Manoeuvring on unpaved and muddy surfaces!
It has probably happened to you, or a fellow driver has told you about it. You have just loaded or unloaded your moving floor trailer, but moving forward is difficult because the trailer can't grip and maintain traction on the surface... This situation can happen regularly, particularly during unfavourable conditions in wetter times of the year, during harvesting or during the preparations for a new season. Literally getting stuck in the mud can be very annoying, so examine the situation carefully and make the right decisions or ask someone else for advice if necessary. In the framework of the Lowest Cost of Ownership, the specialists at Knapen Trailers are happy to help with advice. These tips can help you avoid getting stuck and get you back on the road if this does happen unexpectedly.
Tip 1
Maintain optimal traction with your truck
In situations where you have to load or unload on an unpaved surface, make sure the truck is always parked on the paved area. This ensures the truck can maintain optimal traction. If driving over an unpaved area is unavoidable, drive at a slow pace without turning the wheels unnecessarily and avoid forward and reversing movements.
Tip 2
Relieve the pressure on the first axle
Relieve the pressure on the first axle of the moving floor trailer by activating the lift axle on the first axle or activating the traction help (use the button in the cab or brake three times). This decreases the load on first trailer axle and increases the load on the wheel. The first axle lifts and the load on the rear driving axle increases to create better grip on the surface. If you don't have this feature on your moving floor trailer, but you regularly have to drive in adverse conditions on unpaved surfaces, ask your Knapen service partner about the options.
Tip 3
Move the load
If most of the (remaining) load is concentrated at the rear of the trailer on the three axles - maybe because some of the cargo has already been unloaded - use the moving floor function to move the load towards the front. This will transfer more weight - and create a higher load - on the wheel which improves the grip on the driving axle. To prevent damage, take care when moving the load forward to avoid too much pressure on the head board.
Tip 4
Avoid protruding parts
Protruding parts can act like an anchor or a bulldozer and create extra resistance. Always make sure the landing legs are raised and put the trailer in the upper position so there is a maximum of free height.
Tip 5
Reduce the tyre pressure
Increasing the surface area of the tyres helps to stop the vehicle from sinking deeper into the ground. The flattened tyre creates a larger surface area which increases friction and allows the traction capacity of the truck to be optimally used. So if you do get stuck, reduce the pressure of the tyres on the truck's drive axle. As soon as you are back on a firm surface with your truck and trailer, make sure you return the trye pressure to its correct level.
Tip 6
Towing eye as last resor
Have you tried all the tips above but still can’t get moving? Is there a towing eye at the rear of your moving floor trailer? In that case, the help of another vehicle can get you out of this sticky situation. Always use road assistance and towing services with caution. Towing your truck and trailer creates excessive forces. Serious damage can be caused if you are towed at the wrong angle. In this situation, always consult and observe the instructions in the user manual. A towing eye can be fitted to all Knapen moving floor trailers. If there is no towing eye on your trailer yet, two types are available: a 3-ton towing eye or a 10-ton HD towing eye. Ask your Knapen service partner about the options.
