South Dakota CDL DMV Combination 2

Rollovers happen when an operator turns too fast. Drivers should be sure to slow down before entering turns and curves, especially when transporting a fully-loaded rig.

All trailers and converter dollies manufactured on or after March 1, 1998 must have Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS).

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.

Be sure to test the trailer emergency brakes before beginning a trip. After ensuring that the trailer rolls freely, you can test the emergency brakes by pulling out the trailer air supply control, or placing it in the "emergency" position. Pull forward slightly with the tractor and make sure the trailer does not move.

The trailer service air line may also be referred to as the control line or signal line.

Double and triple combinations are the most vulnerable to turning over as a result of the "crack-the-whip" effect.

Before coupling together a tractor and a trailer, you should make sure the trailer is at the proper height. If the trailer is too low, the trailer nose may be damaged. If the trailer is too high, it may not be able to couple correctly.

If a trailer begins to jackknife, you should release the brakes and allow the trailer wheels to regain traction with the road. Do not apply the trailer hand brake to attempt to straighten out the rig because it will only prolong the skid. The application of brakes is what caused the wheels to lock in the first place.

On combination vehicles with air brakes, the tractor protection valve keeps air in the tractor or truck brake system, should the trailer develop a bad leak or break away from the tractor.

You should test the tractor protection valve by allowing the air supply to properly charge, turning off the engine, then releasing air from the system by pressing the brake pedal several times. The tractor protection valve should move into its emergency position when psi drops to an unsafe level.

Before a trip, you should ensure that air reaches all air brakes on all trailers by opening up the rear emergency line and service line shut-off valves to listen for escaping air. Close both shut-off valves before beginning to drive.

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.

If you are experiencing a trailer jackknife, you can help your tires regain traction by releasing the brakes. Using a trailer hand brake while experiencing a skid will only cause the skid to continue.

Correctly following the steps to couple and uncouple trailers is vital to safely operating a combination vehicle. Before backing your tractor under the trailer while coupling, make sure your trailer brakes are locked.

If you are operating a vehicle built before 1998 and are unsure if the trailer has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you can check under the trailer for wheel speed sensors coming from the back of the brakes.

If you are operating a vehicle built before 1998 and are unsure if the trailer has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you can check under the trailer for wheel speed sensors coming from the back of the brakes.

The easiest way to become aware that your trailer has begun to jackknife is to observe it in your mirrors. Checking your trailer in your mirrors will also allow you to spot any skidding at the earliest possible moment.

Rollovers happen when a vehicle is driven too fast. To reduce the risk of rollover, make sure the weight of cargo is loaded low to the ground, and that you take turns and curves slowly.

Rollovers can happen when a combination vehicle is turned too quickly. To help prevent the risk of rollover, it is important to keep the vehicle's center of gravity low by loading cargo as close to the ground as possible.

If your trailer begins to drift while you are backing, you should correct the drift immediately by turning the top of the steering wheel in the direction of the drift.