Uncouple _ re couple Semi Trailer (HC)

BURLEIGH DRIVER TRAINING SCHOOL 1
HC CLASS Qld test
Uncouple/recouple requirements — for class HC (heavy combination) licence test, you will be required to uncouple the trailer, drive forward approximately ten metres and reverse back on to the trailer to recouple. You are required to uncouple and recouple the trailer, with regard to all safe practices, in the correct sequence within 12 minutes. Extra time may be given for some configurations, eg flying saucer type coupling.
UNCOUPLE _-Correct sequence and procedure —
• Apply the park brake to the vehicle. /
• Alight from the cab facing the vehicle, .using Grab Rails and steps.
• Secure the wheel chocks (necessary esp.for vehicles that do not have a spring brake system).
• Lower trailer legs. (land, then 12 turns with ‘low speed. (usually see daylight)
• Disconnect, retract and secure:
•electric cable from the trailer • hydraulic lines from the trailer
• brake hoses from the trailer ‘(chains, where applicable).
• Release the turntable jaws/pin coupling. (pull handle)
• Where the vehicle has air bag suspension, operate the air dump valve (where applicable)
to prevent any damage to the vehicle.
Climb into cabin, secure seat belt and move forward 1 m , stop / wait 5 secs,
then move forward 10 metres.

***********************************************
RECOUPLE: sequence and procedure p2
• Ensure pin coupling/jaws are in the correct position for recoupling.
• Reverse prime mover/truck back towards the trailer. You are permitted to stop and observe the position
of the prime mover/truck in relation to the trailer coupling. Where applicable, activate valve to refill airbag suspension.
• After the prime mover/truck and trailer have coupled (GENTLY) you should check that all the mechanisms
have locked by:-
-attempting to carefully ease forward against the trailer brakes (i.e. tug test)
• apply the park brake, and if turbo has warmed down, turn off motor
Alight safely (backwards, using grab rails & steps see above)
-visually checking(touch) the coupling pin/handle to ensure locking pin/jaws have engaged
• Connect and check the condition of:
• brake hoses -hydraulic lines • electric cables {-chains if applicable (ensuring they are crossed).
• Wind up trailer support legs and secure handle (or lock in position or secure drawbar leg.)
-return to cabin and start engine and build up air pressure to operating level
-Turn engine off and walk around vehicle listening for air leaks and checking the condition of all tyres.
- Remove wheel chocks if applicable. And ask Examiner to assist with checking Blinkers and brake lights.
• Check trailer and footbrake stop lights, turn indicators, and sound the horn. This is done to ensure correct
functioning of the electrical system.
• An additional tug test should then be conducted on the trailer brake before moving or at low speed after
recouple, “when asked to do so by the examiner.” DO IT ANYWAY!!!