Figure 7-18.—Electrical connector..Check the rear of the tractor frame and thelanding gear for enough clearance to make turns.. Ensure there is enough clearance between the topof the tractor tires and the nose of the trailer.Step 14. Remove trailer wheel chockso Remove and store wheel chocks in a safe place.The basic steps for uncoupling a tractor from atrailer are as follows:Step 1. Position tractor and trailerEnsure the parking area surface can support theweight of the trailer.Ensure the tractor is lined up with the trailer, if atall possible, because pulling out at an angle canbend and damage the landing gear.Step 2. Ease pressure on locking jawslllShut off trailer air supply or engage the trailerhand valve to lock the trailer brakes.Ease pressure on the locking jaws by backing upgently. (This procedure helps you release the fifthwheel locking lever.)Apply the parking brakes while the tractor isbacking; this holds the tractor in place with thepressure of the kingpin off the locking jaws.Step 3. Lower the landing gearl Chock the trailer wheels.If the trailer is empty: lower the landing gear untilit makes firm contact with the ground.If the trailer is loaded: after the landing gearmakes firm contact with the ground, turn thecrank in low gear a few extra turns; this lifts someweight off the tractor suspension.NOTE: Do not lower the landing gear so low thatit lifts the trailer off the fifth wheel because doing thismakes it harder to couple and uncouple.Step 4. Disconnect electrical cableDisconnect the electrical cable and hang thecable with the plug down to prevent moisturefrom entering it.Ensure the electrical cable is supported so it willnot be damaged while driving the tractor.Step 5. Unlock fifth wheelRaise the safety catch over the locking pin (if soequipped).Pull the release handle to the “open” position.WARNINGKeep legs and feet clear of the rearof the tractor wheels to avoid injuryshould the tractor move.Step 6. Pull tractor partially clear of trailerPull tractor forward until the fifth wheel comesout from under the trailer.Stop with the tractor frame underneath the trailer.This prevents the trailer from falling to theground if the landing gear should collapse orsink.Step 7. Secure tractorApply the parking brake.Disengage the trailer hand valve to release trailerbrakes.Place the manual transmission in neutral; in park,if an automatic transmission.7-17
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