Is a dropped trailer a common thing? LIke you do a slight tug test and it is connected, you pull out and drive straight and the trailer follows, and then you do a turn and the trailer drops. Why do this happen and how to avoid it?
Posted by East_Indication_7816@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 65 comments
I assume the weight of the trailer fully loaded on front creates some friction on the fifth wheel or could it be the locking pin is only halfway locked?
username_fantasies@reddit
Always check kingpin is fully locked. On some fifth wheels you may need to push the handle further until it's absolutely and fully in.
IBringTheHeat2@reddit
You should hook, tug test, visually check, then drive forward a bit and throw your trailer brakes on to double check.
theminnesoregonian@reddit
A tug test is never good enough. Always visually check the king pin lock. Always. Every time.
dontdoxmebro2@reddit
Tell that to my trainer. Man said he heard the click and did a little tug and said that’s all that’s needed.
So on my first week I do the same until I figured out the hard way what a high hook was. What a douche.
Cfwydirk@reddit
Maintain your equipment
https://youtu.be/-JBBfKJSDGw?si=__4venkc0D485JPw
Don’t be reaching under the trailer to pull the 5th wheel release. Protect your shoulder.
https://www.truckingdepot.com/universal-dock-dolly-tow-hook
Azzacura@reddit
I don't think that hook works with the equipment at my company, our 5th wheel releases have a second handle you need to push down while you pull on the main handle, so you need to get under the trailer either way right?
Please correct me if I'm wrong, I only had to hook & unhook my trailer 4 times in 5 years so I'm not very experienced in that department.
Cfwydirk@reddit
4 times in 5 years? How do you grease your 5th wheel?
They make a hook for every type of 5th wheel release.
https://www.jjkeller.com/shop/5th-wheel-pin-puller-68299?
PromoCode=205087&cm_mmc=Google--ProductFeed--019463-_-68299&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17177494005&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kvqKr0OT5Ag2OQd-uubPwMgCqR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-ubZ3t6klAMVlonCCB1LizIpEAQYCCABEgISF_D_BwE
Marmatus@reddit
I dropped a trailer once, but it was kind of a different situation. I was yard jockeying in a daycab at the time, and they canceled my move after I had already hooked up to the trailer. I lowered the landing gear back down, unhooked my lines, and released my 5th wheel. Before I was about to pull away, they came back over the radio and asked me to put it on a different dock door instead. I said alright, got back out of the truck, lifted the landing gear, hooked my lines back up, and pulled out of the parking slip. As soon as I began to turn, I heard a massive THUD behind me, and my heart sank. Completely forgot that I had released the 5th wheel before.
Thankfully one of the guys driving a hostler was able to get underneath it so I could crank it back up, but I definitely learned to be a lot more conscious of what I’m doing after that incident. I always visually check my fifth wheel at least twice now, because I’m so paranoid about it.
gordie61@reddit
Always, ALWAYS check the kingpin with a flashlight to make sure the locking bar is fully locked. ALWAYS.
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
I'm drop and hook so i find doing this hard since I do it repeatedly. LIke I sometimes swap out the trailer i need to pick up to a trailer I have. So I have to drop and hook like 3 times. But thanks yes I need to do that.
DecadentEx@reddit
You find doing this hard? Seriously? Most drivers will get out of their truck 3x a day just to get coffee, but some of you can't look under your trailer 3x a day to make sure you don't lose your job? No wonder this industry is as fucked as it is.
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
Pretty sure more than 90% of drivers just do a tug test. So it is fairly common. I rarely see someone go under the trailer to check the locking jaw.
Dezzolve@reddit
Okay and the 10% that do will likely never have to spend 30 minutes cranking up a 40k lbs trailer in low gear (best case scenario) or get fired because they damaged the trailer/load/tractor in a completely preventable way (worst case).
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
I'm drop and hook local and so far I have not seen any driver going under the trailer to check the locking pins This is the first time I encountered a tug test pass yet still dropped the trailer on the turn. I have most likely done 200 drops and hooks
BRICH999@reddit
by your math saying you do 3 drop and hook per day, you got lucky for what 70 working days? helluva streak you had going. in those 70 days im sure you learned more than the collective knowledge of the people here saying you are doing it wrong.
dont let them tell you the safe way of operating, they are all just jealous of your self driving truck and day trading skills /s
Dezzolve@reddit
How many people have you seen wipe their ass?
Just because you might not see it, doesn’t mean it’s not common.
Lord_B33zus@reddit
You should be checking under when you are doing the pre trip of the trailer, but given your history, I imagine you don’t do them. You’re still doomed little guy.
aboywithhorns@reddit
It only takes one drop man. 5 checks EVERY TIME. Bolt in, arm locked in, no gap, and both jaws locked around kingpin. Tug test too 2 good pulls when you hook. Also hop your happy ass put and check your fifth wheel height so you don’t miss the pin (Trl too high) or pierce the front of the trailer. I do this EVERY SINGLE TIME. Do plenty of double drop and hooks running the Walmart Private Fleet. This literally takes no time at all. Much more time and embarrassment if you drop the trailer. Inexcusable thing to have happen. At least have your booty covered by doing all your proper checks.
Chillimaniac@reddit
You ask a question and then won’t accept the answer. Keep not checking it but then don’t be surprised when you drop a trailer in the way you just explained. I check under there every time I change trailers. I’ll even check when I check if my release bar has been pulled after leaving the truck. Hell sometimes I check just because. Have a flashlight ready to grab when you open your door and it’s a non issue to take a quick look.
Lord_B33zus@reddit
This guy does this every week and then bugs out that nobody sides with him.
-got a ticket for hitting and damaging property. He thought it wasn’t a big deal, everyone disagreed, he threw a fit. Made 4 posts in a couple hours being absolutely obnoxious it. - in the SAP program, again doesn’t think it’s a big deal. Everyone disagreed, he threw a fit. -threw a fit that everyone would pick a new guy out of school over a him who has less than 1yr experience. -now dropping trailers not properly hooked to, doesn’t think it’s a big deal cause it’s the first time.
I can’t tell if this guy is a troll or just an absolute turd.
Chillimaniac@reddit
Damn I took the bait. I hate these people.
theminnesoregonian@reddit
I'm wondering the same thing about you.
theminnesoregonian@reddit
This guy trucks.
theminnesoregonian@reddit
Wrong. So incredibly wrong. Every time. Sometimes I'm not sure if only checked twice, so I get out and check again.
dorkwingduck@reddit
Well, now you know why it's not good enough.
GoodGoodGoody@reddit
You’re a 6 month driver telling how the industry is after you dropped a trailer.
Buddy, just shut up and listen.
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
First time it happened. Never knew it was possible. I always thought you only need a tug test. That what was my trainer thought me. Do a tug test i was told. I never once go under the trailer to check the locking jaws. Been doing it for 6 months , hundreds of drop and hooks. no issues. This time is different.
theminnesoregonian@reddit
You never thought it was possible? Who is training you?
Do yourself a favor, and get far away from that company. They're going to bury you in a hole that you can't dig yourself out of. It's your CDL and you need to protect it.
I am shocked to hear this level of training exists. RUN AWAY. Start over if you need to. Do not trust them. Trust your instincts.
GoodGoodGoody@reddit
Yup. And like a zillion times if you’re delivering, loading, or chaining up and down.
SamuraiJono@reddit
Get a flashlight like this or something similar, just make sure it's pretty bright. Pop it on, duck under, give the 5th wheel a peek, then put it back in your pocket of choice.
GoodGoodGoody@reddit
You asked a question and then gave a lame reason not to follow the best possible advice.
Which are you: a flip flopper or MAGA? Because you sure ain’t right in the head.
1Stack_Mack@reddit
Always check the handle and the jaws. I drop and swap all day long. Sometimes 8 a day. I check.. every... Single... Time!
bones_1775@reddit
It takes 10 seconds to look when you're hooking up your airlines.
RestoWolf629@reddit
This! The locking bar does not always fully engage. This can be caused by grease build up and debris in the mechanism. Always check that it's fully engaged.
sk8zero0619@reddit
If you see daylight between the fifth wheel and the apron, the trailer is high hooked. Then shine a light on the kingpin and make sure its around the shank, not the collar
theminnesoregonian@reddit
My man. You've exposed some things without trying. I already know that this company has promised you a CDL. But they only care about the load. Not you. I can't imagine a worse training.
A day will come when you get a $1000 fine and you'll wonder why your trainer didn't tell you to pre-trip it. And your dispatch will tell say "fuck off."
theminnesoregonian@reddit
You can be safe and right a million times. You can only be wrong once.
rilloroc@reddit
Always get out and check the jaw. Then you're good 99% of the time. That last 1% is when the jaw fails. At the first sign of a jaw not locking, rebuild the fifth wheel. That saves you from that last 1%.
No_Edge_7964@reddit
G. O. A. L. And make sure to bring a flashlight. I have a 350 lumens Kinchrome pen light that's a treat
greedybanker3@reddit
its only common if you dont use your head. 9/10 times ive only done a tug. you can ussually see and feel if something is wrong if you pay attention. if your brain at any time says something isnt right its pretty easy yo double check.but yeah like others said a flashlight and a quick look can tell you all you need to know.
Exact-Leadership-521@reddit
I think they high-hook it and make it to the first corner leaving the yard. With that bolt sticking out the front of the plate, I think they can turn left or right and it'll stay behind that bolt but turn the other way or slow down and the trailer moves forward and it's free to go either side
meizhong@reddit
It's important to have a system and always do it the same way.
For picking up a trailer: rule 1, I cannot connect the air lines if the landing gear is down. Rule 2, I cannot raise the landing gear without visual inspection of the locking mechanism on the king pin with a flashlight.
For dropping, rule 1, I cannot pull the release of the locking mechanism if the airlines are still attached. Rule 2, I cannot remove the airlines unless the landing gear is down.
bczfckit@reddit
hopefully this isn't a dumbass question lol, but is there a reason you can't/shouldn't connect the airlines while the landing gear is still down? or is it just preference?
meizhong@reddit
No. I mean, I wouldn't want to pull away scrapping the ground, but mostly I don't want the rule to be "make sure landing gear is up, and air lines are connected, and you visually inspect the mechanism", because that's not an order, that's just a list. You might forget something on a list, but you won't forget to simply look at the landing gear to confirm before connecting the airlines. And to do the landing gear, simply inspect mechanism first.
UsingYourTrashCans@reddit
The one time I dropped a trailer I did a tug test and it felt fine. I rock back and forth and check under each and every time now. You never know for sure until you see.
darklorddoone@reddit
Oh that's why you're also supposed to look underneath the firm that you did hook up. Because you might have high hooked and your Kingpin was on the other side of your fifth wheel and that's why you did a tug test and when he was going straight it came out but when you turned it slid off your fifth wheel. It happens more than people like to admit
coalman07@reddit
The pin sometimes sits on the front edge of the fifth wheel. Shows as secure in tug test but as soon as you turn the pin slides around and off the fifth wheel resulting in a dropped trailer.
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
I think you are right. That is what happened. I always lower the air bag, put the fifth wheel under the trailer and raise the airbag. I always go out to check the gap between the apron and the 5th wheel and raise the landing gear of the ground a bit. I did not do that because I was the one who unhooked that same trailer. I know it's the same height. No need to check. But then I guess what happened is. "I FORGOT TO RAISE THE AIR BAGS" , after I put the tractor under the trailer.
W1D0WM4K3R@reddit
Check your height before you back in, tugger, then check the handle, the pin, the jaws, tugger again.
Then after doing the pretrip I give it another tugger on the way out. If I really have a bad feeling even though all the other tests went well, I'll also take a picture of the jaws.
I had a fifth fail once and my ass only got saved because the yard dog watched me do a tug and check the jaws while he was waiting to put a trailer into my spot.
Largofarburn@reddit
Check the jaws people.
Every. Damn. Time.
Free-University-6497@reddit
I feel like this reddit's paranoia about this issue is overblown, or maybe they all run sleepers. Sleepers it's absolutely more important to be thorough because you can't verify the hook through the rear window and have less of a feel of connection to the fifth wheel.
I don't really ever have an issue as a local guy, I can feel the pin lock, hear the jaws snap, verify the fifth wheel picked it up through the window, tug x3 and it's fine.
bones_1775@reddit
I have a sleeper and can hear it click but I always look. You have to get out and hook your airlines and crank the gear up anyways. It takes 10 seconds to look at the jaws and see if they closed.
WHODUNNITT303@reddit
You gotta remember some of these dudes can’t even walk 20ft without getting out of breath 😆
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
Im local guy drop and hook, home daily with a sleeper
mason2393@reddit
I do 2 tug tests, make sure the fifth wheel handle is pushed all the way in, and visually check the locking jaws with a flashlight. Just a tug test isn't enough. You might high hook the trailer and your fifth wheel is behind the kingpin so when you do a tug test it feels like it's connected but it's just hitting the back of the kingpin.
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
Yes I did not check because I'm the one who unhooked the same trailer. So it is on the same height. What could have happened is I lowered the air bag and forgot to bring it back . That caused the high hook.
Yadilie@reddit
If my trailer is at a door and not in overflow I back into trailer. Switch to drive and tug on the trailer. Get out put lines on and turn trailer brakes off. Look if there's a gap bottom of trailer and 5th wheel plate. Lean under trailer behind drives and check Fifth wheel jaws are around king pin and no visible deformities. Raise landing gear just enough to get off ground. Release all brakes, put in drive and then hold the trailer trolley brake down and do a tug test there. Put tractor brake on and continue the pre-trip on trailer before leaving.
Easy and takes next to no time to do. Trailer drops are rare and trailer drops that arn't user error are even rarer. Kingpins and Fifth wheels don't fail easily they're built to withstand a ton of force and can easily hold a tractor hanging over the side of a bridge.
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
I was the one who unhooked the same trailer I hooked into . It dropped when I rehooked. That's why I did not bother getting out since it was right on the same height. What I believe happened is I may have lowered the air bags and forgot to. bring it up, so there was a small gap. I also do a tug test like a wussy and so gentle as I don't want to break the pin attached to the air compressor. It already got stucked before and shop had to dismantle the entire kingpin to get it unstuck.
narrdarr@reddit
My first 8 months driving I watch 6 trailer drop from this. Always check with your eyes
Extra_Significance81@reddit
Use a flashlight to look at the jaws to make sure they are closed all the way and make sure the kingpin tophat is below the closed jaw. Many dropped trailers come from the jaws grabbing the tophat and then it twists out of the jaw when you turn. Been there done that.
East_Indication_7816@reddit (OP)
Makes sense. I need to make sure the landing gear is slightly off the ground next time. What is strange is Im the one that dropped this trailer and lowered the landing gear so I did not bother looking. I have a feeling I could have forgotten to raise the air bag as I typically lower it , go under, then raise it.
Chocolateapologycake@reddit
Never trust the tug test. Equipment can fail and it does. I did a tug test and dropped a trailer. It was empty and a pup trailer and someone helped me crank it back up, but that was a hard won lesson. It doesn’t matter if 90% of drivers don’t do a pre trip, a visual inspection, or anything else you might think of. Do them anyway. It’s your CDL and your problem if you don’t and something happens.
SPK5_trucker@reddit
the trailer was too high when you backed under it, the jaws clamped to the base of your kingpin and not the shaft, or your fifth wheel went under the kingpin and the kingpin was caught on the back side of the fifthwheel
CMDR-L@reddit
Had a tug test yesterday actually. Felt fine. Checked with a flashlight and the bar had an inch gap, not fully closed, and the release handle was not fully in. I would never realize I wasn't hooked if I didnt manually check with a flashlight.
Gotta do it. Every time.
Baconated-Coffee@reddit
Visually inspect the locking jaws to ensure they are secured around the shank of the kingpin. A tug test can give a false sense of security. There is no substitute for a visual inspection. If your eyes aren't working then you shouldn't be driving anyways.