So yesterday I tried to be a good fella and help out a truck driver. I was driving home in northern/central VA when a semi broke down in the right lane right at exit 150 Quantico. Friday afternoon driving sounth on 95 is always a parking lot and this poor driver was making it worse. I pulled over and the driver asked for a battery jump. I had cables so I hooked up. Unfortunately his truck didn't start. His hazards were on so I'm not sure power was his issue anyway. He told me he was unloaded so I wondered if I could pull him 20 feet just to clear the lane. All I had was a 10000 lb strap and a B&W tri-ball hitch. I figured I would give it a shot.

Now these trucks are approximately 30000 lbs and probably another 10000 with an empty 53' trailer so I knew I was pushing the limits of my truck in a bad way. I got lined up, strapped, and set in 4 wheel low. I gently removed slack and applied the pedal. The semi lurched about 5 feet forward and the strap broke. State police arrived as I called a tow service for the driver. Driver didn't know what to do as he was clearly not from the US.

I wished the guy luck and drove to my local truck accessory store for a 35000 test recovery strap. I figure that will handle the biggest loads and even take some jerking if needed. I later realized that the most dangerous part of my rescue attempt was trying to battery boost a truck that large. I could have blown out my electrical system.

 

Aren't most semi trucks 24 volt systems?

It's nice to help out those in need but this is one of those cases where a heavy equipment tow truck is needed.
I think our front tow hooks are rated for 8,000 lbs but I did say I think.

At least you stopped and helped out. That's all that matters in the end.

 

here is another tip. when using a strap or chain or winch put a blanket, coat or something on the strap about half way between the vehicles.

That will force the strap to lay down and not come thru the window and do some damage.

 

most of the older trucks where, newer ones are 12 volt.

 

No they 12volt systems.

 

First of all you're not going to hurt much of anything doing this. The driveline on these things is designed to take the full power of the engine for extended periods of time. Lots of guys, especially when off road, spin all four wheels under different circumstances. On pavement it's harder on the driveline but nothing that they can't handle.

Secondly most road tractors are between 16-19,000 lbs and with an empty trailer gross somewhere between 30-35,000 lbs. That's not a lot of weight. Such rigs are motivated by engines most commonly between 370-500 HP and can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. Jeep Freaking Liberties have been on the news pulling semi trucks. In December 2009 I was travelling through Virginia during one of the worst snowstorms they'd seen in twenty years, and I was able to pull a stuck tanker out of the spot he was stuck in while fully loaded. We rocked back and forth and I was able to get enough traction to get him out.

I'm glad you took the time to help this driver, your efforts certainly were appreciated.

 

Big truck starters sometimes use series-pararel switch/relay. 12 volt battries but 24 volt starter-starter being the only 24 volt eletrical piece on the truck. You can jump start semis with our trucks. Typically you need to sit there and let your truck charge up the batteries a good 20-30 minutes. As to pulling semi out of the way the brakes were probaly out of air, causing the spring brakes to engage (for emergencys and parking). Your truck would have had no trouble doing so otherwise.

 

Tom sums it up nicely. The true amount of energy it takes to move anything on wheels and a decent surface is very low. I can push a 12,000 MRI magnet with one hand when it on wheels....

 

It sounds like what I was doing was fine. I really didn't know if I was putting my truck at risk or not. I now have an extremely capable strap in the event that I or anyone else needs quick recovery. Looking back I think the driver didn't give the charge long enough time to work.

I don't pull over all the time to help everyone but in this case I thought it was for the greater good. I love living in VA. Coming from NJ I can say that my quality of life is much better provided I can deal with all the traffic.

I guess the message to the forum is make sure you have a quality recovery strap and jumper cables with you at all times.

BTW I'm looking for a military entrenching tool. Not a cheap imitation. If anyone knows where I can get one please PM me.

 

In the world of lawsuits I don't even offer to pull people, and jump starts are only offered if they hook up the cables to their own vehicle. Most I offer any more is a cell phone.

 

I think that it's a sad thing that you feel that way.

I've lent a hand many times and have needed it a few, and I was blessed that there were people that felt differently from you. I will offer assistance in any capacity I feel comfortable, and I have never asked a dime for my time. I think it's a shame that this is no longer a common thing.

 

X2 It feels good to help and the positive karma won't hurt!

 

I think it's sad that I feel that way too, but when your underrated strap/chain snaps and injures or kills someone or when the guy you are pulling rearends you because he thought full throttle would help get him unstuck, well there goes that warm fuzzy feeling.

 

https://www.armysurplusworld.com/use...g-shovel-cover

That site says it's used so maybe it's genuine military issue?

 

Note: you have awoken a 9 year old thread for this post.