In-Cab 5th Wheel Release.... DANGEROUS?

Lack of knowledge, in a hurry, frustrated, malfunction, or just a mistake - things are going to happen. Maybe should cut the guy a little slack regardless of what happened...doubt if he did this to himself just so he could get sympathy.
I believe he is paying his dues!

Would definately have the inside release if I had to unhook with any regularity, maybe it works reasonably well and would be worth it.

 

While I agree? With making some tasks simpler, I think the air release 5th on most trucks wouldn't be needed and would just cause issues.

I never seem to have an issue ever with any of our trucks or trailers as long as I pull the release before touching anything. Then gear down drop air and drive away. You still only get out of the truck once do you won't break a sweat.

As for getting dirty, a pair of gloves are cheap. So is a pin puller. Or make your own. For les than $5 and a piece of rod you'll be using your legs to pull the pin in a safer healthier way. You'll also have more strength if needed.


As for the guy dropping a trailer on the scale. Is the system setup that the brakes have to be applied before you can push that switch? Is it a momentary switch?. If its not a momentary switch and it can activate if the brakes were set before or after then its pretty simple to figure out

 

the system requires the driver to do 2-3 things in the right order for it to open

the system requires the yellow knob be pulled out ( parking brake light on) then dash switch flipped

if the yellow knob isn't pulled no air will go to the release
the dash switch is spring loaded and must be pushed and HELD for 2-5 sec before it will release, on prostar's it will BEEP for 5 sec, on volvo's the switch has a slid the must be push down before the switch will flip, on pete's it a spring loaded pull knob.

pull knob or switch the system requires that the parking brakes be set BEFORE you flip the switch or pull the knob

even if you stop and set the brakes then flip the switch like it was your jake switch it will not release because it takes you holding the spring loaded switch for 2-5 sec. before it will release

 

It can and does hurt the shoulder, I have bursitis in my right shoulder right now from pulling 5th wheel and tandem releases. Tandems now have push buttons so why not 5th wheel/kingpins too?

 

Technological advances are great and should be applied to the trucking industry whenever possible, tandem pins can now be manipulated by push/pull buttons so why not kingpin releases too?

 

I prefer the old manuals.

When the shoulder cuffs tear out, get surgery and hurry back to work, they be waiting on you.

 

8 years ago. And you bump it with $#!?