[Phil P]

Hi

All you ex semi drivers know how the trailer comes forward in the 5th wheel and makes that “clunk” sound. That’s the 1 second delay in the airbrake application in the trailer. The electric brakes on the 5th wheel RV is the same. It takes about 1/8 to 1/4 turn of the wheels to begin to apply the brakes so you get the same “clunk” but after that the trailer brakes give you whatever your controller is calling for.

I had another CDL driver continually pulling a large Montana with a ¾ single rear wheel truck. His unit exceeded the GCW rating by about 8,000 lbs. He always said he didn’t have a problem with that. Then one day he shows up pulling the same trailer with a 1 ton DRW. It seems one of these expert car drivers whipped around him and got on the brakes to make a right turn. You can guess it he tagged the vehicle in the rear end.

So it happens and when they do it close enough you may not be able to avoid a collision regardless of your experience or how carful you are.

Phil P