Combination Vehicles Practice Test Flashcards

Why are empty trucks and trailers sometimes harder to stop quickly than loaded ones?

Answer: Empty trucks have less traction and may require greater stopping distance, and wheels can lock up

Because brakes are designed for the heaviest load, an empty rig has reduced traction and wheels can lock up, sometimes lengthening stopping distance.

When parking a combination vehicle, you should generally:

Answer: Pull through so you can exit moving forward

Pulling through a parking space when possible lets you leave by driving forward, which is safer than backing out.

Rearward amplification is greatest in which type of combination?

Answer: A triple trailer (triples)

The more trailers in the combination, the greater the rearward amplification, with triples being the most prone to sway.

Before driving doubles or triples, the most important reason to be sure the trailers are coupled correctly is:

Answer: A trailer that comes loose can cause a serious crash

An improperly coupled trailer can separate while driving, creating an extremely dangerous situation.

On a converter dolly, after connecting it you should secure the dolly's safety chains and:

Answer: Lock the pintle hook and check the air and electrical lines

The pintle hook must be locked and the air and light lines connected and checked so the dolly stays attached and functional.

When you do a walk-around inspection of a coupled combination, you should especially check that the safety latch on the kingpin release arm is:

Answer: In place over the release handle (locked position)

The safety latch must be in the locked position over the release handle to prevent accidental unlocking of the fifth wheel.

Which is true about the air lines when uncoupling a trailer?

Answer: Disconnect them and secure them so they don't get dirty or damaged

Air and electrical lines should be disconnected and hung or secured so they aren't damaged or contaminated.