Question:
I have heard all kinds of reason on why NOT to use wd 40 or Bullshot to use on the rails on the trailer.
1. It will get dirt, debrew, rocks etc.
2. If you accidently spray it on the pins, the pins might go in. (possibly)
3. It doesn't really work for what you are trying to accomplish
How would putting water it self on the rails work?
1. I think it's because it's a natrural lubricant so to speak
2. Will not be oily, therefore will not collect grime
3. Sooo much cheaper then buying wd40 or Bullshot.
Why would a mechanic tell you to use wd40 or bullshot?
So you have to take your trailer into a shop (possibly their shop) to get it worked on. Therefore, he gets paid and he is happy.
Any other suggestions?
Sweet Whiskey
P.S. If your trailer is twisted and the truck and trailer are not straight the pins will not go in. Banging with a hammer will only make alot of noise and hurt your ears. If you know the pins need beaten in then do so, but don't assume it is always that way.Sweet Whiskey

Answer:
For a really cheap alternative get yourself a spray bottle and mix about 1/4 dish soap (the really cheap kind works just fine) and 3/4 water. Spray the rails or the pins (whatever is giving your problems) let it sit for a minute, give it a second spray and try to pull the pins or slide the tandems.
Beyond that I have also used WD-40 (the cheap store brand version) on the pins and rails before and never had any problems with dirt/debris etc because of using it.
Answer:
Beating the pins also relieves frustration.
A mechanic told me that I should never use WD40 for the reasons you listed. But given the choice of a long fight with stuck pins, or spraying a little WD-40 and getting it over with quickly, I would opt for the quick route. If the mechanics don’t like it and they are willing to come out and fix the problem, then they are welcome to do it their way. OTOH, since they won’t, I’ll get the job done as quickly as I can with as little damage to the equipment as possible.
I have had only once instance where I got the pins released and could not get the slider to move. It took me about 2 hours and a large can of WD-40 to get the things to move. I had applied it sparingly without any success. As a final act, I emptied the can in to the rails. It did the trick.
Someone suggested using water, but think about this. Your tandems are stuck, they need lubricated so they can move. WD-40 is a lubricant; water, unless pure, is full of minerals, aka rocks, and I think would lead to more difficulties. Also water on metal has an additional effect, a chemical reaction called rust.
The mechanic get paid by the hour, you and I don’t. We need the quick solution.
-JHappy Dwellers Society
Company Driver Division

Answer:
Plain water just really wont do much good. The main reason is that it will more than likely evaporate (or freeze) by the time you get back into the truck to do any good.
Answer:
No doubt you two are right. I just thought it was a interesting post myself. I ran into my old trainer here in Manteno, Il. We started talking about sliding tandems and such. He mentioned to me that I shouldn't use wd 40 for those reasons.
I also told him over 1 yr 9 months ago he told me the same thing. I kept it in my records and well sorta in my head. Although, these WSE trailers suck to a real certain extent. I pulled a brand new trailer, that was soo nice. I was even scared to back it up. I am so used to dogtracking trailers and trailers with years and miles on them, that a virgin trailer was odd.
J was also right, let some steam off. Take your hammer out and bang the heck out of those pins and spring and whatever else is in your way.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who used a full can of wd 40 on the rails. Them dang ole things just wouldn't move.
Sweet WhiskeySweet Whiskey

Answer:
I always used to keep a sprayer full of diesel fuel. It also does a good job of thinning the grease in the 5th wheel jaws in cold weather.
Answer:
I like your solution, AlexxInNY. It's hard to beat for cost effectiveness.
If, like me, you drag the same trailer all of the time, you might opt for a more permanent lubricant than WD-40. I use white lithium grease on the rails.

Answer:
Okay.....you come off the scales and have to 'crank it hard' one way or the other.
If you have to do that, find a nice 'straight area' and pull forward, back up, pull forward again, back up AGAIN......................do this several times, applying the trailer brakes only,................ a few times.
Once you've gone forward & backwards a few times, you should be able to pull the lever and release the pins with no problem.
Been There, Done That.................many times......... Trust me, it does work!

Answer:
Just wait until you get a real old trailer sometime that some fool was totally crooked when he slid the tandems last. The left side is in hole 8 and the right side is in hole 9......
Which this brings up a good point. You ever have problems getting the pins to pull take a minute to count the holes on both sides and make sure that some idiot didnt do what I just described.
Answer:
I’ve done the back and forth, it works great. I’ve found the key point is being gentle. I’ve seen people try it and they are hitting the “gas” so hard it about throws them out of the seat. And I’ve had drivers say that is the only way to get the pins unstuck. Once, I tried the get up to 15 MPH and lock the trailer brakes, still didn’t work. Took a can of WD-40 to get tandems to slide.
-JHappy Dwellers Society
Company Driver Division

Answer:
The biggest problem I have when sliding tandems is I might break a fingernail when I pull the little airplunger out. Most of our trailers are airslide. We do have a few old style pull up type bars on a few trailers and they work like a hot knife through butter. Amazing what REGULAR maintenance will do.

Answer:

-JHappy Dwellers Society
Company Driver Division

Answer:
OR.................................you could just switch to fixed tandems and never have to deal with it EVER again!!!!
I LOVE haulin liquid bulk!!!!
CDrecovering dweller..........oilfield trash division

Answer:
I usually used Hoss' method myself. Roehl used to give us a can of spray grease---black and hard to get off your hands---to lube the rails. I rarely had to hit them with a hammer. Usually just rocking them back/forth got them loose. Why would anyone want to "lube " something with water?? Just remember:If the world did'nt suck, you'd fall off!
The more I see and read about Republicans and Democrats, the more I wish we had an Independent Party.
IMPEACH BUSH!!!!!!!!!!

Answer:
A 3lb short-hadled sledge hammer and an old cold chisel do wonders on sticky pins.
You want to see more "cost effective" stuff? Instead of buying "bug wash" washer fluid, just use the regualr stuff and add a bit of Dawn dish liquid to the reservoir. Winter mix? Just add a good bit of 90% pure isopropyl alcohol.