Went to lunch with the guys in my truck from school today and saw this

I've never been to any kind of training but I never feel comfortable heading down the road without making sure its locked. Its just one of those common sense things.

 

Don't trust a tug test.. get out and look and watch the mirrors while starting. Here's why: my truck has a valve on the dash to open the kingpin jaws. I hooked, tugged, even looked: all good. Once I released the trailer brake and started to pull forward, I saw it disconnect in the mirror and start to fall (caught it on the frame before complete drop). The release valve had messed up. Once I'd released the trailer brake, air leaked past the release valve and pushed open the jaws. Wish they'd never put that release in....

 

If you look at the manual for fifth wheels, I've only looked at the Hollander manuals, it says the fifth wheel plate is supposed to pick the trailer up off the gear when backing under. Also helps if you are not lined up properly and allows the trailer to side shift much easier.

 

Won't be so funny when it happens to you OP

 

I was getting loaded at a shipper late afternoon on a Friday. I was running low on hours but only had to take the trailer to our yard about two hours away. Then I was going to take some home time. Maybe only second time I was to get home after going solo?

I get the green, get my bills, pull up and shut the doors, update my logbook and the yard dog drops this trailer blocking the only exit!!!!



I don't know why he didn't just crank it up. A wrecker got there pretty quick and I was able to roll out.

The driver did not get out and check.

Mikeeee