| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
ohiomohawk
Joined: 18 Aug 2006
Posts: 233
Location: NOT TELLING....but it is in the same state that the Ohio State Buckeyes play!!
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:55 pm Post subject: Tanker drivers tell me about your 1st experiences driving |
|
|
I have 15 months OTR experience driving a van but I am considering driving a tanker for my next gig.
I am sure I will recieve proper training but i would guess you would take turns 10-15mph below the posted speed limit.
I have seen some tanker trucks fly past me taking curves at 65-70mph I assume they must have been empty.
The whole idea of rolling a tanker causes me to hesitate and stick to vans. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Orangetxguy
Joined: 23 Jan 2007
Posts: 1471
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject: Re: Tanker drivers tell me about your 1st experiences drivin |
|
|
ohiomohawk wrote: I have 15 months OTR experience driving a van but I am considering driving a tanker for my next gig.
I am sure I will recieve proper training but i would guess you would take turns 10-15mph below the posted speed limit.
I have seen some tanker trucks fly past me taking curves at 65-70mph I assume they must have been empty.
The whole idea of rolling a tanker causes me to hesitate and stick to vans.
Why would you worry about rolling a tanker...especially if you don't worry about rolling a van? A tanker is going to hold together in a roll-over...unless you go into a curve doing well over the posted "suggested speed" of that curve.
As for hauling tanks..it's just like anything else...it takes time to learn to do it properly. If you learn to do it properly...then you should automaticly be doing it safely. |
|
| Back to top |
|
mdf1576
Joined: 14 Feb 2007
Posts: 64
Location: jacksonville, FL
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Its not that bad at all. Sometimes the surge will hit you pretty good. but you get used to it. As far as curves go, I was taught that if you can feel the centrifugal force in a curve you are going to fast. That may be extreme but it works. HTH |
|
| Back to top |
|
Red Clay Rambler
Joined: 30 Oct 2006
Posts: 241
Location: Tennessee
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 6:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I agree, mdf1576. I always told myself that if a curve was trying to pull my body out of the seat, I was taking the curve too fast. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Larry Heyns
Joined: 19 Oct 2005
Posts: 105
Location: Michigan
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 6:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I had a load of transmission fluid to GMC Truck & Coach. At the guard shack, I was given a map of the plant and told that a pipe fitter would help me hook up. I was so naive. I thought this would be easy. I pulled down an alley in the plant complex and waited. Before long, a man in sport coat and tie came along. He said, "I'm the pipe fitter. There is the pipe you hook to. I'll be back in an hour to sign your bills." Then he went through a gap in the chain link fence to a tavern across the street. |
|
| Back to top |
|
BHG0069
Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 66
Location: Tank Yanker....Superior Carriers
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
It's all about having respect for what you're pulling behind you. Just take it slow and easy and you shouldn't have a problem.
I always do 10mph below the posted speed for the sharp curves. IMO that seems to be safe for any curve that I've encountered. |
|
| Back to top |
|
belpre122
Joined: 14 Jul 2004
Posts: 277
Location: Back home again. In Indiana!
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Ohio.......Nothing to fear. I think that Orangetxguy was absolutely on the money with "If you learn to do it properly...then you should automaticly be doing it safely. Fuel Hauling pays well.....and you are home everyday! Of course, if you still are looking for OTR, there is some very good info on here from the OTR tanker yankers. (search under author "Cyanide"). Whether you decide to stay out there with the "big dogs" or remain behind with us "pups," I think you'll be fine as long as you have a healthy respect for safety. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Skywalker
Joined: 10 Oct 2005
Posts: 2628
Location: Pulling a Tanker for Superior Carriers!!
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
BHG0069 wrote: It's all about having respect for what you're pulling behind you. Just take it slow and easy and you shouldn't have a problem.
I always do 10mph below the posted speed for the sharp curves. IMO that seems to be safe for any curve that I've encountered.
What he says is correct! As so was what "Orangetxguy" said!
It isn't the tank thats "dangerous"....it would be the driver. If one is a safe driver who has taken the time to learn and understand his or her craft, then there is no issue where safety is concerned. |
|
| Back to top |
|
mike3fan
Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 1655
Location: michigan
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 10:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
ditto,ditto,ditto.
I can only give you what I know,I wished I had found this job in my first couple of years of driving,oh all the headaches I would've missed from pulling freight. :lol: |
|
| Back to top |
|
meanbone
Joined: 20 Jun 2005
Posts: 7
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 5:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
| The first time I yanked tanks I thought this ain't for me. I been yankin for 20 years now. I have having to hump freight with a dry van. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Phreddo
Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 98
Location: Madison, WI
|
| Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I just made the jump from van to tanker.
i haven't officially driven the tanker yet, but i went for my first ride today.
My 2 biggest concerns are train crossings and missing a step during pumping ie forgetting to open a valve or a vent or properly buttoning everything up.
on the ride, i think the driver drove the tanker harder than i drive a van, so I'm not too terribly concerned.
i think a lot of drivers really psyche themselves out of trying tanker.
As long as you're careful, cautious, don't make any sudden moves, give yourself plenty of room, and just use your brainmeats, there should be no cause for concern.
Just wait until you get to use the wand to suck barrels. Whee! |
|
| Back to top |
|
Phreddo
Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 98
Location: Madison, WI
|
| Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 7:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
well, i'm on my 3rd week of driving tanker. i've officially pulled 3 loads. load 1 was 150 miles, not bad.
2nd load was from michigan to memphis, nearly full, easy drive.
3rd was from memphis to beaumont, 40000 lbs of caustic, sloshed and surged pretty good.
overall, what's the fuss? It's not like the tanker is going to fly off into space or something. Honestly, after driving van for 2 years, I'm glad I made the switch. This stuff is too easy ;) |
|
| Back to top |
|
im6under
Joined: 02 Jan 2008
Posts: 11
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 9:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
too easy??? shhhhh, you're gonna let everybody in on the deal and flood the market... lol
drive it like its rented when empty unless you're on the ice.
10 mph under on posted curves when loaded.
plan for braking when loaded.
however you hook-up and put away, do it the same way every single time so you develope a routine.
I start at the front and work my way back buttoning up. then walk back to the front checking myself. AND last thing I do everytime is check the mirror to make sure I unhooked the hose.
A little anal perhaps... but I was in the terminal when a guy ripped the hose off the bulk plant, just before being fired, so I guess it was a good time to do it ??? :shock:
Scared the heck out of me !!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
Phreddo
Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 98
Location: Madison, WI
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 10:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'll admit it, the tanker is harder to line up.
i missed teh crotch and got the pin over the 5th wheel. First time i ever did that. glad the tank was empty and i had someone to help me get undone. Now I'm much more careful about that until i get more familiar with the equipment. |
|
| Back to top |
|
ben45750
Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Posts: 1716
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 10:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've pulled vans, pups, doubles and tankers and I liked tankers the best. Every one has hit about everything you need to know.
The only thing I can add is prepare for the turn before you make it and stay off the brakes in curves.
Also,I always kept a half full bottle of windshield washer fluid on the floor on the passenger side. Watching the washer fluid can give you an idea of what the product is doing (if the product is about the consistency). |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
