Page 99 - Driving Commercial Vehicles Manual+

driving commercial vehicles

fast fact ❏ Trailer landing gear • make sure the trailer is level when the
landing gear is extended • ensure the road
Weather conditions can or ground surface is level and will support
affect surfaces where you the trailer
may want to park your trailer.
Rain or snow can make ❏ Tractor • ensure air lines and electrical cable are
gravel, sand or dirt soft. Hot secured to the tractor • check that fifth
weather may make asphalt wheel release handle is in the unlocked
roads and parking lots
soft. Place blocks or pads position
under the landing gear to
distribute the trailer’s weight
and prevent the landing gear 4. Move the tractor slightly forward
from sinking into the ground.
Re-enter cab.
Release tractor parking brakes.
Move the tractor forward slowly, stopping when the fifth wheel begins to clear
the trailer apron.

❏ Trailer security • check that the trailer landing gear is
supporting the trailer as you move the
tractor forward

5. Prepare to fully uncouple
driving tip
Set tractor parking brakes.
For trailers equipped Exit the cab.
with air suspension, the
air suspension should be
drained before applying the ❏ Trailer security • check that the trailer landing gear has
trailer brakes when leaving been lowered far enough to support the
the trailer parked. trailer once the tractor is moved completely
away from the trailer • check that the
ground is firm enough to support the trailer
fast fact • if the trailer has air suspension, make sure
the suspension air supply has been drained
To avoid injury while
uncoupling a trailer, keep
clear of the tractor wheels.
The wheels of the tractor 6. Pull away
may roll slightly when the Re-enter cab.
jaws of the fifth wheel are
opened. Release tractor parking brakes.
Charge tractor air suspension if it has been lowered.
Move the tractor ahead slowly so that it’s completely clear of the trailer.

❏ Trailer security • check in the mirrors to ensure that the
trailer landing gear is supporting the trailer

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