Question:
Afternoon all
I just started working for R&L Carriers but have no experience pulling doubles or hooking and unhooking doubles.The spotter did give me some pointerson how to hook and unhook but anymore info is greatly appreciated. Esp. pulling doubles, making turns etc.
THX.

Answer:
Double check all your hook ups.
Heaviest wagon always in front.
Speed kills.
Don't put yourself in a position where you have to back up.
Inclement Weather can cause problems,slow down,no heavy braking or
oversteering being important until you gain experience with them.
Turning is in fact easier than a Van that doesn't bend in the middle.
Contrary to what some would have you believe Pups are not some sort of rocket science, relax.
Answer:
Thanks Rabelam.
ill check back in the am. off to work i go.

Answer:
First off, you might want to go to the FMCS site and do a search on "LCV's".
Anyway, for starters, use your tractor to position the "jiff" in front of the rear trailer. Hook up to the lead, hook the jiff and with the rear at the proper height, back under that one.
I say "proper height" because an empty rear pup will easily push back rather than lift and be hooked.
Should you find yourself only swapping out the rear later on, you can get fancy and learn how to back a lead and jiff under the rear.
If you need to drop the lead at a dock, it is recommended to drop the rear trailer and the jiff. Too much weight and the jiff will fly up once the pintel is released. Although, I never had that happen. (Time is money)
If space permits, I would do a couple of figure eights around the yard prior to pulling out just to help insure that I have good connections.
Look before you leap. While straight line backing can be done, one mistake will have you breaking the set. Biggest problem is finding a place to grab a coffee where no jerk is going to park you in. Other than that, having done local with pups, I can buttonhook a set around an intersection with some nitwit over the line while someone with a 53' is screwed.
Unfortunately, pups usually mean single axle, rough riding, get stuck on spit, limited creature comfort rag wagons. Forget that!

Answer:
When I first started hooking them, the hardest part for me was getting the dolley put into place. A little trick that I've learned with ours is to line up the hole on the fifth wheel plate to the center of the trailer, then when you back the lead up to the dolley, I always line up the passenger side. For some reason in my case when I don't do it and line up to the drivers side the trailer always misses and hits the pin. Hope this helps. Backing a set will take alot of practice. I still can't do it yet, LOL.

Answer:
thanks for all the replies ans advice. it is appreciated. igot to work last night and guess what, i had a set doubles. Actually at our yard the spotter had them set up for me. the heavier one on my back as i call it and the second one behind it.
pulling the doubles was not that bad at all. i had a set going up to greenbay wi. all i did was TAKE MY TIME, drove nice and slowand kept that rear pup in mirror driving nice and straight.my concern was taking turns.i had a couple of turns before getting on the highway and i was making left turns like i had a van.
made a stop at a rest area on 41 and made damn sure that i pulled in so i can pull straight out. it was a little hair raising because there was a driver parked on the merge back onto the highway just as you make the little sweeping turn coming out of the rest area.

Answer:
OH, one more thing. Don't watch that rear pup. It will go where ever you go. I drive them just like a van. Except turning alot shorter radius.

Answer:
All of the above is excellent advice.
I will add:
When backing the front trailer and gear to hook to the rear trailer make sure that the gear will lift the back trailer about 2" or so off the ground. This will allow the rear trailer to move into place and connect to the fifth wheel if you are a little off in your set-up. Amazing how well this works.
After doing a pull test to check your connection, get out and look under the trailer and make sure the jaws have locked around the kingpin. Around here, we practice "It's not a hook until you look." Our company practices, "drop a trailer, and your gone"
After connecting your air lines, supply air to your pups and check for any air leaks from your connections and air tank valve. Make any corrections before driving off. Again check and double check your hook and connections.
When driving, be aware of any ruts on the hwy--rear trailer likes to dance around. I will change lanes if necessary.
As stated above, do not put yourself in a position that requires you to back a set. Very difficult.. For example, if I stop at a truckstop, I never pull behind another truck at the fuel island. If I can't pull through, I don't stop.
I'm sure you will go out with another driver for a week or so, after which you will feel better about both hooking, breaking down, and driving doubles.