m1cks:
We have no trailers that force us to split couple but our driver trainers teach it still. It makes it easier to stand square on to the connnections when connecting the lines meaning you’re not twisting as much.
Yes I hate trying to put air lines on when stood to one side I tweaked a muscle in my back once doing that and I now even split couple on a curtain sider if I get one.
Saw a guy split coupling in Yodel last week wondered why he was doing it, maybe same reason so not dangerous to do as long as you make sure trailer break on before commencing eh thats the message here !!
m1cks:
What is the reason it’s banned? Surely it’s an accepted practice within the industry.
Because if the trailer brake hasn’t been engaged then the trailer can start rolling then the suzie is connected. Worst case senario is there’s a bit of a slope and the trailer’s been dropped a bit high, it can then jump the 5th wheel and squish you.
That’s why you should connect yellow susie first. As long as the hand brake is on in the lorry, nothing will roll. And before someone says try that with a Volvo, I know
I thought the OP asked about close coupling? Seen explanations on split coupling but not close ? Is it just known by a different name for the same thing… ?
Saratoga, my original question has been answered. As I now understand it, Close coupling is the “normal” coupling method as taught for the test. Split coupling is when the the tractor and trailer are split (separated) and the suzzies connected before coupling the 5th wheel. Most of the thread since has been discussing the pros/cons and general practice of split coupling. Where I will be working ( I passed the assessment btw!) split coupling is banned. Where split coupling would maybe need to be used, hey use an extending arm (forget the system name) that enables you to connect the suzzies at ground level after the unit is hitches to the trailer.
Nezza:
Saratoga, my original question has been answered. As I now understand it, Close coupling is the “normal” coupling method as taught for the test.
Actually I wouldn’t agree with that.
Most people I’ve ever worked with have referred to close coupled trailers as when the trailer is unusually close to the unit so there’s not much room to work, close coupled trailers are often split coupled/uncoupled because there’s not enough room to get between the unit and trailer, alternatively there will often be some means of getting to the suzies and air lines without getting between the unit and trailer, this can take the form of a sliding rail or an arm that swings out.
Close coupling is an expression I’ve never come across but it would refer to the practice of coupling/uncoupling a close coupled trailer, I suspect the agency person didn’t really understand what they were talking about.
If anyone disagrees with this I’m always willing to learn something new
I agree with tachograph with regards the terms used. I should have corrected the OP before answering his question but didn’t want to muddy the waters.
To me, close coupled would mean very little space between cab and trailer.
Your probably right Tacho, I think it’s a term the company uses and has told the agency guy. To me, common sense would suggest that a "close “coupled” trailer would imply there would be little room to connect the suzzies therefore requiring a split coupling process or mechanism to facilitate the connection of the suzzies. A normal couple with room on the catwalk would be a “standard” or “regular” couple, some-such.
I had my induction yesterday and the coupling process was frequently referred to as close or split (in their operating procedures too). Just there terms for it I guess.
Saratoga:
I thought the OP asked about close coupling? Seen explanations on split coupling but not close ? Is it just known by a different name for the same thing… ?
m1cks:
What is the reason it’s banned? Surely it’s an accepted practice within the industry.
Because if the trailer brake hasn’t been engaged then the trailer can start rolling then the suzie is connected. Worst case senario is there’s a bit of a slope and the trailer’s been dropped a bit high, it can then jump the 5th wheel and squish you.
That’s why you should connect yellow susie first. As long as the hand brake is on in the lorry, nothing will roll. And before someone says try that with a Volvo, I know
Know what. Enlighten me
Volvos and old scanias didn’t put air out through the yellow suzie with the handbrake on, so didn’t apply the trailer brakes with the handbrake. On everything else if you connect the yellow line first, the trailer can’t roll when you connect the red one as it applies the brakes and then the red one can’t release them.
so not dangerous to do as long as you make sure trailer break on before commencing eh thats the message here !!
I do split coupling quite a lot being on reefers and I’m not thin 
