hi all can anyone shed some light on split coupling had my licence a year, and only ever coupled a trailer like you do in your test then heard of split coupling so if i get asked to do that on a driving assesment i wont have a clue what to do. 
I found this (via a site search) for you -
Smart Mart:
Split coupling is something we only touch upon when training, but is invaluable, particularly as you point out on reefers, where there is no room for the average trucker.This is my explanation of split coupling:-SPLIT COUPLING
- Reverse the unit up to the trailer stopping about 1 metre short of it, using the mirrors to line up.
- Check the trailer parking brake is on and MOT is current, check the trailer over, in particular that lights are fitted and not broken, tyres are legal (1mm tread), wheel nuts secure (walk round checks).
- Check the height of the king pin is roughly the same as the fifth wheel.
- Reverse slowly under the trailer leaving enough room between the unit and trailer to access the catwalk but not locked into the 5th wheel (about a metre gap).
- Make sure that the parking brake of the unit is applied.
- Connect all brake hoses (twisting collars so that the pins donāt stay lined up) and the electrical supply to the trailer (susieās). Check that they are secure.
- Reverse further under the trailer listening to hear the fifth wheel lock into the ākingpinā.
- Raise the rear suspension of the unit enough to lift the trailer legs slightly off the ground.
- Do a ātug testā. Try to drive forward slowly in a low gear to check that the fifth wheel is engaged (do this twice).
- Make sure that the parking brake of the unit is applied switch on sidelights and hazard warning lights and leave the cab.
- Inspect the locking mechanism to make sure it is secure.
- Fit safety clip (dog clip).
- Wind up the landing legs on the trailer and secure the handle.
- Release the trailer parkbrake
- Fit the number plate and check that the lights work.
- Check brake lights.
- Drive forward a few metres and check the brakes are working.
SPLIT UNCOUPLING
- Before uncoupling check that the ground is firm and level enough to support both the landing legs.
- Apply the trailer parkbrake.
- Lower landing legs and secure handle.
- Remove safety chain.
- Pull king pin release lever.
- Lower the air suspension on the unit enough to transfer the weight of the trailer onto its legs.
- Draw unit forwards enough to allow access to the catwalk, but not so far as to stretch the susies (about a metre gap) .
- Make sure that the parking brake of the unit is applied.
- Remove and stow air lines and electric lines (susies).
- Draw unit forwards clear of trailer.
- Check that the landing legs are not sinking into the ground.
- Check trailer park brake.
- Remove number plate.
hope it helps
As I understand it, split coupling is considered to be a big āno noā amongst most large companies so I doubt you would be asked to do it on assessment.
If youāre doing an assessment on fridges ask the instructor how he wants it done. What is his correct working practice on it. Because he wont tell you to split couple he just ask you to hook up. All companies are different, some take a dim view of the practice others donāt mind it.
Split coupling is basically just connecting the lines before you engage the pin.
Harry Monk:
As I understand it, split coupling is considered to be a big āno noā amongst most large companies so I doubt you would be asked to do it on assessment.
off topic mate but congrats on new job
dreva:
Harry Monk:
off topic mate but congrats on new job
Cheers Mate, not actually a new job as such, just a one-off trip to Barcelona for my old boss, although weāve lost our main work we have bits and bobs coming up as the motor show and exhibition season gets under way. Iām away on holiday for 3 weeks after that but Iāll be happy with the odd trip here and there for the time being.
well enjoy mate its extra beer tokens will you take some pics of how high the moutain roads for me mate please cheers 
Harry Monk:
As I understand it, split coupling is considered to be a big āno noā amongst most large companies so I doubt you would be asked to do it on assessment.
I know Stobbies regard it as a hanging offence but Nobbies seem to be quite happy with it,and they are quite keen on H&S.
There is a good thorough guide on coupling here soe.org.uk/resources/technical-guides/ you have to register (takes about two minutes and is free) to download the PDF. Itās the 7th one down.
Covers normal, split and cranked coupling, and attempts to explain drawbars as well.
Iāve been reading up as I am looking for work, and havenāt had to couple anything for a few years now, but I donāt get what the big fuss is about split coupling.
Naturally iāll do as iām told, however the company wants it done. But I had to split couple for my C+E test and there was never an issue made that it wasnāt āsafeā. In fact as long as the unit and trailer parking brakes are both applied (assuming the brakes are serviceable) then it is perfectly safe.
Just think brakes all the time and you canāt go far wrong. Never assume the last person to use the trailer has put the brakes on, so always check yourself.
WildGoose:
There is a good thorough guide on coupling here soe.org.uk/resources/technical-guides/ you have to register (takes about two minutes and is free) to download the PDF. Itās the 7th one down.Covers normal, split and cranked coupling, and attempts to explain drawbars as well.
Iāve been reading up as I am looking for work, and havenāt had to couple anything for a few years now, but I donāt get what the big fuss is about split coupling.
Naturally iāll do as iām told, however the company wants it done. But I had to split couple for my C+E test and there was never an issue made that it wasnāt āsafeā. In fact as long as the unit and trailer parking brakes are both applied (assuming the brakes are serviceable) then it is perfectly safe.
Just think brakes all the time and you canāt go far wrong. Never assume the last person to use the trailer has put the brakes on, so always check yourself.
Did you? 
Is that in the test now?
WildGoose:
But I had to split couple for my C+E test
Dunno then?:
Did you?
If that is the only way it can be done and is done safely then no problem - itās using the safest procedure possible that matters
Companies prefer it now if you lock fifth wheel lift legs as normal then use the shunt button to pull unit round to the right until you have enough room to connect your suzies.
Our contract states no split coupling but to adjust fifth wheel to suit but no one bothers, I suppose its to cover their arse in case you get crushed.
ROG:
WildGoose:
But I had to split couple for my C+E testDunno then?:
Did you?If that is the only way it can be done and is done safely then no problem - itās using the safest procedure possible that matters
I see,so its the vehicle you turn up for test in? Rather than it being a mandatory part of the test? Would this tend to be an āin houseā vehicle used for the test then. I canāt see many driving schools using a combo that requires split coupling. 
Dunno then?:
Would this tend to be an āin houseā vehicle used for the test then. I canāt see many driving schools using a combo that requires split coupling.
Yea, AFAIAA itās only fridge trailers you ever need to split couple.
Harry Monk:
Dunno then?:
Would this tend to be an āin houseā vehicle used for the test then. I canāt see many driving schools using a combo that requires split coupling.Yea, AFAIAA itās only fridge trailers you ever need to split couple.
Depends on yer waist size I split couple conventionals!
I see,so its the vehicle you turn up for test in? Rather than it being a mandatory part of the test? Would this tend to be an āin houseā vehicle used for the test then. I canāt see many driving schools using a combo that requires split coupling.
You got it, whatever you turn up for the test in (if you pitch up with a rigid and drawbar for example), youāve got to show how to couple and uncouple safely.
Donāt worry about it, just do it the way youāve been shown. I didnāt even know what I was doing at the time was considered āsplit couplingā it wasnāt even mentioned. It was clear that there was no room to get in there, so it had to be done this way.
Here was the truck I passed in;
Just to show why the split couple was necessary.
I always split couple, because it gives me more room to move, I can keep myself clean, get more pressure behind the air lines and it is as safe as any other way providing you check both unit and trailer brakes before you start. i used to teach it to all my students when I was instrucing, and never had a problem with the DSA examiners, if fact one told me he was happy to see someone teaching this method. I believe any company that bans this has not looked at it properly. Unless there is a good reason, such as unusual equipment configuration, I donāt see how it is any less safe that conventional coupling.
Dunno then?:
Harry Monk:
As I understand it, split coupling is considered to be a big āno noā amongst most large companies so I doubt you would be asked to do it on assessment.I know Stobbies regard it as a hanging offence but Nobbies seem to be quite happy with it,and they are quite keen on H&S.
your wrong about that, a driver off here got asked to split couple at widnes depot on his assessment, the only company i no of that wont entertain it is wincanton
truckerjon:
I always split couple, because it gives me more room to move, I can keep myself clean, get more pressure behind the air lines and it is as safe as any other way providing you check both unit and trailer brakes before you start. i used to teach it to all my students when I was instrucing, and never had a problem with the DSA examiners, if fact one told me he was happy to see someone teaching this method. I believe any company that bans this has not looked at it properly. Unless there is a good reason, such as unusual equipment configuration, I donāt see how it is any less safe that conventional coupling.
Failing to check trailer break is how its more unsafe.
If the trailer starts moving when you connect your suzie you better be able to jump if its coming your way.
We do it but as I say its in our contracts not to and I don`t work for Wincanton.
aranger:
truckerjon:
I always split couple, because it gives me more room to move, I can keep myself clean, get more pressure behind the air lines and it is as safe as any other way providing you check both unit and trailer brakes before you start. i used to teach it to all my students when I was instrucing, and never had a problem with the DSA examiners, if fact one told me he was happy to see someone teaching this method. I believe any company that bans this has not looked at it properly. Unless there is a good reason, such as unusual equipment configuration, I donāt see how it is any less safe that conventional coupling.Failing to check trailer break is how its more unsafe.
If the trailer starts moving when you connect your suzie you better be able to jump if its coming your way.
We do it but as I say its in our contracts not to and I don`t work for Wincanton.
Failure to check the parking brake in āNormalā coupling will lead to a serious accident, i know, iāve seen what happens when a unit and trailer run away with the driver still on the cat walk.IIf you use the air suspension to raise the trailer before connecting the lines, all that will happen if you forget the trailer brake is the trailer will run forward onto the pin then stop, and give you a reason to change underpants.
If is is considered more dangerous than the normal way, I donāt think that the DSA would accept it on test.