Hello, everybody. I drove truck/trailer in all 48 states for almost 3 years now. Monday I start in a new company who wants me to pull doubles. I have the endorsement, just never did them before. Is there a big difference to a normal 53 ? Do I have to leave exits much slower then normally with 53?
Thanks for any advice.

 

To me, pulling wiggle wagons is easier than pulling a 53'. In normal situations, the rear pup follows the lead. Sometimes, they can get goofy, but they are a piece of cake. They may wiggle when the wind blows, but nothing severe. One thing, it doesnt take much to wiggle that rear pup when you turn the steering wheel, rolling down the highway. Especially, if you need to change lanes all of a sudden. To me, they pull better when they are loaded. Running empty, they are more likely to wiggle more. When I first started running line haul, I didnt know how they pulled, either. After a few nights, I figured out that doubles are just as easy, if not easier than pulling any other trailer. Be careful, but just get out there, and get your feet wet. Before you know it, pulling doubles will come natural to ya.

I'm sure that there are more key points that I missed that someone else could give ya, but that is a brief summary.

 

All true but snow and ice make for a long night. Other than that its no big deal. Oh yeah, Dont get lost...they dont back up well!

 

Pulling doubles you'll find that they corner quicker and nowadays the Pup is alot more stabilized. Still-you have to be more careful and if you drop a pup trailer tire onto the shoulder you have a really good chance at flipping it.

 

definitely don't miss your turn. Brings back bad memories of missing the terminal in Birmingham, Al. 3 hours and lots of sweat and cussing, I finally had them re-hooked and facing the right way from a dead end residential area. Wiggle Wagons have an evil power over things. You only miss your turn while pulling them at night and in the rain. Clear, sunny days, you never get lost.

 

Yeah, I forgot about all that snow, and ice. We have a tiny bit, but not enough to remember we had any. :P

Yeah, doubles can get funny when you back them up. Kinda like cotton trailers.

 

One important thing to remember is to make slower lane changes and turns, the back box reacts slower than the tractor and front box, always give it time to react, because its like holding two kids hands and dragging them through a store, you have a handle on the first kid but the second is usual in his own little world. I found it to be alot better pulling them with a tandem than a single axle, more stable. And ice and snow are a real treat , rarely are the brakes on the trailers set the same, or are the trailers loaded simularly leaving brake application different with each set and the way they pull will always varies depending on load and the way they are loaded. Heavier box up front is #1 rule but take your time hooking and getting the feel. Good Luck

 

you have a handle on the first kid but the second is usual in his own little world

lol-that's a good way to put it

 

Thanks guys for letting me know your thoughts. The SNOW AND ICE stuff is what worries me, sInce I will drive east coast only. PA, NJ and NY. Tomorrow will be my first night of line haul. Lets hope for the best!

 

Se Habla Stomach Ulcer??

BOL2U Unclehotte!!