Coupling to a trailer

08/30/08
Saturday

Another good question has been tossed my way by Son of a trucker man. He wanted to know if I had coupled to a trailer yet. The answer to the question is yes. We did it in school and I have helped Ted do it at every place we leave and pick-up a trailer. The process takes several steps. To drop a trailer, first put the landing gear down using the high gear of the jack handle. Uncouple the electrical line to the trailer along with the glad hands (air lines). Pull the fifth wheel release and then drive out from under it.
To couple to a trailer back straight under the trailer till the kingpin is slid into the fifth wheel. As it goes in it must have enough force to engage the locking clamps around it. Hook up the electrical and air lines. Then test that you have a good coupling by engaging your trailer breaks and tugging against them. The tractor should not move.
Well, soon all you readers will also be ready to drive truck! I'll see you on the highway!