And don't reset the hitch until you are coupling back up. Prime example why not is in the video if you look as he pulls off the trailer the pin drops back down again. Then your likely to forget or not realise to reset it again and then struggle coupling back up
Wrong. The pin should always be in the down "locked " position even when the trailer is no connected. Why? With the pin raised the bottom jaw bush is exposed to all the road debris and a build up of rubbish will collect in this area. This is particular a problem when the pin has been greased (not recommended). Grease is like a magnet and will attract road debris and clog up the whole mechanism. VBG recommend their "Mec Oil" which applied from an aerosol can through holes in the lid attached to the top of the coupling. If not available use a light oil it will flow down through the mechanism and arrive at the pin and eye. Colin Barge (retired VBG Group Sales)
I'm not happy about no mention of application of the trailer parking brake and the trucks own parking brake. I've had to give witness to a fatal runaway of a draw bar because the driver failed in this area! VBG do NOT recommend a "pull test" to check properly coupled. There is a RED lock indicator button andif it is flush with its hosing its safely locked . No questions about it. If you do a "pull test" and the pin is not fully locked down you will either spread the jaw or if you drive away in this condition assuming your coupled the pin could release and the trailer detached. All VBG air assisted couplings have not only the RED indicator button but now part of Type Approval a dash mounted indicator panel. GREEN pin down and locked RED pin NOT locked and fully home. I further noted that in your clip there was a lot of play between the eye and pin. You need to check that the the trailer eye wear ring and the diameter of the ball part of the pin are both still in tolerance. I know the DVLA still like the "tug or pull test" but in reality no coupling manufacturer recommend this! Please check this with them. I can quote several instances on artics and draw bars where the driver has carried out this form of check and still lost a trailer. The DVLA procedure needs amending without doubt. If you need further advice I would be pleased to help. I produce a simple one page sheet for VBG which was presented to each driver and had pictures and a very simple layout I can E mail you a copy if needed. Kind Regards, Colin Barge (retired VBG Group Sales Ltd)
Just to mention when uncoupling ALWAYS start with putting the TRAILER BRAKE ON FIRST!!!
Michael harris was just thinking that he didn’t apply the parking brake
My thoughts too, put the legs down first but I thought was always trailer brake first when uncoupling and last when coupling
Exactly that they have forgotten
Very nice video, but he completely forgot about parking break on the trailer.
also before connecting trailer he should stop and inspect it first ?! he should also check if trailer is line up correctly and levelled up .
Very informative
And don't reset the hitch until you are coupling back up. Prime example why not is in the video if you look as he pulls off the trailer the pin drops back down again. Then your likely to forget or not realise to reset it again and then struggle coupling back up
Wrong. The pin should always be in the down "locked " position even when the trailer is no connected. Why? With the pin raised the bottom jaw bush is exposed to all the road debris and a build up of rubbish will collect in this area. This is particular a problem when the pin has been greased (not recommended). Grease is like a magnet and will attract road debris and clog up the whole mechanism. VBG recommend their "Mec Oil" which applied from an aerosol can through holes in the lid attached to the top of the coupling. If not available use a light oil it will flow down through the mechanism and arrive at the pin and eye. Colin Barge (retired VBG Group Sales)
I'm not happy about no mention of application of the trailer parking brake and the trucks own parking brake. I've had to give witness to a fatal runaway of a draw bar because the driver failed in this area! VBG do NOT recommend a "pull test" to check properly coupled. There is a RED lock indicator button andif it is flush with its hosing its safely locked . No questions about it. If you do a "pull test" and the pin is not fully locked down you will either spread the jaw or if you drive away in this condition assuming your coupled the pin could release and the trailer detached. All VBG air assisted couplings have not only the RED indicator button but now part of Type Approval a dash mounted indicator panel. GREEN pin down and locked RED pin NOT locked and fully home.
I further noted that in your clip there was a lot of play between the eye and pin. You need to check that the the trailer eye wear ring and the diameter of the ball part of the pin are both still in tolerance.
I know the DVLA still like the "tug or pull test" but in reality no coupling manufacturer recommend this! Please check this with them. I can quote several instances on artics and draw bars where the driver has carried out this form of check and still lost a trailer. The DVLA procedure needs amending without doubt.
If you need further advice I would be pleased to help. I produce a simple one page sheet for VBG which was presented to each driver and had pictures and a very simple layout I can E mail you a copy if needed.
Kind Regards, Colin Barge (retired VBG Group Sales Ltd)
Trailer brake!!!!!!
Brakes first down rated
I am not going to recommend this video to anyone what so ever with his sunglasses 🤣🤣🤣