17 Trailer Operations

Question 1

Trailers are often used for:

Answer 1

1. TRT
2. Boat Ops
3. Traffic Control
4. Mass-Casualty Incidents

Question 2

One safety issue posed by trailers:

Answer 2

Inadequate driver training

Question 3

Towing oversized load may result in damage:

Answer 3

1. Brake components will be prone to damage and failure - excess kinetic energy
2. Transmissions: excess heat breaks down the fluid, creating a lack of lubrication inside the transmission
3. Overloaded suspension components may crack or fail completely under stress

Question 4

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Answer 4

The total weight of the trailer, including equipment, fluids, and the weight of the trailer itself.

Question 5

Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating

Answer 5

Total weight of tow vehicle, trailer, passengers, fuel, liquids, and equipment

Question 6

Weight Carrying Hitch

Answer 6

Carries all the tongue weight

Question 7

Weight Distributing Hitch

Answer 7

Distributes tongue weight across the tow vehicle’s entire frame

Question 8

Fifth Wheel Hitch

Answer 8

Mounted in the bed, forward of the rear axles - improves stability and maneuverability, trailer sway is nearly eliminated

Question 9

Gooseneck Hitch

Answer 9

Similar to Fifth Wheel but uses a ball hitch instead of a pin

Question 10

Advantage to Electromagnetic Brakes:

Answer 10

Ability to engage the trailer brakes separate from the tow vehicle’s brakes.

Question 11

Two types of brake controllers:

Answer 11

1. Time Delay - applies preset amount of brake force
2. Proportional - applies brakes at same intensity as tow vehicle

Question 12

Surge Braking System

Answer 12

As tow vehicle slows, trailer pushes against hitch and engages a hydraulic master cylinder

Question 13

Advantages of surge brakes

Answer 13

No need for a separate controller inside the tow vehicle. Also, this is the disadvantage.

Question 14

One of the most difficult tasks a driver could face:

Answer 14

Towing a trailer

Question 15

The first step in safe trailer operations is to

Answer 15

properly secure the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Question 16

Following steps for safe trailer operations:

Answer 16

2. Ensure trailer and tow vehicle are equally matched - level and parallel to ground
3. Equipped with properly rated hitch
4. Proper ball hitch size for coupler and load
5. Latch for coupler must be properly secured
6. Chains are used at all times, and crossed
7. All electrical connections are secure and working
8. Breakaway system is intact and functioning
9. All hubs and bearings are well lubricated
10. Tires are properly inflated and check brakes before leaving the station

Question 17

Towing a trailer requires the driver to

Answer 17

slow down.

Question 18

When possible, ______________ the tow vehicle and use retarding force of engine. Using transmission for speed control will _____________ on the brakes and ensure that the brakes are cool and ready to use.

Answer 18

downshift / reduce wear

Question 19

Hand placement when backing a trailer?

Answer 19

Bottom of wheel - Direction drivers move hands is direction trailer will go.

Question 20

Shorter the distance between the trailer axle and hitch, the _________ it will be to keep the trailer straight.

Answer 20

harder

Question 21

Causes of trailer sway:

Answer 21

1. Weight Distributions
2. Wind
3. Tractor Trailers (bow wind: force of air created by a tractor trailer as it drives down the road // passing a semi)
4. Roads

Question 22

Trailer sway may be prevented by:

Answer 22

1. Ensuring trailer tonue weight is properly distributed
2. Sway control system is in use
3. Driver maintains safe speed