Runaway Trucks

The simple answer to the poll is "no". If there's any time ever that it wasn't driver error in the history of trucking, then it can't be "always" driver error. If you were to ask if it's "generally" driver error, I'd say a definite yes.

 

I think most are missing the point that hammer is trying to get at . Check your equipment at brake check and go the proper speed downhill for your weight. If you do both proper you’re equipped to deal with issues that may arise.

 

Sadly. Most don't care that it takes more pressure to stop because their brakes are out of adjustment.

 

A single bore tank isn't too bad as long as it's full. It's when they're less then full that sucks.

Those of us with baffles. It's just another day like a regular trailer.. Even less then full isn't too bad.

 

It’s Mechanical but if the driver does nothing it’s on them, slam the thing back in gear and run it right to a stop to stall it out, or choke it, don’t just stand on the side of the road and wait for the boom.

An old co2 fire extinguisher into the intake will also get it stopped

edit: guess I need more coffee just realized op ment brakes not engine, that’s driver error 99.9% of the time

 

Disclaimer:
Although this may sound like an X1Heavy post it is the honest truth that happened to me.
@Hammer166 please don’t make me number 2 on your block list lol.

My experience was in a 1979 kw w900 in about 1984.
Coming down a steep grade in upstate NY I blew an air bag on the suspension in the middle of the hill.
Those trucks didn’t have isolated air systems on them like they do today.
When you had a major air leak it would just dump all your air.
Back then there were no spring brakes on the trailer either just the tractor.
Well the air drained out and the buttons popped out on the dash but the loaded reefer trailer quickly made short work of the tractor spring brakes.
The smoke started pouring out of the tractor brakes and I was off and running.
I came down the hill out of control and headed back up another hill just before it breaks down in to Roscoe NY.
As I headed up the other hill I was able to gear down but still in the high side when I came to almost a stop.
But at that point the fun wasn’t over.
I start rolling backwards because I had no brakes.
So I thought to let the clutch out to stop myself ( still in the high side) and guess what a 435 Detroit does when rolling backwards in a forward gear with the clutch out?
You guessed it it starts running backwards with smoke pouring out of both air cleaners.
At that point I start heading down the second hill backwards testing my high speed straight backing skills at 21 years old.
Fortunately I was able to hold it reasonably straight going backwards using both lanes and finally rolled to a stop in the belly between the two steep hills.
By far this was the worst trucking experience for me in my entire driving career so far.

 

Would of run her right on down to parade mode and idled her off to the side and shut her off in gear, but in the heat of the moment of things I know things can get screwy

 

Some say there's still a brown stain in his underwear to this day...

 

Yup
That truck required a complete seat replacement when I was done.