- For the safest handling when pulling doubles or triples, how should the load be positioned?
- Place the lighter load in the first position and the heavier in the rear
- Place the heavier load in the first (front) trailer and the lighter in the rear
- Trailer weight does not matter
The front trailer should be the heaviest. Rear trailers are more likely to rollover or sway; keeping the heaviest load up front improves stability.
- What is a converter dolly used for?
- To connect two or more trailers behind a tractor
- To help move cargo inside a semi-trailer
- To replace the fifth wheel on the tractor
A converter dolly provides a fifth wheel connection for additional trailers, allowing doubles and triples to be pulled safely.
- Do all converter dollies have spring brakes?
- Yes
- No
Not all dollies are equipped with spring brakes. Some require manual wheel chocking or air pressure to hold position.
- Which methods can be used to position and secure a converter dolly before coupling?
- Release dolly brakes using the petcock or parking brake control
- Move the dolly by hand to align with the kingpin
- Use the tractor and first trailer to push/pull the dolly into position
- All of the above
- None of the above
Any of these methods may be used depending on equipment and terrain. The key is to align the dolly safely and securely.
- The dolly tow bar may fly up if you unlock the pintle hook with the dolly still under the rear trailer.
- True
- False
The tow bar is under tension. Unlocking the pintle hook can cause it to spring upward with force, risking injury.
- You should use different methods for uncoupling second and third trailers.
- True
- False
The procedure for uncoupling additional trailers is the same. Follow standard steps to avoid injury and equipment damage.
- Coupling and uncoupling methods are generally the same for common tractor-trailer combinations, but alternative methods exist for specialized equipment.
- True
- False
Different industry setups ((turnpike doubles, triples, rocky mountain doubles) may require unique coupling procedures.
- There are more inspection points on a combination vehicle than on a single vehicle.
- True
- False
Doubles and triples have additional connection points, lines, valves, fifth wheels, tires, and lighting to inspect.
- Should you perform a full walk-around inspection when preparing to pull doubles or triples?
- Yes
- No
A thorough walk-around helps identify loose connections, leaks, damaged hoses, misaligned dollies, or incorrect hookups before driving.
