Two questions I always forgot to ask that no one talks about

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by NewNashGuy, Dec 26, 2012.

  1. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    1. If you backup a trailer that has bump pads against a concrete wall (not a dock, just plain wall), would the bump pads simply tap the wall or will damage occur to trailer at a slow backup speed?

    2. During icy conditions is it better to drive in all wheel drive mode?

    EDIT***

    Ok, to clarify:

    1. I would like to backup my trailer as close as possible to a wall so that no one can open the doors. I sometimes fear if I get to close that I would hit the wall and damage the trailer. Then I wonder if I did bump the wall, would my rubber bumpers on the trailer just make contact and all is fine, or would it actually damage the trailer.

    2. Well whatever that switch is called that allows you to use all four drive tires for power instead of just two.
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2012
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  3. EZX1100

    EZX1100 Road Train Member

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    i am not understanding the first part, the bumpers are there to soften the blow and reduce damage to both truck and dock

    the second, my personal experience is not to drive in tranny-lock mode, but leave it at single wheel pull, i can maneuver better in the ice and snow when i can judge where the pulling will come from

    whenever i have tried to drive with the differential lock on, i always felt like i was going to spin out

    there is no all-wheel, its either one or two wheels pulling
     
  4. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    For number two, he may be talking about driving with just the two wheels on one axle powered or powering all four wheels
     
  5. spacetrucker88

    spacetrucker88 Heavy Load Member

    It depends on how hard you "bump" the wall and how strong the wall is. what do you mean by "all wheel drive" having the rears locked together? NO not good to run down the road with the rears locked together.(Inter axle differential engaged). Did you notice that I spelled axle correctly?
     
  6. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    Ok, to clarify:

    1. I would like to backup my trailer as close as possible to a wall so that no one can open the doors. I sometimes fear if I get to close that I would hit the wall and damage the trailer. Then I wonder if I did bump the wall, would my rubber bumpers on the trailer just make contact and all is fine, or would it actually damage the trailer.

    2. Well whatever that switch is called that allows you to use all four drive tires for power instead of just two.
     
  7. spacetrucker88

    spacetrucker88 Heavy Load Member

    What is tranny lock mode I am at such adisadvantage by being old because I never got to go to truck driving school to learn all that high tech lingo
     
  8. jbourque

    jbourque Heavy Load Member

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    if you just tap not bump you should b in good shape. not a good idea to run on the highway with the dif. engaged, good way to drop the drive shaft. jon
     
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  9. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    Hmm OK I drove with it engaged for hours once with no problems going full speed down mountains. Just wasn't sure if that was safer or not in bad conditions.
     
  10. PST

    PST Light Load Member

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    Buy a good padlock and forget about backing up to a wall because sooner or later you will damage a wall.
     
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  11. SLANT6

    SLANT6 Road Train Member

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    Think about it...What is going to happen to the wall and your trailer if you keep bumping both??
    If you are 6" from the wall, how can anyone get back there to open the doors?

    The axle interlock does you no good on icy, snowy, or slick roads
     
    Tonythetruckerdude Thanks this.
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