Reyn asks?
Thank you for posting this G-Town! Will this be covered during training?
I know you found something on it, I'll add another 2 cents to it.
"How and when" the basics of coupling is covered varies depending on the school. During road training is when I experienced the mechanics of how-to couple. However in hindsight it wasn't taught completely; some important details were overlooked such as G.O.A.L. before completely getting under the trailer and the proper technique for dropping a trailer. The other piece that was not reviewed is the consequences of doing it wrong. Dropping a loaded trailer while moving is a very serious preventable likely to cause equipment damage. I know of two instances on local Philadelphia area roads that resulted in fatalities. Not to be messed with!
It's one of those areas that IMO cannot be emphasized enough because of the importance of a positive couple. To the point we've had safety meetings conducted by the regional director on the importance of proper coupling and uncoupling techniques.
A few points to religiously follow when coupling:
- G.O.A.L. to check height before getting completely under the trailer. This will prevent most high-hooks, overriding the kingpin or worst case a complete miss (seen this happen). Adjust the trailer height accordingly.
- Partially open driver's side window and listen for the unmistakable "ker-thunk" indicating the jaws locked around the kingpin.
- Perform two tug tests.
- Get under the trailer and with a flashlight check to ensure the locking bar is fully covering the kingpin and no gaps exist between the fifth wheel plate and the upper coupler.
- Make sure the release bar handle is flush with the edge of the fifth wheel.
I perform everyone of these steps before moving every time I get under a trailer. No exceptions.
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
Reyn asks?
Thank you for posting this G-Town! Will this be covered during training?I know you found something on it, I'll add another 2 cents to it.
"How and when" the basics of coupling is covered varies depending on the school. During road training is when I experienced the mechanics of how-to couple. However in hindsight it wasn't taught completely; some important details were overlooked such as G.O.A.L. before completely getting under the trailer and the proper technique for dropping a trailer. The other piece that was not reviewed is the consequences of doing it wrong. Dropping a loaded trailer while moving is a very serious preventable likely to cause equipment damage. I know of two instances on local Philadelphia area roads that resulted in fatalities. Not to be messed with!
It's one of those areas that IMO cannot be emphasized enough because of the importance of a positive couple. To the point we've had safety meetings conducted by the regional director on the importance of proper coupling and uncoupling techniques.
A few points to religiously follow when coupling:
- G.O.A.L. to check height before getting completely under the trailer. This will prevent most high-hooks, overriding the kingpin or worst case a complete miss (seen this happen). Adjust the trailer height accordingly.
- Partially open driver's side window and listen for the unmistakable "ker-thunk" indicating the jaws locked around the kingpin.
- Perform two tug tests.
- Get under the trailer and with a flashlight check to ensure the locking bar is fully covering the kingpin and no gaps exist between the fifth wheel plate and the upper coupler.
- Make sure the release bar handle is flush with the edge of the fifth wheel.
I perform everyone of these steps before moving every time I get under a trailer. No exceptions.
Love this. Great guide to go by. I have my routine, that is very similar, but I like this and will use it. It flows better.
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
Reyn asks?
Thank you for posting this G-Town! Will this be covered during training?I know you found something on it, I'll add another 2 cents to it.
"How and when" the basics of coupling is covered varies depending on the school. During road training is when I experienced the mechanics of how-to couple. However in hindsight it wasn't taught completely; some important details were overlooked such as G.O.A.L. before completely getting under the trailer and the proper technique for dropping a trailer. The other piece that was not reviewed is the consequences of doing it wrong. Dropping a loaded trailer while moving is a very serious preventable likely to cause equipment damage. I know of two instances on local Philadelphia area roads that resulted in fatalities. Not to be messed with!
It's one of those areas that IMO cannot be emphasized enough because of the importance of a positive couple. To the point we've had safety meetings conducted by the regional director on the importance of proper coupling and uncoupling techniques.
A few points to religiously follow when coupling:
- G.O.A.L. to check height before getting completely under the trailer. This will prevent most high-hooks, overriding the kingpin or worst case a complete miss (seen this happen). Adjust the trailer height accordingly.
- Partially open driver's side window and listen for the unmistakable "ker-thunk" indicating the jaws locked around the kingpin.
- Perform two tug tests.
- Get under the trailer and with a flashlight check to ensure the locking bar is fully covering the kingpin and no gaps exist between the fifth wheel plate and the upper coupler.
- Make sure the release bar handle is flush with the edge of the fifth wheel.
I perform everyone of these steps before moving every time I get under a trailer. No exceptions.
Thank you very much G-Town! This was definitely not covered as extensively as you just did. Maybe this can be put together in a blog along with how to drop the trailer properly (loaded & unloaded) and of course all the ways to get out this situation should one not take the time to GOAL & get in a fix! Here's one of the other threads I found on the subject:
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
I learned my lesson as well first time my trainer left me to do a pickup on my own while he slept. It was a drop n hook at Anheuser Busch around 9pm. After a very frustrating time finding my trailer, I was relieved to find the trailer and lined up to hook up. As I backed up I felt a very light bump when I should have hit the kingpin. It felt wrong so I tried to pull back out but I couldn't. I got out to see wtf happened and immediately noticed the reefer was waaaay too close to the sleeper. Shined my light under and saw the kingpin had slid over top of the fifth wheel and was hooked on the wrong side. Hung my head in shame and just stared at it for a minute lol. It didn't occur to me to drop the air bags so I just started cranking that 44000 pound trailer up until the fifth wheel cleared and I could pull forward. Then cranking it back down till it was low enough to properly hook up. Spent a loooooong time cranking on that landing gear.
Now I always GOAL before coupling.
A refrigerated trailer.
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Nevermind G-Town. I found a great thread from the past & the section of the HRT that covers the coupling & uncoupling of trailers.