How do some people get a CDL? This is why you do a tug-test. just wow
- Thread starter TruckMafk
- Start date
Don't think for a minute that the "tugging" method is foolproof. I have witnessed several trailers being dropped after the driver "tugged" on it. Also, I know of a case where the driver "tugged" and then got under the trailer and looked at the "jaws", pulled away from the dock and "BANG", trailer hit the ground, it can happen. Years ago, Overnite had a MB Mack in Waynesboro that the 5th wheel would stay hooked for several weeks and then the thing would come unhooked without any apparent reason. So, don' t call the driver "dumb", it could happen to you.
pro1driver
I don't wanna go fishing, even though i got stuff
- Credits
- 52
then you "got lucky", because the jaws can fail. i once was going to drive a truck when i was a newbie, for an o/o. his 5th wheel was bad, really bad. a whole lot of play in it, and i quit that same day. he paid crap, had crap equipment, so it can happen. i didn't need nor want any problems while i was on the road.
at an LTL company i had for worked for, we had o/o's.
this one guy was very finicky on his maintenance.
one night, he hooked up to a company trailer. i personally saw him "tug test", (and i had told my TM that he did, when he was questioned about it.)
got about 3 miles from the terminal...his trailer fell off, around the Pawtucket "S" curves. he had to buy a new 5th wheel.
so it can happen, no matter how much you do the "tug test".
Just because it hasn't happened to you doesn't mean it can't happen. Can a tire go flat some time after you've "knocked" it? Can an engine blow some time after you've checked the oil level? Anything mechanical can fail at some time, nothing manufactured is 100% sure of never failing. We check as much as possible to make the failure probability as low as we can.
The point you seem to miss is that every incident has some probability of happening, that's nature. By checking all that you can, you reduce the chance of it happening. Getting a flu shot doesn't guarantee that you won't get the flu, but it does reduce the chances of you getting it. Same with checking the pin - no guarantees. Something might fail and break the connection, but at least you reduced the probability of that happening.
Just to reinforce what I said earlier about mechanical devices occasional failing (when they're not supposed to), how would you like to be one of these guys right about now, trapped on a scaffold outside the 68th floor of 1World Trade in NYC?
Window Washers Reported Trapped On Scaffold At 1 World Trade Center « CBS New York
Window Washers Reported Trapped On Scaffold At 1 World Trade Center « CBS New York
FIRE IN THE WIRE
TB Lurker
- Credits
- 0
If I followed the video right. After the trailer un-latched from the 5th wheel and he was backing/banging into the kingpin the jaws on 5th wheel were in the locked position until he opened them. I'm thinking he high hooked it some in the beginning. Surprised he didn't tear his air lines and pigtail.
Brand new building and the windows are dirty already? I believe thats covered under the warranty
How'd we jump to those window washers on the trade center in this tug test thread?
I know I would never want to wash another window higher than I could reach after what those guys had happen today.
Any how now back to this thread topic.
All my years in trucking I believe anyone worth their salt.
Will always check under the rear of the tractor to see if the jaws are closed after they drop a trailer with a tug test that didn't lock.
Depending on the weight of the load,after cranking the landing legs enough to get back under it.
Believe me the tug test,& a visual will be the routine when hooking another trailers.
I know I would never want to wash another window higher than I could reach after what those guys had happen today.
Any how now back to this thread topic.
All my years in trucking I believe anyone worth their salt.
Will always check under the rear of the tractor to see if the jaws are closed after they drop a trailer with a tug test that didn't lock.
Depending on the weight of the load,after cranking the landing legs enough to get back under it.
Believe me the tug test,& a visual will be the routine when hooking another trailers.
I've always gone underneath and done a visual of the jaws and I still have the bumps on my head to prove it. After finding unlatched jaws on the ready line more than a few times you can bet I do it every time.
Gold star and a free bag of popcorn for you Fire!!!!!Soon as you hear him say the jaws were closed? High hook? No brainer. The bozo who made the video wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed either. I would hope his language does not include the "F" word in every sentence like it was on his movie!!!!
you know you swear too much when you offend truckers
He high hooked it period!!!!!
Yeah.... Anything could happen, but with a tug test and a visual check, the odds of dropping one are so low. I've been tugging and checking visually for years now with no issues. I also like for the fifth wheel to have to raise the trailer at least an inch. That's my protocol and I've never had a problem
I'm with you on that one. but he didnt high hook it because even when he was trying to connect again, the jaws still werent grabbing then the goof just drives away with a loose trailer. now thts what i call a friggin goof!
Careful who you call an f in goof!!!!