Hello all, wonder if anyone could give me some tips on operating an old trailer. This trailer was built in 1974, it has a mechanical handbrake and just wondered if anyone could offer any tips to operate them properly or what to expect. Apologies in advance for not being born knowing everything.
It’s just a ratchet, and will take a few pulls (ooh err) to get it tight, a bit like a curtain ratchet. To release it, give it a firm shove (or a kick) the other way.
Ignore the 3rd air line connection, it’s for a blue air line.
If it has steel springs don’t forget to have a glance at them when doing your checks looking for breaks or cracks.
40 years old and still earning it’s keep! 
I bet that thing creaks, bangs and bounces 
pay attention when pulling the handbrake on, the cable can get caught in the cog.
and its a pain in the arse to free it. 
Do you mean a bit like this?
I pulled the ratchet since it can only apply it further and that happened.
DJC:
Do you mean a bit like this?0
I pulled the ratchet since it can only apply it further and that happened.
Seeing as that’s a new assembly, looks like the same thing has happened recently
thats nice and new
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
when theres no air in the system
the trailer will run away when hit whilst coupling up
We had those old UF trailers up here too, and TL’s (the 20’ version).
DO NOT FORGET, you will have no ABS, mechanical brakes, leaf springs etc… Just take it a bit slower - not that you go quick anyway on that job.
When it’s caught like that, get your gloves on, whilst releasing grab the cable behind and give it a yank. If you can get a piece of wood or something, that’d be better.
When you’ve got it released, bring some of the slack out of it before you leave - not all, but don’t leave it dangling really far if you know what I mean?
Luckily air was in the system but the shunter didn’t apply the brake so when it’s jammed it’s left it off so I’ll see if I can free it when I get to manchester. If I do it now I may be shooting myself in the foot.
DJC:
Luckily air was in the system but the shunter didn’t apply the brake so when it’s jammed it’s left it off so I’ll see if I can free it when I get to manchester. If I do it now I may be shooting myself in the foot.
I’ve just left RCL at Manchester after dropping an empty in there.
Tony will have a fit (Tony is the younger of the 2 fitters, tall lad) when he sees that
thank god i don’t pull them heaps of … any more 
Can you do 44t on steel?
DJC:
Luckily air was in the system but the shunter didn’t apply the brake so when it’s jammed it’s left it off so I’ll see if I can free it when I get to manchester. If I do it now I may be shooting myself in the foot.
Free it off, it won’t take many minutes, if you get a pull with it in that state it’s a PG 9.
hitch:
Can you do 44t on steel?
No, they’re only twin axle too. Can’t remember the limit on them, think we were limited to 20t max gross boxes? But it’s a long time since I’ve used one so stand to be corrected
Unfortunately I’d already left when the PG9 was mentioned, thankfully it was only a short drive and I had no problems. The trailer definitely feels different to newer trailers, especially under braking. I’ve not been able to work the cable free this evening but tomorrow morning will hopefully be more productive, not entirely sure where that piece of wood is supposed to go. I’m keen not to leave it without freeing it as mentioned it would roll away when the air depletes, they aren’t popular trailers and there’s a fair amount of them up here.
Thanks for all the advice.
As for the weight, after some reasonable scrubbing I could read this plate.
DJC:
I’ve not been able to work the cable free this evening but tomorrow morning will hopefully be more productive, not entirely sure where that piece of wood is supposed to go.
The wood was to pull the cable down rather than using your hands, it’s covered in grease and is a steel wire.
waynedl:
hitch:
Can you do 44t on steel?No, they’re only twin axle too. Can’t remember the limit on them, think we were limited to 20t max gross boxes? But it’s a long time since I’ve used one so stand to be corrected
I think vehicle excise duty is more expensive if you pull a tandem rather than a tri ,I wonder how many people check the disc.
waynedl:
hitch:
Can you do 44t on steel?No, they’re only twin axle too.
And if it was a tri axle it would be 40 ton gross.
seth 70:
I bet that thing creaks, bangs and bounces
yep it certainly will.
merc0447:
40 years old and still earning it’s keep!
Getting their monies worth 
merc0447:
40 years old and still earning it’s keep!
Looks in good nick too…nicely turned out - looks like it may well last another 40 years. Keep her rolling!!!