What can you do after a jackknife?

I've never jackknifed but depending how bad it is you may need to call a wrecker to come straighten your trailer out.Never try to turn around in a tight area.I've always been more partial to smaller trucks.there easier to turn around easier backing into tight docks and parking spaces.

 

That was some serious alcohol abuse up there. Aint nothing wrong with Bud, I drank an ocean of it lol

 

Ya know, I actually remember when I very first saw that on YouTube. I could not believe it. I was saying to myself "dude...just stop...I mean, please. Just. Stop." But, nope. He just kept on going. And going. Ans going. After his front end was about ripped to shreds, welp, that was when I just facepalmmed it

 

What to do in a jackknife? Depends on what's happening. If you are losing traction due to drive tire spin (either under acceleration or normal driving) let off the fuel and steer the tractor where you want to go. Also apply the clutch if necessary.

The only way you'll lose the trailer is under braking. If you see the trailer coming around in your mirror let off the brake and the trailer will recover. Of course if letting off the brake means you'll rear end someone I suppose minimizing the damage would be the best option, like steering it away from hazards like other people and their lives and try to hit something less important if that's your only choice.

 

Yes, this and the video of USA Truck are "turned too tight", not loss of control Jack knife. Just for edification, in the op's picture, turn the wheel full right, put the stick in go backwards, and back up until it is straight. No $1,500 wrecker needed!

 

When we look at the YouTube video of the USA Truck jack knife, it appears that he realizes his error and just panics further. Why on Earth he just does not at least make an attempt to try and back up, is beyond me.

 

Human nature. He got in his head he had to turn around, and stopped thinking after that. He found his solution and got too focused to rethink the situation.

 

Put your face in your hands, sigh disappointingly and calmly call dispatch.

In most jackknife situations I've seen, the truck doesn't drive away. Van trailers mess up the cab/sleeper. Deck trailers you can get away with it with some minor damage (depends on pin setback). I've never seen a pneumatic, dump or hopper trailer JK'd, but I assume it's probably a similar problem.