Making move to tanker

Surge to me is more of an annoyance than a real safety issue. I heard lots and lots of horror stories but after all these miles of pulling a smooth bore I have discovered that surge is not a big deal. I have taken some hard hits from it but I can't remember ever thinking I was going to flip over or run of the road due to surge. This includes thousands of miles of having students drive.

If anyone out there is scared of surge, don't be.

 

It also isnt that bad if its a thick liquid. Sometimes i still get nervous about it. I do it local, the other day they wanted me to go out with half a load. As bad as the road was, I didnt do it. Rather not take the chance.

 

I -respectfully- disagree. You can fear the surge all of the time, you can only disrespect and/or not fear it but ONCE. Surge is a very real issue with tankers, especially non-baffled tanks. When I was training my instructor gave me the best advice I ever had regarding tankers and surge. He said to drive every tanker like I have a full glass of champagne on the dash and I'm not to spill a drop. To anyone who doesn't fear the surge I say you've been lucky, very lucky, I don't care how long one has been driving. I'm going to stop just short of using the term "complacency" in an accusatory manner as we all know complacency kills. Surge is most certainly a safety issue.

 

Are you also afraid of the rain? Or traffic? Surge is just like those things, a part of the job and to me an annoyance. I take slight offense at being called "lucky". I say you are too fearful. Surge is surge, nothing to be scared of. I have a few more miles then you, if I am that lucky then I need to go buy a few lottery tickets.

 

No need to get surly with your comments. In addition, MANY drivers with many miles and experience are killed and have accidents each year. Driver elitism doesn't impress me. Safety does.

 

My God man, surge is NOTHING to be trifled with, blow a steer tire and surge WILL kill you, or someone else. Even seen surge kill blowing a trailer super single on a curve. This has nothing to do with driver skill.

 

The main reason I haul tankers....no handbombing.

 

Once you get used to it you will learn little tricks to virtually eliminate surge. Smooth shifting and braking are the key. Try to plan your stops. Also, one little trick I learned early is to use the spike. The main thing is to keep your mind on what you are doing.