Pre-trip Electrical Trailer Brake Inspection
Topic 13761 | Page 1
I'm going to be taking my pre-trip inspection and road skills test, and my instructor advised me that the trailer I will be pulling is equipped with electrical brakes, how do I perform the trailer tug test on this type of trailer?
Do I understand correctly that they are testing you on something they haven't taught you? Doesn't make sense. However, if the tractor is the same, seems to me like the brakes will still be engaged until you release them using the same switch in the tractor. So your tug test should be the same. Unless they're giving you a different type of truck.
Pre-trip Inspection:
A pre-trip inspection is a thorough inspection of the truck completed before driving for the first time each day.
Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.
The tractor utilizes air brakes while the trailer utilizes electric brakes. I'm self taught as far as operation and general knowledge, but I have yet to read about tug testing electric trailer brakes with air brakes on the tractor, I'm wondering what would I use to engage only the (electric)trailer brakes in place of the emergency popout valve or the trailer hand brake used on trailers w/ air brakes.
On smaller trucks with trailers with electric brakes there is a brake controller located in the cab, usually under the left side of the dash, there is a sliding control that you would use to manually engage just the trailer brakes. There is also a dial to set the amount of brakes on the trailer for loaded vs empty. There is also a safety device that is like a cable that will lock the trailer brakes. When you do the tug test it is testing the spring brakes on an air brake system when the system is depleted of air, in your case the tractor. To tug test an electric brake trailer you would need to either set the dial high and manually engage the trailer brakes with the slider then tug, OR, pull the safety cable then get in the cab and tug. Im guessing here because I have only driven large gooseneck trailers pulled by a pickup that had electric brakes on the trailer. So take it for what you will.
Phil
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I'm going to be taking my pre-trip inspection and road skills test, and my instructor advised me that the trailer I will be pulling is equipped with electrical brakes, how do I perform the trailer tug test on this type of trailer?
Pre-trip Inspection:
A pre-trip inspection is a thorough inspection of the truck completed before driving for the first time each day.
Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.