Coupling and Uncoupling Tutorial

Step by step instruction on how to do a coupling and uncoupling on a tractor trailer. Presented by J-Tech's Lead Instructor Mr. Ricks.
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J-Tech is located in Jacksonville, FL and offers programs in Commercial Truck Driving, Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology. For more information call [phone] or visit www.jtech.org.
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[@The_Humble_Hurricane]

Wow, even 8 yrs later, this is absolutely phenomenal instruction. I'm just wrapping up my driving school hours and will be starting with a company soon. This coupling tutorial is excellent, clear and concise.

[@nicolesyummykitchen9324]

👍🏽

[@tekitho79]

Been a trucker going on 2 years now...these videos helped me so much...especially the engine video...would play that numerous times a day...was looking for these videos to send to someone to help them out...this gentleman has the best videos in my opinion...clear speech...excellent explanations...god bless him

[@josealgaba4083]

What a professional demonstration of coupling and uncoupling, I am definitely saving this video for reference and to share with others. Thank you Sir!!!

[@g41thomas]

Now he is what I call a great instructor!!!!

[@robemiller59]

This man is a very safety oriented instructor. . he talks you through every step

[@ShippuudenSeries]

Hell yes. 👍

[@noeltex7558]

Terrible camera man tho

[@najaypowell2086]

Exactly went throughout ever detail

[@veeme3083]

Yes he is

[@1los306]

It’s crazy because this guy trained me 3 years ago

[@felixruiz526]

I'm from Oregon , I watched all the videos of Jtech .. engine compartment , back of the truck , trailer , in cab and guess what ..? I passed my test 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 thank you so much for the videos , today was my first day at my new job and also my birthday 🎉 thank you again

[@rachid8614]

Oregon hhhhh one of the worst and danger downhill to drove by..

[@jacquemartinez8333]

Is this guy from Oregon ? I am too

[@jacquemartinez8333]

Ashland or Roseburg areas ??? Dangerous

[@ashantajarawayoung2421]

This guy is amazing this is the number one best explanation of coupling ever displayed on KZbin 💥💥💥🎊🎊🎉🎉🎉🍷

[@jtechinstitute]

Thank you so much 😀

[@johnsensserwadda9699]

For sure..much appreciated.

[@halimirowskiej]

I'm retired OTR driver(43 years). Glad to see, such a good experienced truck driver-teacher.

[@AshSee-m4r]

Did u make alot of money ?

[@rockfresh1993]

​@@AshSee-m4rwat type of dum question is that 😅

[@reymartinez2722]

Start my first trip on the road tomorrow with a 53 foot trailer at my first company to work for at starting my new career,this was very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@christopherr.561]

Good luck. Just got my CDL last Saturday and start with my new company Monday. Stay safe out there.

[@1deep357]

Good luck fellas.

[@christopherr.561]

@@1deep357 Thank you.

[@christopherr.561]

@Cassa Laurent Hi. I found out that long periods away from home were not from me so I am currently not driving a truck. But I did enjoy the experience and glad I gave it a shot. I would consider driving more locally but right now I have another job. I hope you are well.

[@christopherr.561]

@Cassa Laurent Thats great to hear, congrats. Wish you all the best.

[@leipzigescobar4085]

....and my husband is also my great instructor because he has the experience. I'm new! I really enjoyed watching this tutorial. Since I have done it a couple of times by now, I was able to appreciate the wisdom of this instructor. I struggle with removing electrical line and the 5th wheel release handle because I'm short😤

[@54downtown]

Get a fifth wheel pulller to make it easier on u to release it

[@TheMelaninWarrior]

JTech is awsome! I took away so much from getting my CDL there in 2015. I watched the videos day in and out and it helped me pass my test with flying colors. Mr. Ricks, and Mr.Jackson were just a couple of names that helped me get to where I am today. I am now a owner operator locally and enjoying every bit of it.

[@Americanspy-hn2kw]

Hows it been?

[@cathyparker2008]

Rick is a great instructor! I learned a lot from him in school "2016"

[@static_Tricolor_camry]

This is the first Coupling and Uncoupling video I watched and it's definitely the best video with slow fully understandable details information. I just passed my Air Brakes Written test and Practical exam test. I'm now studying for my Class A CDL License to get my Learner's permit, once I start taking lessons I'm gonna get the instructor to teach me more on Backing up with the Trailer Uncoupling and Coupling plus Left and Right turns and 3 point turns. The school I went to is one of the best in training their students, I learned alot about Air brakes in just 2 days in class alone that's how I was able to passed both test one shot the first time. When I'm out there on the road and on the Highways, my plan is to be extra cautious of my surroundings and have dashcams set up inside the cab and on the side of my Truck, so if anything happens I have the footage evidence to show the Cops and in court.

[@jacquemartinez8333]

Good luck in your future & congratulations

[@clinteastwood392]

This instructor is legend. I Pass my CDL exam from his C section video. Now I’m watching for the training purposes 💯🙌🏼

[@paulconley6577]

Nice review, from someone who Didn't grow up around big trucks. Can I suggest heavy duty Gloves, to be worn while coupling, and some sort of Safety Color, somewhere on the person, gloves, hat or vest. Well, 2million + miles, Not all with same company. Reefer, Dry Van, Smooth Bore Liquid Tankers, with pump, and hoses, without pump and hoses. Thanks, can always learn, if I can stay Humble, which isn't easy, like the 10 Commandments, aren't so easy. Paul

[@leahc1169]

This person is a very, very good. I choose his lessons whenever possible. Great job!

[@hartfordboothe7466]

Nicely done. I'm not a trucker but I wanted to know more about the system and its use. I feel confident I could do these tasks now...if I ever needed to. Well explained.

[@mohamedsadik8210]

Real knowledge and professional demonstration, I learned from this video more than reading the CDL manual book. Thanks a lot.

[@PhantomGeass]

I think the problem with reading from the CDL manual is you can't visualize what is going on

[@princesamuels5981]

@@PhantomGeass exactly but for some info the book displays pictures

[@crossroadbapistminstery9732]

oooooo no

[@mikkey246]

@@princesamuels5981 if only

[@sonnycaleoni4948]

Nice job, I been a truck driver for more than 2 years but today I learned something new from your video, Thanks

[@jtechinstitute]

Thanks for your feed back Sonny! Stop by and visit us sometime if you're ever in Jacksonville.

[@lydiacapps709]

@Hello Sonny how are you doing

[@lydiacapps709]

@Hello Sonny how are you doing

[@XxnosmanXx]

Excellent tutorial, thank you so much. I actually forgot whether to pull the trailer brake or leave it engaged when disconnecting. I needed a full tutorial again because I haven’t disconnected a trailer for 9 years.

[@robrivas9246]

The instructor is very easy to understand. Calm and thorough in my opinion.

[@jacquemartinez8333]

WOW !!! THANKS FOR SUCH A CLEAR & DETAILED VIDEO. I have been in a handful of trucks with my dad, first husband, & family friends but I know nothing. I am working on learning to drive bus then a year later, drive truck. I'm in the begining stages of going after my CDL. I just turned 57. Not sure if my dad would have approved of his daughter driving truck BUT I could have drove him around during the begining stages of Alzheimers before he died. I've ALWAYS felt happy & free being in a truck. Thanks for your time

[@TiazaLynn]

I was only a week into school when the world was shut down, I haven't met my instructor yet, but I hope he is like this teacher. Thank you for your video(s), takes a bit of the stress off.

[@mikkey246]

You get your cdl?

[@TiazaLynn]

@@mikkey246 yes, sir.

[@ARedMotorcycle]

Came here because the lesson on my trucking school website was poorly explaining this procedure. This is a lot better, when I can actually see it being done; better than the vague pictures and robotic voice from the trucking school website. A Plus Lesson.

[@enlighteningway1831]

Here in australia we do it in different way but this is very informative and very comprehansive video and the way you have put your words to explain is amazing 🙏

[@reginaldh48]

Yeah,was lookin through the comments bout that..Landon gear is done completely opposite here in aus.which I think makes more sense...not sayin right or wrong

[@gtearns73]

Thanks, yours is the most comprehensive and professional video I've seen about this subject.

[@jacquemartinez8333]

I would TOTALLY TRUST your teaching & driving. Your so calm that ANYONE could learn ANYTHING from you

[@DaleDirt]

This guy is the best . You can tell he is talking from experience . Listen to him , he will teach you how to cover all the steps and pass any CDL examiner .

[@Lightning7474.]

That man knows how to do his job. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Much respect

[@stephiandsweet-ish_skyler8142]

Dude this helped me pass my combination test

[@swatteam2002]

congrats !

[@ranbabs284]

this guy does a great descriptive job!

[@kimb9539]

This lesson was done in an easy and efficient manner. Good teacher. Watching videos prior to attending school, everybody should so they can get an idea of what they will be doing pre-test and post-hired. Thanks.

[@pradalowtops2021]

Facts

[@erico6247]

My school sucks the have gotten so relaxed as they don't teach you crap all ghetto students search for their own ways of learning its sad that all this school is good for is providing the trucks a few teachers who hardly show up and when they do their busy teaching the guys that are actually trying to drive the trucks everyone else has to stand bye and teach yourself 😆

[@princesamuels5981]

@@erico6247 aren’t everyone in school to drive truck’s but yea I do hear things about certain training programs

[@Kyellelove]

@@pradalowtops2021 QA aab

[@mrpaulgrimm6129]

I was trained the same way by UPS.Do it in that order and you’ll never drop a trailer or damage your glad hands . We always pulled the keys leaving the truck. Good trainer

[@ArlindoOliveira81]

Awesome video. Thank you so much

[@rebel8440]

Beautifully done. I wil always reference this video until i get the routine down packed. Im a new driver on my way out there. I know i got this THANK YOU!

[@guaalx]

Yes.!! Thanks sir ! I’m in the process of getting my CDL.. this video has helped me A LOT to understand what to look for for coupling and uncoupling.! Very well explained sir thanks.!

[@kirstenhorne8054]

2021 and still getting new views! I'm in driver services so not actually in a truck. But your videos are very helpful to assist in understanding what exactly these drivers are out here doing everyday!

[@lifesack]

Best video I've seen yet on this! And it's year 2025

[@packofhounds]

I like the tip about leaving the gear up a smidge. It made good sense as he played out the reasons why. One thing I would add is to use gloves. When I went to school, they always said gloves on/off for this work so you don't bring that dirt/grease up onto the grab rails and steering wheel of the tractor.

[@lydiacapps709]

@Hello Packofhounds how are you doing

[@sanfernandovalley818optima3]

The way he explained it was incredibly easy to understand. He didnt use no unnecessary info, just facts. This video helped out tremendously

[@theosantana7750]

All this other poets using fancy words.. he is spot on.

[@sultanlife5385]

this is a good man he did all this for other’s to know what to do in case. Thank you

[@pkwahwai]

passed my CDL A the other day!! excited!!

[@mrwhodatallday504]

💪🏾✊🏾💯

[@jchrg2336]

Very educative, and very thoroughly explained!

[@stickykingpin4517]

Very thoroughly done and probably the best tutorial out there on this.

[@amandapaul2622]

a lady here this video rocks u explain things perfectly...and dont sound like speaking alien...i thank u kind sir...u didnt make this hard to understand god bless u ....i wrote this down step for step u made it look easy.....😁

[@pheenix42]

As a future yard spotter, I'm actually learning important stuff here. Thank you!

[@stustix9764]

thank you for making this video, you have no idea how helpful this was, I went to a private school and the teacher was so cheap, he said if you didn't get it right away then you shouldn't be a trucker, but there's a difference between strict and lazy/cheap....he NEVER taught us how to couple/uncouple on hand he let us read it out the book but never gave a demonstration (the first of many problems with his teaching methods) so I never learned and this video told to a great detail of how to execute coupling and the only thing I'd do differently is to film the locking jaws locking/unlocking other than that this was perfect

[@DarleneYoungartist]

Thank you so much for this very professional and thorough demonstration.

[@MissEmmaLee]

Really informative, spot on - - and that East Florida accent is the cherry on top.

[@briankeith9553]

Delaware tech is the best place to learn.The instructors are the best

[@johnrwhite4479]

Mr Ricks. It’s me John white !How you doing . Things defiantly changed since last I saw you ! Like I promised I never gave up ! I’m. Driving nearly 4,000 miles per/week without fail ! Say hello to all the instructors and a thumbs up ! One day I’ll finaly come by and honk that horn and put a finality to that !

[@adamdavis4164]

Should also check glad hand seals for cracks or damage. Keep several on hand so you can change them if you find a bad seal

[@Shay42835]

👏 Great Presentation 👏 👍

[@cpd686]

The best tutorial video for trailer drivers

[@rareusacoinssale3782]

I just want to said Thank You i passed all my test by watching your Videos Again Thank You And god bless you and your family

[@tselisomolise3330]

That was a perfect tutorial for me because i like to know how to drive a truck also coupling and uncoupling trailers. I learned a lot from you.

[@el-gn7vp]

Take my HGV theory test today. Thanks so much for posting this video. Helped me enormously.

[@AdaranewsTV]

God bless you man,detailed instructor and a professional one.

[@eldarismailov655]

Another thing to not put landing gear to he ground might get down because of soft ground(if the ground soft) and u will not able to hook it again. Other recommendation is even elevate the truck(air up airbag) and put landing gear to the ground. And if it get down u might able to hook it.

[@poshlady43]

Thank you so much Mr Rick. I will be taking my test on this certain subject that you're doing which is the pre-trip next week. Of course you're not going to say the same thing as my instructor but all the movements that you are doing is very much important part of my training.

[@johnnysmith3540]

Had CDL FOR 5 months so far ,never showed how to hook and drop during class. Wierd!!! Very helpful. Thanx!!!!!

[@matthewtrahan3431]

Very informative trying to freshen up my knowledge since graduating truck driving school last year this was very helpful

[@statixmx]

Awesome video! One of the best training videos I've seen so far.

[@NikkoBellic87]

Question for 9:04… On my test it asked me “You are coupling a tractor to a semitrailer and have backed up, but are not under it. What should you hook up before backing under?” My answer was “Nothing. Back up and lock the fifth wheel.” And I got it wrong. It said word for word that the correct answer was “The emergency and service air lines.” I’ve never seen ANYONE plug the airlines in before FULLY going under the trailer and locking the kingpin. I’m seriously confused now. Can someone help me out here I’m new to my CDL Journey and want to fully understand what I’m doing 💯

[@tareshiagray1977]

Awesome video. Easy to understand and straight to the point.

[@3mendo198]

A+++ INSTRUCTOR , THANK YOU

[@reenieanderson6863]

watched while sitting at the dmv and PASSED!

[@georgecastro6596]

5th ave Haz music pretty sure this was for a tractor trailer not for bus

[@camillenelson7176]

Who is the asshole with the camera? Not getting close on anything he's talking about.

[@DTechnologyservices]

congrats to you!

[@noneotherjay_r625]

I just needed to physically see what coupling & uncoupling is & sure enough all these questions I’ve been studying to try to get my permit(this guy)brought them to light. It’s a lot easier seeing him do all this than me reading what I’m suppose to be doing. I just hope & pray I pass this exam to get my CDL Class “A” Permit then hopefully sometime in a couple of months or a year I can get my license after I start practicing driving. One step at a time though, Permit first GOD WILLING

[@itsmiguell]

@@noneotherjay_r625 how did it go for you? Do you have your CDL A now? I also needed to see visually all the stuff I'm studying in the booklet to have a good reference.

[@RobertStevensService]

Great and easy to understand, interesting when he mentioned that the new trailers have an emergency brake. When I attended school at 5th wheel trucking institute the equipment was all old and in need of repair so we needed to hook up the air lines before backing up to couple.

[@marcelvanderklyn238]

Did you go to 5th wheel training institute in Warwick ?

[@lydiaanderson2870]

@Hello Robert N J Steven, How are you doing?

[@lydiacapps709]

@Hello Robert how are you doing

[@lydiacapps709]

@Hello Robert how are you doing

[@rahmblog965]

This is a very good demonstration ever! From Philippines here.👍👍

[@Call831]

Excellent educator sir, very methodical, clear and precise language. Loved the video quality. I'm a fan. ..

[@P1ayD0hpaul]

One extra safety tip is to chock the trailer wheels while coupling / uncoupling. I think it’s expected on our driving test here in Alberta Canada, but it’s been many moons since I did it. It’s theoretically possible the trailers spring brakes are off, or all way out of adjustment, and the trailer could move while coupling / un. Not something I do, but I would if I was taking a test, or wanted to be anal about safety. Good job on the video.

[@PopsPulliam]

Congrats sharon browner on obtaining ur CDL I just passed my test also , but this is my 2nd go around I drove before for Schneider in 2015, 16 then quit and now I'm back in the game!

[@AndreasEUR]

This is different to how we learn it here in Norway. We lift the suspension, unhook the cables and electric, lower the legs, release the lock on fifth wheel, lower the suspension so that the fifth wheel plate is not touching the trailer, then pull forward.. We don't want grease everywhere, only where it's supposed to go. Same in opposite, we lower the suspension so we can back in under the trailer, make sure kingpin goes where it's supposed to, lift suspension and back up until it locks in place. Of course double check that it is locked. We also seem to have different types of air cables than you, we have something called duomatic.

[@jtechinstitute]

Thanks for sharing, Andreas!

[@johanankarback6821]

We do the same here in Sweden but most european trucks have air suspension, US trucks have leaf springs in the rear. You can't lower or raise the truck with leaf spring suspension and you have to do it like this. Very good instructive video. Interesting to see how you do things on US trucks.

[@P1ayD0hpaul]

All trucks in North America have air ride. Back in the 70’s they were springs and that’s why you see old truckers walk with a cane now. Their backs are shot. Also the kingpins here can’t drop in or out of the 5th wheel. The bottom of the kingpin is larger than the top, like the bottom of a capital i. They have to slide in, and the locking jaw isn’t the only thing holding the kingpin in vertically. Also European trucks look ugly, lol

[@danielnegussie4894]

The best instruction i have ever seen, god bless your sir

[@paulnoel8800]

Very informative. Excellent instructions for someone learning a new skill.

[@3angels.Rev.14]

Excellent

[@mightymanofvalor9331]

best instructor ive seen so far

[@g41thomas]

This guy is the best instructor on youtube when jt comes to drop and hook 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@cjbillions8384]

My guy Ricks! I miss you, 6’8 & the rest of the squad 🙌🏾 Be Blessed 🤲🏾

[@robstwocentz]

Im so ready to upgrade from class b to class a. Been driving buses to long

[@thespeedjunkieo2904]

Best video ever!!!! I have my class B.. upgrading to a class A.

[@6ft5inQTpie]

Thank you for your leadership skills... and taking the time to teach other future truck driver ...this video definitely helped me connect the dots😊👍

[@lightningbuster]

Good video. I’m going to truck driving school next month so I’m preparing for it. I wish this guy could be my instructor!

[@MrEOM41]

definitely the best tutorial on youtube helped me pass my combination test

[@ducivega9087]

How are you doing now since you got your cdl

[@theosantana7750]

Obviously rich...

[@mikkey246]

@@ducivega9087 yeah now we need updates

[@orlandog1979]

Perfect teaching...That old man is a great instructor....

[@ephertgunja6712]

Learning all the way from Africa, Zimbabwe.

[@frederickbartholomew6290]

This guy is a good teacher 👏🏾very easy to understand.

[@todaybeasyy2955]

God bless you for taking your making this video. This was made for me.

[@adrianhidalgo9699]

Love this video.... everything he said in this video my Uncle yesterday told me about it in my first class ...how to get my CDL class A.. 🙏

[@jtechinstitute]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@josepharinden9760]

Excellent contents very informative along with completed safety proper procedure doing tractor trailer drop and hook.

[@boneheaded9751]

Very thorough, just watched a tutorial where dude didn't mention half the steps you're supposed to do, including braking or chocking the trailer. I'm studying for my permit right now so this helps seeing how ALL the steps are done.

[@nicholascampbell2132]

Very thorough. I actually learnt something. Thank you.

[@samsonabraha5229]

I watched some of your Videos, I learned a lot,you are great mentor ! Thanks.

[@nonamenoname1559]

That WAS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC INTRUCTING,,WOW 💯

[@luissalazar4862]

Great video! Definitely will be saving this one

[@erico6247]

Man I like your videos so far there my favorites out of all the ones I've seen your a great instructor! 👍

[@janebarnham3943]

Very informative. A visual always helps. Thank you !

[@peacelovejoybless]

Sir thank you so much for your support and teaching I have learned so much thank you I am studying now to do my CDL permit test

[@furyvideo1]

FIRE,,,, a complete inferno,, this man explains it very though, i wish I had him as my teacher 100%,,,,,,, one of the top instructors in the country,,, god bless you sir

[@edkarter7062]

Was a shunt truck driver and had to use a regular truck. Got hit by dolly handle and thankfully reacted fast and just a small cut on chin. After that when backed under trailer never pinned directly . Would make sure 5th wheel was under trailer and make sure there was no pressure on dolly legs. Life was so much better when they got me a real shunt truck!!