*Combination vehicles are usually heavier, longer and require more driving skill than single commercial vehicles. ths means that drivers of combination vehicles need more knowledge and skill than drivers of single vehicles.
*More than half of truck driver deaths in accidents are the result of truck rollovers. when more cargo is piled up in a truck, the "center of gravity" moves higher up from the road. the truck becomes easier to turn over. fully loaded rigs are 10 times more likely to roll over in a crash.
*two things will help prevent rollover: keeping the cargo as close to the ground as possible, and go slowly while turning. Keep the load centered on your rig. if the load is to one side so it makes a trailer lean, a rollover is more likely. make sure your cargo is centered and spread out as much as possible.
*rollovers can happen when you turn too fast. drive slowly around corners, on ramps and off ramps. avoid quick lane changes, especially when fully loaded.
REARWARD AMPLIFICATIOn
*rearward amplification causes the crack-the-whip effect. triples have a rearward amplification of 3.5. this means you can roll the last trailer of triples 3.5 times as easily as a 5-axle tractor-semi.
STEER GENTLY
*steer gently and smoothly when pulling trailers. if you make a sudden movement with your steering wheel, you could tip it over. follow far enough behind other vehicles (at least 1 second for each 10 ft of your vehicle length, plus another second if going over 40 mph. at night drive slow enough to see obstacles with your headlights before it is too late to change lanes or stop gently. slow down to a safe speed before going into a turn.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
TEST TRAILER EME& TEST TRAILER SERVICE BRAKES
TTEB
*charge the trailer air brake system and check that the trailer rolls freely. then stop and pull out the trailer air supply control (also called "tractor protection valve control" or "trailer emergency valve") or place it in the "emergency" position. pull gently on the trailer with th tractor to check that the trailer emergency brakes are on.
TTSB
*check for normal air pressure, release the parking brakes, move the vehicle forward slowly, and apply trailer brakes with the hand control (trolley valve), if so equipped. you should feel the brakes come on. this tells you the trailer brakes are connected and working. (the trailer brakes should be tested with the hand valve but controlled in normal operation with the foot pedal, which applies air to the service brakes at all wheels.)
*charge the trailer air brake system and check that the trailer rolls freely. then stop and pull out the trailer air supply control (also called "tractor protection valve control" or "trailer emergency valve") or place it in the "emergency" position. pull gently on the trailer with th tractor to check that the trailer emergency brakes are on.
TTSB
*check for normal air pressure, release the parking brakes, move the vehicle forward slowly, and apply trailer brakes with the hand control (trolley valve), if so equipped. you should feel the brakes come on. this tells you the trailer brakes are connected and working. (the trailer brakes should be tested with the hand valve but controlled in normal operation with the foot pedal, which applies air to the service brakes at all wheels.)
Saturday, January 5, 2008
CVBC
TEST TRACTOR PROTECTION VALVE
*charge the trailer air brake system. (build up normal air pressure and push the "air supply" knob in). shut off the engine. step on and off the brake pedal several times to reduce the air pressure in the tanks. the trailer air supply control (also called the tractor protection valve control) should pop out or go from "normal" to "emergency" position) when the air pressure falls into the pressure range specified by the manufacturer (usually within the range of 20 to 45 psi)
*If the tractor protection valve doesn't work correctly, an air hose or trailer brake leak could drain all the air from the tractor. this would cause the emergency brakes to come on, with possible loss of control.
*charge the trailer air brake system. (build up normal air pressure and push the "air supply" knob in). shut off the engine. step on and off the brake pedal several times to reduce the air pressure in the tanks. the trailer air supply control (also called the tractor protection valve control) should pop out or go from "normal" to "emergency" position) when the air pressure falls into the pressure range specified by the manufacturer (usually within the range of 20 to 45 psi)
*If the tractor protection valve doesn't work correctly, an air hose or trailer brake leak could drain all the air from the tractor. this would cause the emergency brakes to come on, with possible loss of control.
COMBINATION VEHICLE BRAKE CHECK
CHECK THAT AIR FLOWS TO ALL TRAILERS
*use the tractor parking brake and or/ chock the wheels to hold the vehicle. Wait for air pressure to rach normal, then push in the red "trailer air supply" knob. This will supply air to the emergency (supply) lines. use the trailer hand brake to provide air to the service line.go to the rear of the rig. open the emergency line shu-off valve at the rear of the last trailer. you should hear air escaping, showing the entire system is charged. close the emergency line valve. open the service line valve to check that service pressure goes through all the trailers (this test assumes that the trailer hand brake or the service brake pedal is on), then close the valve. if you do NOT hear air escaping from both lines, check that the shut-off valves on the other trailers and dollyd are in the OPEN position. you must have air all the way to the back for all the brakes to work.
Fujitsu Computers
*use the tractor parking brake and or/ chock the wheels to hold the vehicle. Wait for air pressure to rach normal, then push in the red "trailer air supply" knob. This will supply air to the emergency (supply) lines. use the trailer hand brake to provide air to the service line.go to the rear of the rig. open the emergency line shu-off valve at the rear of the last trailer. you should hear air escaping, showing the entire system is charged. close the emergency line valve. open the service line valve to check that service pressure goes through all the trailers (this test assumes that the trailer hand brake or the service brake pedal is on), then close the valve. if you do NOT hear air escaping from both lines, check that the shut-off valves on the other trailers and dollyd are in the OPEN position. you must have air all the way to the back for all the brakes to work.
Fujitsu Computers
LANDING GEAR
*fully raised, no missing parts, not bent or otherwise damaged.
*crank handle in place and secured
*if power operated, no air or hydraulic leaks
*crank handle in place and secured
*if power operated, no air or hydraulic leaks
COUPLING SYSTEM AREAS
WALK AROUND INSPECTION PART 1
*check fifth wheel (lower)
*securely mounted to frame;
-no missing, damaged parts
-enough grease
-no visible space between upper and lower fifth wheel
-locking jaws around the shank, not the head of kingpin
- release arm properly seated and safety latch/ lock engaged
*fifth wheel (upper)
-glide plate securely mounted to trailer frame
-kingpin not damaged
*air and electric lines to trailer
-electrical cord firmly plugged in and secured
-air lines properly connected to glad hands, no air leaks, properly secured with enough slack for turns
-all lines free frm damage
*sliding fifth wheel
-slide not damaged or parts missing
-properly greased
-all locking pins present and locked in place
-if air powered, no air leaks
-check that fifth wheel is not so far forward that tractor frame will hit landing gear or cab will hit the trailer during turns
*check fifth wheel (lower)
*securely mounted to frame;
-no missing, damaged parts
-enough grease
-no visible space between upper and lower fifth wheel
-locking jaws around the shank, not the head of kingpin
- release arm properly seated and safety latch/ lock engaged
*fifth wheel (upper)
-glide plate securely mounted to trailer frame
-kingpin not damaged
*air and electric lines to trailer
-electrical cord firmly plugged in and secured
-air lines properly connected to glad hands, no air leaks, properly secured with enough slack for turns
-all lines free frm damage
*sliding fifth wheel
-slide not damaged or parts missing
-properly greased
-all locking pins present and locked in place
-if air powered, no air leaks
-check that fifth wheel is not so far forward that tractor frame will hit landing gear or cab will hit the trailer during turns
UNCOUPLING TRACTOR_SEMI_TRAILER
POSITION RIG
*make sure surface of parking area can support weight of trailer.
*have tractor lined up with the trailer. (pulling out at an angle can damage landing gear.)
EASE PRESSURE ON LOCKING JAWS
*shut off trailer air supply to lock trailer brakes
*ease pressure on fifth wheel locking jaws by backing up gently. ( this will help you release the fifth wheel locking lever.)
*put on parking brakes while tractor is pushing against the kingpin. ( this will hold rig with pressure off the locking jaws.)
CHOCK TRAILER WHEELS
*chock the trailer wheels if the trailer doesn not have spring brakes or if you are not sure. ( the air could leak out of the trailer air tank, releasing its emergency brakes. without chocks, the trailer could move.)
LOWER THE LANDING GEAR
*if trailer is empty, lower the landing gear until it makes firm contact with the ground.
*if trailer is loaded, after the landing gear makes firm contact with the ground, turn cranks in low gear a few extra turns. this will lift some weight off the tractor. (do not lift trailer off the fifth wheel.) this will make it easier to unlatch the fith wheel and easier to couple next time.
DISCONNECT AIR LINES AND ELECTRICL CABLE
*disconnect air lines from trailer. connect air line glad hands to dummy couplers a back of cab or couple them together.
*hang electrical cable with plug down to prevent moisture from entering it.
*make sure lines are supported so they will not be damaged while driving the ractor.
UNLOCK FIFTH WHEEL
*raise release handle lock
*pull the release handle to "open" position
*keep legs and feet clear of the rear tractor wheels to avoid serious injury in case the vehicle moves.
PULL TRACTOR PARTIALLY CLEAR OF TRAILER
*pull tractor forward until fifth wheel comes out from under the trailer.
*stop with tractor frame under trailer (prevents trailer from falling to ground if landing gear should collapse or sink.)
SECURE TACTOR
*apply parking brake
*place transmission in neutral
INSPECT TRAILER SUPPORTS
*make sure ground is supporting trailer.
*make sure landing gear is not damaged.
PULL TRACTOR CLEAR OF TRAILER
*release parking brakes
*check the area and drive tractor forward until it clear.
*make sure surface of parking area can support weight of trailer.
*have tractor lined up with the trailer. (pulling out at an angle can damage landing gear.)
EASE PRESSURE ON LOCKING JAWS
*shut off trailer air supply to lock trailer brakes
*ease pressure on fifth wheel locking jaws by backing up gently. ( this will help you release the fifth wheel locking lever.)
*put on parking brakes while tractor is pushing against the kingpin. ( this will hold rig with pressure off the locking jaws.)
CHOCK TRAILER WHEELS
*chock the trailer wheels if the trailer doesn not have spring brakes or if you are not sure. ( the air could leak out of the trailer air tank, releasing its emergency brakes. without chocks, the trailer could move.)
LOWER THE LANDING GEAR
*if trailer is empty, lower the landing gear until it makes firm contact with the ground.
*if trailer is loaded, after the landing gear makes firm contact with the ground, turn cranks in low gear a few extra turns. this will lift some weight off the tractor. (do not lift trailer off the fifth wheel.) this will make it easier to unlatch the fith wheel and easier to couple next time.
DISCONNECT AIR LINES AND ELECTRICL CABLE
*disconnect air lines from trailer. connect air line glad hands to dummy couplers a back of cab or couple them together.
*hang electrical cable with plug down to prevent moisture from entering it.
*make sure lines are supported so they will not be damaged while driving the ractor.
UNLOCK FIFTH WHEEL
*raise release handle lock
*pull the release handle to "open" position
*keep legs and feet clear of the rear tractor wheels to avoid serious injury in case the vehicle moves.
PULL TRACTOR PARTIALLY CLEAR OF TRAILER
*pull tractor forward until fifth wheel comes out from under the trailer.
*stop with tractor frame under trailer (prevents trailer from falling to ground if landing gear should collapse or sink.)
SECURE TACTOR
*apply parking brake
*place transmission in neutral
INSPECT TRAILER SUPPORTS
*make sure ground is supporting trailer.
*make sure landing gear is not damaged.
PULL TRACTOR CLEAR OF TRAILER
*release parking brakes
*check the area and drive tractor forward until it clear.
Coupling & Uncoupling
COUPLING TRACTOR-SEMITRAILERS
inspect fifth wheel
*check for damaged/missing parts
*check to see that mou8nting to tractor is secure, no cracks in frame, etc.
*be sure that the fifth wheel plate is greased as required. failure to keep the fifth wheel lubricated could cause steering problems because of friction between the tractor and trailer.
*check if fifth wheel is in proper position for coupling
-wheel tilted down towards rear of tractor
-jaws open
-safety unlocking in the automatic lock position.
*if you have a sliding fifth wheel, make sure it is locked.
*make sure the trailer kingpin is not bent or broken.
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INSPECT AREA AND CHOCK WHEELS
*make sure area around the vehicle is clear
*be sure trailer wheels are chocked or spring bakes are on
*check that cargo (if any) is secured against movement due to tractor being copled to the trailer
POSITION TRACTOR
*PUT THE TRACTOR directly in front of the trailer. (never back under the trailer at an angle because you might push the trailer sideways and break the landing gear.)
*check position, using outside mirrors, by looking down both sides of the trailer.
BACK SLOWLY
*back until fifth wheel just touches the trailer
*do not hit the trailer
SECURE TRACTOR
*put on the parking brake
*put transmission in neutral
CHECK TRAILER HEIGHT
*the trailer should be low enough that it is raised slightly by thet tractor when the tractor is backed under it. raise or lower the trailer as needed. (if the trailer is low, the tractor may strike and damage the nose of the trailer; if the trailer is too high, it may not couple correctly.)
*check that the kingpin and fifth wheel are aligned.
CONNECT AIR LINES TO TRAILER
*check glad hand seals and connect tractor emergency air line to trailer emergency glad hand.
*check glad hand seals and connect tractor service air line to trailer service glad hand
*make sure lines are safely supported where they will not be crushed or caught while tractor is backing under the trailer.
SUPPLY AIR TO TRAILER
*from the cab, push in "air supply" knob or move tractor protection valve control from the "emergency" tp the "normal" position to supply air to the trailer brake system
*wait until the air pressure is normal.
*check brake system for crossed air lines
-shut off engine so you can hear the brakes
-apply and release trailer brakes and listen for sound of trailer brakes being applied and air escape and released. you should hear the brakes move when applied and air escape when the brakes are released.
-check air brake system pressure gauge for signs of major air loss.
*when you are sure trailer brakes are working, start engine
*make sure air pressure is up to normal
LOCK TRAILER BRAKES
*pull out "air supply" knob or move tractor protection valve control from "normal" to "emergency".
BACK UNDER TRAILER
*use lowest reverse gear
*back tractor slowly under trailer to avoid hitting the kingpin too hard.
*stop when the kingpin is locked into the fifth wheel
CHECK CONNECTION FOR SECURITY
*raise trailer landing gear slightly off ground
*pull tractor gently forward while trailer brakes are still locked to check that the trailer is locked onto the tractor
SECURE VEHICLE
*put transmission in neutral
*put parking brakes on
*shut off engine and take key with you so someone else will not move truck while you are under it
INSPECT COUPLING
*use a flashlight if necessary
*make sure there is no space between upper and lower fifth wheel. if there is space, something is wrong (kingpin may be on top of closed fifth wheel jaws; trailer would come loose very easily).
*go under trailer and look into the back of the fifth wheel. make sure the fifth wheel jaws have closed around the shank of the kingpin
*check that locking lever is in the "lock" position
*check that safety latch is in position over locking lever. (on some fifth wheels, the latch must be put in place by hand.)
*if the coupling is not right, do not drive the coupled unit; get it repaired
CONNECT THE ELECTRICAL CORD AND CHECK AIR LINES
*Plug the electrical cord into the trailer and fasten the safety latch
*check both air lines and electrical line for signs of damage
*make sure air and electrical lines will not hit any moving parts of vehicle
RAISE FRONT TRAILER SUPPORTS (LANDING GEAR)
*use lower range (if so equipped) to begin raising gear. once free of weight, switch to the high gear range
*raise langing gear all the way up. (never drive with landing gear only part way up, as it may catch on railroad tracks or other things.)
*after raising landing gear, secure crank handle safely
*when full weight of trailer is reting on tractor:
-check for enough clearance between rear of tractor frame and landing gear. (when the tractor turns sharply, it must not hit landing gear.)
-check that there is enough clearance between the top of the tractor tires and the nose of the trailer.
REMOVE TRAILER WHEELS CHOCKS
*remove and store wheel chocks in a safe place.
inspect fifth wheel
*check for damaged/missing parts
*check to see that mou8nting to tractor is secure, no cracks in frame, etc.
*be sure that the fifth wheel plate is greased as required. failure to keep the fifth wheel lubricated could cause steering problems because of friction between the tractor and trailer.
*check if fifth wheel is in proper position for coupling
-wheel tilted down towards rear of tractor
-jaws open
-safety unlocking in the automatic lock position.
*if you have a sliding fifth wheel, make sure it is locked.
*make sure the trailer kingpin is not bent or broken.
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INSPECT AREA AND CHOCK WHEELS
*make sure area around the vehicle is clear
*be sure trailer wheels are chocked or spring bakes are on
*check that cargo (if any) is secured against movement due to tractor being copled to the trailer
POSITION TRACTOR
*PUT THE TRACTOR directly in front of the trailer. (never back under the trailer at an angle because you might push the trailer sideways and break the landing gear.)
*check position, using outside mirrors, by looking down both sides of the trailer.
BACK SLOWLY
*back until fifth wheel just touches the trailer
*do not hit the trailer
SECURE TRACTOR
*put on the parking brake
*put transmission in neutral
CHECK TRAILER HEIGHT
*the trailer should be low enough that it is raised slightly by thet tractor when the tractor is backed under it. raise or lower the trailer as needed. (if the trailer is low, the tractor may strike and damage the nose of the trailer; if the trailer is too high, it may not couple correctly.)
*check that the kingpin and fifth wheel are aligned.
CONNECT AIR LINES TO TRAILER
*check glad hand seals and connect tractor emergency air line to trailer emergency glad hand.
*check glad hand seals and connect tractor service air line to trailer service glad hand
*make sure lines are safely supported where they will not be crushed or caught while tractor is backing under the trailer.
SUPPLY AIR TO TRAILER
*from the cab, push in "air supply" knob or move tractor protection valve control from the "emergency" tp the "normal" position to supply air to the trailer brake system
*wait until the air pressure is normal.
*check brake system for crossed air lines
-shut off engine so you can hear the brakes
-apply and release trailer brakes and listen for sound of trailer brakes being applied and air escape and released. you should hear the brakes move when applied and air escape when the brakes are released.
-check air brake system pressure gauge for signs of major air loss.
*when you are sure trailer brakes are working, start engine
*make sure air pressure is up to normal
LOCK TRAILER BRAKES
*pull out "air supply" knob or move tractor protection valve control from "normal" to "emergency".
BACK UNDER TRAILER
*use lowest reverse gear
*back tractor slowly under trailer to avoid hitting the kingpin too hard.
*stop when the kingpin is locked into the fifth wheel
CHECK CONNECTION FOR SECURITY
*raise trailer landing gear slightly off ground
*pull tractor gently forward while trailer brakes are still locked to check that the trailer is locked onto the tractor
SECURE VEHICLE
*put transmission in neutral
*put parking brakes on
*shut off engine and take key with you so someone else will not move truck while you are under it
INSPECT COUPLING
*use a flashlight if necessary
*make sure there is no space between upper and lower fifth wheel. if there is space, something is wrong (kingpin may be on top of closed fifth wheel jaws; trailer would come loose very easily).
*go under trailer and look into the back of the fifth wheel. make sure the fifth wheel jaws have closed around the shank of the kingpin
*check that locking lever is in the "lock" position
*check that safety latch is in position over locking lever. (on some fifth wheels, the latch must be put in place by hand.)
*if the coupling is not right, do not drive the coupled unit; get it repaired
CONNECT THE ELECTRICAL CORD AND CHECK AIR LINES
*Plug the electrical cord into the trailer and fasten the safety latch
*check both air lines and electrical line for signs of damage
*make sure air and electrical lines will not hit any moving parts of vehicle
RAISE FRONT TRAILER SUPPORTS (LANDING GEAR)
*use lower range (if so equipped) to begin raising gear. once free of weight, switch to the high gear range
*raise langing gear all the way up. (never drive with landing gear only part way up, as it may catch on railroad tracks or other things.)
*after raising landing gear, secure crank handle safely
*when full weight of trailer is reting on tractor:
-check for enough clearance between rear of tractor frame and landing gear. (when the tractor turns sharply, it must not hit landing gear.)
-check that there is enough clearance between the top of the tractor tires and the nose of the trailer.
REMOVE TRAILER WHEELS CHOCKS
*remove and store wheel chocks in a safe place.
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