Getting used to a smooth bore tanker

How big is the trailer..? If your hauling 8,000 gals in a 8,500 gal trailer you will barely feel it....

Hope your not in a 80,000 lb state.

 

I've been hauling asphalt for six years, and the surge becomes predictable after the first few runs. The surge takes a while to catch up with you either way, up hill, down, swerve (hope not) etc... it gives you time to anticipate and react. BUT when it DOES move, it's got probably a bit more power of a wave than total liquid. I've been doing it for almost six years and wouldn't trade it for the boards or vans.

Just ANTICIPATE the lower gears in the uphills; I learned that the hard way, when 4th and 9th were slipping in the tranny, that wasn't a fun day. (Same with the downs, but I drove back empty that run...)

I'm in an 80K state and haven't had any real issues; getting used to the PTO and hoses was a day at most.

Nothing negative to say; comes second nature rather quick, and pays well.

 

Are you sure it's a smooth bore trailer ?

If it's a asphalt trailer it probably isn't a smooth bore . You still feel it if your not full. But nothing like a 7000 gal smooth bore that's not full.

 

It's kind of like totes on steroids, learn to go with the flow and life is good, fight it and life sucks.
When you shift wait for the tug of liquid at the rear before rolling back into the throttle, as the liquid moves forward so are you.
Good luck to you

 

If you already shift smooth and progressively your upshift surge will be very minimal ... and its easy to get the hang of. Down shift is usually on an up hill, which the product is already all at the back.

High center of gravity and loads that surge / wobble through corners are another feeling you will have to get used to. No race car driving around corners, slow and steady is the key, the product climbs the tank and can surge back and forth.

If the load has lots of room to move ... the stop surge can be pretty impressive, like if someone panic brakes in front of you ... you get stopped, the surge slam hits, you get pushed forward another few feet.

I think tanker is the best gig out there, and in no time at all you will have a handle on it. Enjoy the new job!

 

"They asked if I would be scared to learn it"

Hope that wasnt a trick question!!
I would have said "hell ya im scared, i dont wanna die in your truck, or kill someone else" Its all unfamiliar equipment!! Im horrified!!

 

You might not have that much surge.... With a 6000 gal trailer. We call those a pencil . Long/ slim like a pencil.

All depends on how much the material weighs per gal.