Trailer Safety: What You Need to Know

What are the two things you should make sure of when a trailer is resting on a tractor?

a) The tires are properly inflated

b) The kingpin is locked

Answer:

Ensure the tires are properly inflated and the kingpin is locked when a trailer is resting on a tractor. A bouncing trailer is likely to be nearly empty as a heavy load would keep it stable.

Explanation:

When the front trailer supports are up and the trailer is resting on the tractor, it is crucial that you ensure two things. Firstly, ensure that the tires are properly inflated.

This is important as under-inflated tires can cause increased fuel consumption, poor handling, and can be more likely to puncture. Secondly, make sure the kingpin is locked. The kingpin being locked is crucial for safety, as it locks the trailer to the tractor, preventing them from separating in transit.

Relating to the scenario given with the trailer bouncing up and down slowly, it's more likely that a bouncing trailer is nearly empty. When a trailer is fully loaded, the heavy load tends to keep the trailer stable and less prone to bouncing.

However, when the trailer is nearly empty, the lack of weight can allow for more movement, thus causing the noticeable bounce.