CDL · General

Before backing the second trailer onto the converter dolly's fifth wheel, what should the driver check about the dolly?

Correct answer

That the dolly is in position and lined up, the fifth wheel is properly greased and the jaws are open, the dolly is secured (and chocked/braked so it doesn't move), and the fifth wheel height is correct for the trailer kingpin

  1. A Only the tires
  2. B That the dolly is in position and lined up, the fifth wheel is properly greased and the jaws are open, the dolly is secured (and chocked/braked so it doesn't move), and the fifth wheel height is correct for the trailer kingpin
  3. C Nothing needs checking
  4. D Only the color

Why this is the answer

COUPLING THE SECOND TRAILER TO THE DOLLY: Before backing the rear trailer onto the dolly's fifth wheel: POSITION/ALIGN: The dolly should be lined up with the trailer kingpin; FIFTH WHEEL READY: Jaws OPEN (unlocked) to receive the kingpin; properly greased; HEIGHT: The dolly's fifth wheel at the correct height relative to the trailer kingpin (so the kingpin enters the jaws properly — not too high or low); SECURE THE DOLLY: The dolly should be prevented from moving (chocked or braked) so it doesn't roll away when the trailer contacts it; SAFE PROCEDURE: Connect the dolly to the front trailer first (pintle hook, safety chains, air/electrical); then back the rear trailer onto the dolly's fifth wheel just like coupling a tractor to a trailer; VERIFY: After coupling, check the kingpin is locked in the jaws (jaws closed around the shank, no gap), do a tug test, and inspect; DOUBLES/TRIPLES coupling has multiple steps and connection points; each fifth wheel coupling requires the same verification as a tractor-trailer coupling; preparing the dolly correctly (open jaws, correct height, secured) is essential before backing the trailer onto it.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Doubles/Triples, Coupling Second Trailer

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