Newbie Truck Assignment

OK...we were taught that you always need to do brake test during the pre-trip. Release the tractor brake and set the trailer brake and tug against it to make sure they hold. Release the trailer brake and set the tractor brake and tug against it to make sure the brakes hold. Then release the tractor brake and let the truck idle forward between 3 and 5 mph and apply service brake to ensure it works. I think this is the test he is talking about.

Yes, were taught to tug against the trailer brakes to ensure the 5th wheel locking jaws will hold the shank on the kingpin but you must ALWAYS visually inspect to make sure it is the shank that they are locked around and not the head of the kingpin. While this is rare and even if it does happen it may hold for a while, it can cause the trailer to release on turns.