What should be done before setting off with double trailers?

Before setting off with double trailers, it's crucial to perform a series of inspections and adjustments to ensure safety and compliance on the road. The correct choice is comprehensive because it encompasses all necessary actions.

Ensuring both trailers are loaded evenly is essential since uneven loading can affect the handling and stability of the vehicle. An improperly loaded trailer can lead to trailer sway or difficulty in braking, increasing the risk of accidents.

Adjusting the fifth wheel height is also important. The fifth wheel is the coupling device that connects the truck to the trailers. If the height is not adjusted properly, it can lead to linking issues and affect how the trailers ride behind the truck. Proper alignment ensures that the trailers are stable and that the pivot points function correctly during turns.

Inspecting connections and safety chains is a critical safety step. This includes checking that the couplings between the truck and trailers are secure, and that safety chains are properly attached. This prevents disconnection while in transit and ensures that if one trailer were to detach, the safety chains would catch it, preventing a more serious incident.

Conducting all of these checks and adjustments as a comprehensive pre-trip inspection reduces the likelihood of mechanical failure and enhances road safety for the driver and other road users.