New! High Road 2.0! We have a new version of this program. You can find it here: High Road 2.0

7.2 Coupling and Uncoupling (continued)

Uncoupling Twin Trailers

Uncouple rear trailer:
  • Park in a straight line on firm level ground.
  • Apply parking brakes so rig will not move.
  • Chock wheels of second trailer if it does not have spring brakes.
  • Lower landing gear of second semitrailer enough to remove some weight from dolly.
  • Close air shut-offs at rear of first semitrailer (and on dolly if so equipped).
  • Disconnect all dolly air and electric lines and secure them.
  • Release dolly brakes.
  • Release converter dolly fifth wheel latch.
  • Slowly pull tractor, first semi-trailer and dolly forward to pull dolly out from under rear semi-trailer.
Uncouple converter dolly:
  • Lower dolly landing gear.
  • Disconnect safety chains.
  • Apply converter gear spring brakes or chock wheels.
  • Release pintle hook on first semitrailer.
  • Slowly pull clear of dolly.

Caution: Never unlock the pintle hook with the dolly still under the rear trailer. The dolly tow bar may fly up, possibly causing injury and making it very difficult to re-couple.

Coupling and Uncoupling Triple Trailers

Couple second and third trailers:
  • Couple second and third trailers using the method for coupling doubles.
  • Uncouple tractor and pull away from second and third trailers.
Couple tractor/first semitrailer to second/third trailers:
  • Couple tractor to first trailer. Use the method described for coupling tractor semitrailers.
  • Move converter dolly into position and couple first trailer to second trailer using the method for coupling doubles. Triples rig is now complete.
Uncouple triple-trailer rig:
  • Uncouple third trailer by pulling the dolly out, then unhitching the dolly using the method for uncoupling doubles.
  • Uncouple remainder of rig as you would any double-bottom rig using the method already described.

Coupling and Uncoupling Other Combinations

The methods described thus far apply to the more common tractor-trailer combinations. However, there are other ways of coupling and uncoupling the many types of truck-trailer and tractor-trailer combinations in use. There are too many to cover in this manual. Learn the correct way to couple the vehicle(s) you will drive according to the manufacturer and/or owner.

Pay special attention to this statement as it shows up often on the written exam. Remember, you should never unlock the pintle hook with the dolly still under the rear trailer.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Doubles:

Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.

Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...

Should you unlock the pintle hook with the dolly still under the rear trailer?
  • Unlocking the pintle while under the rear trailer is a matter of personal choice
  • Yes, the pintle hook should always be unlocked while still under the rear trailer
  • No, the dolly tow bar may fly up, possibly causing injury and making it very difficult to re-couple
  • None of these answers are correct

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Caution: Never unlock the pintle hook with the dolly still under the rear trailer. The dolly tow bar may fly up, possibly causing injury and making it very difficult to re-couple.

Next
Which of these steps about uncoupling the rear trailer is incorrect?
  • Release dolly brakes
  • Close air shut-offs at rear of first semitrailer (and on dolly if so equipped)
  • Park in a "half circle" on firm level ground
  • Release converter dolly fifth wheel latch.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Uncouple rear trailer:

  • Park in a straight line on firm level ground.
  • Apply parking brakes so rig will not move.
  • Chock wheels of second trailer if it does not have spring brakes.
  • Lower landing gear of second semitrailer enough to remove some weight from dolly.
  • Close air shut-offs at rear of first semitrailer (and on dolly if so equipped).
  • Disconnect all dolly air and electric lines and secure them.
  • Release dolly brakes.
  • Release converter dolly fifth wheel latch.
  • Slowly pull tractor, first semi-trailer and dolly forward to pull dolly out from under rear semi-trailer.
Prev
Next
Should you pull a dolly out from under a trailer before you disconnect it from the trailer in front?
  • No, the dolly should be removed after all trailers have been dropped to avoid damaging the trailer or dolly
  • Removing the dolly before disconnecting is simply personal preference and it doesn't matter much either way
  • No, you should never leave the rear trailer without a dolly attached to it
  • Yes, that way you can use the truck and first trailer to pull the dolly away from the rear trailer

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Uncouple rear trailer:

  • Park in a straight line on firm level ground.
  • Apply parking brakes so rig will not move.
  • Chock wheels of second trailer if it does not have spring brakes.
  • Lower landing gear of second semitrailer enough to remove some weight from-dolly.
  • Close air shut-offs at rear of first semitrailer (and on dolly if so equipped).
  • Disconnect all dolly air and electric lines and secure them.
  • Release dolly brakes.
  • Release converter dolly fifth wheel latch.
  • Slowly pull tractor, first semi-trailer and dolly forward to pull dolly out from under rear semi-trailer.
Prev
Next
Which of these steps for uncoupling the converter dolly is correct?
  • Release converter gear spring brakes
  • Disconnect safety chains
  • Lock the pintle hook on first semitrailer
  • Quickly pull clear of the dolly

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Uncouple converter dolly:

  • Lower dolly landing gear
  • Disconnect safety chains.
  • Apply converter gear spring brakes or chock wheels.
  • Release pintle hook on first semitrailer.
  • Slowly pull clear of dolly.
Prev
Finish
Please select an option
[3,3,4,2]
4
Page 56:
Coupling And Uncoupling Double Trailers
Page 57
Page 58:
Inspecting Doubles And Triples

Click Anywhere To Close

Join Us!

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Register Learn More

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:

Apply For Paid CDL Training

About Us

TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare for a great start to your trucking career.

Read More

Becoming A Truck Driver

Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.

Learn More