Stabilize the air ride tractor

[BC White]

Billy (and anyone else),
How do you stabilize the semi tractor with air-ride?
After cribbing from ground to frame, would you then crib or wedge the space between cab and the top side of the frame at the back of the cab? Puncture or deflate the air bags?
Chain the cab to the frame?
Your thoughts....

[billy]

Personally I don't feel that cribbing from ground to frame is necessary. Simply the frame will incur limited movement, except horizontally. This can be limited with wheel chocks.

I do agree that the use of cribbing and wedges is appropriate for stabilizing the cab on the frame. I don't see a need in puncturing the bags and don't recommend it. In addition to the cribbing behind the cab, I place ResQJacks on each side on the cab to limit the horizontal and vertical movement of the cab. This works well, is quick, safe and simple.

I hope this answers your questions, however hopefully others will voice their opinions as well.

[rescue5]

As a full time diesel mechanic I recommend that you stabilize from the ground to the frame. If anyone has gotten into an air ride truck they know that it is not very stable if you have a possible back or neck injury. the movement from getting inside the truck can create a rocking motion. So after you have stabilzed the vehicle and cab you need to disconnect the leveling rod at the height control valve because if you don't the vehicle will possibly move up and make your cribbing not touching the vehicle.

Always remember to keep your scene safe for everyone.
This might not be an option in all cases.

Be safe and careful.

[This message has been edited by rescue5 (edited May 21, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by rescue5 (edited May 21, 2000).]

[FireMedicHarding]

Where do you typically find the height controll valve?.... and will this cause the tractor to lower itself at all?

------------------
Joe Harding
Firefighter/EMT-P
Fishers Professional Firefighters Local 416

[Rich Behling]

The leveling or Height Controll Valve is usually located at the rear axel or between the two drive axels, there will be a small rod usually 1/4" or less that goes from the axel to the valve. Instead of crawling around on the ground trying to find this valve, you might want to look in the cab for a "dump valve" this will let all of the air in the air bags to escape, and will not be as unsafe, and will take less time.
hope this helps
Lt Rich B.