This is what happens when you don't pretrip the truck!

There was some grease I bought two winters ago to use on the 5th wheels. It was designed to be used in very cold weather. Cold like -30C.

I found the regular grease just peeled off the fifth wheel. I have heard diesel fuel added will also "loosen up" cold grease.

 

Said it before, and I'll say it again: "There, but for the grace of God, go I".

I've sure been luckier than smart more than a few times in a dozen years, and as cold weather seems to be nothing more than a distant wish right now, this is an excellent reminder.

Thanks for sharing Dave!

 

the guys that run the ice roads in Canada use Diesel too




American Trucker

 

Those pics don't seem to show a trailer that just slid off a 5th wheel.

 

Why would I lie about something like that? Sorry I didn't take better pics but I was more than a little shook up.

 

I always check to make sure the jaws are locked . Even if i hear it "click" I still get under there and look. If I overnight somewhere I check again Just incase some punk decided to play a prank. Peace of mind that takes 30 sec.

 

Dave, very glad it all worked out for you and thanks, thanks for posting your story.. I agree that it is a good lesson for newbies and oldies... Newbies havent done it yet and oldies get complaicent (sp?).

Back in 1987 I hooked up to a flatbed that had flat stock on it (steel sheets), not sure how much it weighed but it was heavy. I was moving the trailer out of the shop, after just being loaded, and I had found a spot, pulled the handle, disconnected the lines and than,,they wanted moved somewhere else. I reconnected lines, rolled up landing gear, pulled forward just a bit and than slammed backwards. I thought I had it but as I pulled forward the trailer slid off and pin caught on the end of the tractor... some stock slid off, not tied down...and had to get a forklift to get it back up.. no harm, no fowel but I hated that feeling.. I ALWAYS get under the trailer and look,,,loosing a trailor is probably my biggest fear!

 

I rember her at our pilot here i was right behind a swift driver, he and i made it too the exit, he got beside the building (shop) and bam, his trl went too west and lucky for him the dolly pads caught the curb and stopped it , otherwise it woulda keep going and smashed into that new motel they just put the framming for , not even outside sheethed yet, and if hit that grade of 20 degrees , it woulda roll fast too i just slap my forehead, o - no not the new building, wtg swift, but yes i heard story's from all the ot classes i go thru, they say thinks like if a driver get mad at you, they will come in middel of night and pull your handle, im thinking mayby thats what happen too that swift driver, mayby not ,dont know, then when i first started driving, brand new , at crst , i was fresh out of there collage , three days old, i was wacthing from the dispacther window , looking at the yard, and all the big wigs came for a visit, we was wacthing this women take off with her brand new truck , they just swicthed too hoods, and she had a brand new trl, looked sharp for gold, and she got turn , her trl went straight right off the back of truck, $1200 damage too trl and blown air bag on the tractor, that was her last day after 12 years , they let her go, i told em thats not her fault , anything ,anyboby could had a bit a bad luck, they wouldnt buy it, o-well i tryed,

 

Getting under and looking is very important in the winter, especially if you have snow on your 5th wheel. I have seen this happen many times. Snow and ice get jammed up in the jaws and they will not latch all the way.
Also happens like yours. The build up of junk on the 5th wheel keep the kingpin from getting a good hook, you end up with a high hook.
I really hate getting under a trailer in the snow and ice. But it has become a habit in the winter.
I never had one hit the ground, but I have had plenty of failed tug tests.
My wife was watching that ice road show a few months ago when I was home and I saw Alex have that same problem.