Alabama Combination CDL Test 2

The trailer hand valve, also called the trolley valve or Johnson bar, is used to work the trailer brakes. It should be used only to test the brakes. Using it while a vehicle is in motion could cause a skid.

Push in the trailer air supply control to supply the trailer with air. Pull out the trailer air supply control to turn off the air supply and activate the emergency brakes.

Tractor protection controls in older vehicles may be operated by levers instead of knobs. If an air supply control is set in its “emergency” position, the air supply will be stopped and the trailer emergency brakes will be applied.

The tractor protection valve keeps air in the tractor or truck braking system, should the trailer break away or develop a bad leak.

When backing up to couple a trailer, you should position the tractor directly in front of the trailer. Trying to couple while backing at an angle could cause the trailer to move and the landing gear to break.

Combination vehicles require more skill to drive than single vehicles. Combination vehicles are usually longer and heavier, and are more vulnerable to rollovers.

Combination vehicles need more space on the road than other commercial vehicles because they are longer and need more space to turn and stop. It is especially important to properly manage space when you are operating a combination vehicle.

If your trailer begins to skid, you should release the brakes to help regain traction. Once the wheels grip the road again, the trailer will begin to straighten out and follow the path of the tractor.

Driving a combination vehicle usually requires more skill than driving a single vehicle. Combination vehicles are generally longer and heavier than single commercial vehicles.

Trailers built before 1975 are not required to have spring brakes. When parking a trailer without spring brakes, be sure to use wheel chocks to prevent the trailer from rolling.