Freebird135, Apr 15, 2011
    #29
    bulldozerbert Thanks this.
  10. Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    I would never had told this story! But thanks for the laugh......:biggrin_25514:
     
    Les2, Apr 15, 2011
    #30
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