OOSC, Part II, Item 3. Coupling Devices - Hitch Systems to Include an OOS Condition for Disengaged Locking Pin on Gooseneck Trailers
| Entry Date | October 26, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Issue Number | 15-044-VEH |
| Name | Sgt. Joshua Alcala |
| Agency | Texas Department of Public Safety |
| Address | 6200 Guadalupe Blvd Building PAustin, Texas, 78752United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab) |
| Phone | 512-424-5364 |
| [email protected] | |
| Committee | Vehicle Committee |
| Status | Closed |
| Summary of Issue | One of our MCSAP officers stopped a one ton truck towing a 3 axle car hauler coupled together with a gooseneck coupling device. During the course of the inspection, it was discovered that the locking pin on the gooseneck hitch was unsecured, which if rocked could cause trailer detachment and endanger public safety. This issue has also arisen in our energy sector areas as well, with Troopers stopping these "hotshots" and discovering that the locking pins are not engaged. |
| Justification or Need | A improperly secured gooseneck can become detached from the towing vehicle. This type of vehicle is quite common in both interstate and intrastate operations, and the OOSC does not specifically address gooseneck semi-trailers. |
| Request for Action | Amend OOSC section "Hitch Systems (Excluding Fifth wheels and Pintle Hooks) Mounting and Integrity" to include a OOS condition for the locking pin on gooseneck trailers disengaged. |