Question

When positioning the converter dolly for coupling, you should roll the converter dolly up to the rear trailer and stop when:

A. the fifth wheel is fully under the trailer apron plate.
B. the rear trailer kingpin is about a foot from the jaw opening.
C. you hear the pintle hook snap into place.
D. the fifth wheel makes contact with the front of the trailer apron plate.

Answer 1

The converter dolly should be rolled up to the rear trailer and stopped when the fifth wheel is fully under the trailer apron plate, which ensures proper and safe coupling.

Step-by-step explanation:

When positioning the converter dolly for coupling, you should roll the converter dolly up to the rear trailer and stop when the fifth wheel is fully under the trailer apron plate. This is the correct position to ensure that when you back up the dolly, the fifth wheel will lock onto the kingpin properly. Stopping too soon or too late could result in a poor connection or a miss, which could lead to trailer separation, damage, or unsafe conditions while driving.

After positioning, it is necessary to perform a check to ensure that the kingpin and the fifth wheel are properly connected and that all locking mechanisms are securely fastened before commencing with operations. Proper coupling is essential for safe trailering operations.